Bespoke Gates - Atkinson Joiners Ltd

Serving Barnard Castle and the surrounding area for over 60 years.

Timber Gates Made to Order in Barnard Castle

We make timber gates to order for properties across Barnard Castle and Teesdale. Whether you need a pair of driveway gates, a garden gate or a yard gate to match what's already there, each one is designed and built for the property it's going into.

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Designed to suit the setting

A gate is as much about appearance as function. We work with you on the design — height, style, the detail on the posts — so the finished gate feels right for the property rather than looking like it came from a catalogue.

Hardwoods that hold up outdoors

The timber matters for a gate. We use hardwoods such as Iroko and oak that are well suited to an external setting and hold up over time without requiring constant attention. The right timber choice at the outset saves a lot of maintenance later.

We can match an existing gate

If you have a gate that's deteriorated and needs replacing like for like — whether it's a yard gate, a driveway gate or part of a matched pair — we can work from the original to reproduce the design, proportions and details accurately.

Types of Gates We Make

We make timber gates to order for a range of situations. Past projects have included:

Driveway gates in Iroko, including posts

Garden gates in oak with posts designed to match

Yard gates in hardwood, made to match the existing gate

Replica gates with steel bars running through, matched to original historic gates

Single and double gates for residential properties

Each gate is made in our workshop and can be fitted by our own team or supplied ready for the customer to fit and finish themselves.

Materials

Timber choice for a gate depends on where it's going and how it will be finished.

Iroko is a durable hardwood well suited to outdoor use. It's stable, holds up well in exposed settings and is a practical choice for driveway gates and larger gates that take regular use. It can be oiled or left to weather naturally depending on preference.

Oak is a common choice for garden gates where appearance is as important as durability. It works well with a UV oil finish that brings out the grain and protects the timber without a painted finish. We've used Treatex UV oil on oak gates previously — it wears well and is straightforward to reapply.

Other hardwoods are used where the project calls for them, including where a gate needs to be matched to existing joinery on the property.

We don't make gates in softwood or composite materials.

Making to Match an Existing Gate

Where a gate has failed or deteriorated and needs replacing, working from the original is the most straightforward approach. We can reproduce the dimensions, rail and bar arrangement, post details and any decorative features from the existing gate so the replacement sits naturally in the space.

This matters most where there are multiple gates on a property that need to be consistent, or where the gate is part of a period property and a modern replacement wouldn't be appropriate.

Fitting and Finishing

Gates can be supplied made and ready to fit, or we can hang them as part of the job. Hardware — hinges, latches, bolts and locking mechanisms — can be fitted as part of the project or supplied by the customer.

Finishing is typically done by the customer or a decorator once the gate is in place, though we can advise on appropriate products for the timber used.

IMG-20240118-WA0002.jpg gate Tony Atkinson (1)

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

What timber is best for an outdoor gate?

For most outdoor gates, a hardwood is the right choice. Iroko is particularly well suited to driveway gates and larger gates that take regular use — it's durable, stable outdoors and weathers well. Oak is a good choice for garden gates where a natural finish is preferred. The right timber depends on the size of the gate, its location and how it will be finished.

Can you match an existing gate that needs replacing?

Yes. If you have a gate that's beyond repair and needs replacing, we can work from the original to reproduce the design and dimensions accurately. This is particularly useful where there are two gates on a property that need to match, or where the gate forms part of a period property and the design is specific to the setting.

Can you make gates for listed properties or period buildings?

Yes. We've made gates for older and heritage properties where the design needed to match or suit the original character of the building. If a gate is part of a listed property and its design requires agreement with the planning authority, we can discuss the requirements and produce the gate accordingly.

Do you make single gates as well as double gates?

Yes. We make both — single garden and yard gates as well as double driveway gates. The size and configuration is led by what the opening needs and what suits the property.

Can you fit hardware such as hinges, latches and bolts?

Yes. Hardware can be fitted as part of the job. If you have a preference for a particular latch or lock — or have already sourced hardware you want used — we can work with that. We'll need the relevant dimensions before manufacture if the hardware affects how the gate is built.

How should a timber gate be finished to protect it?

It depends on the timber and the look you want. Oak works well with a UV oil finish such as Treatex, which brings out the grain and provides protection without requiring paint. Iroko can be oiled or left to weather to a silver-grey finish over time. Painted finishes are also an option for gates that will be decorated to match other joinery on the property. We'll advise on what suits the timber at the time.

Do you fit the gates or supply only?

Both options are available. We can manufacture and fit, or supply the gate ready for the customer to hang and finish themselves. We'll confirm which approach suits the project when you get in touch.