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Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Driveway Gate: Timeless Timber, Modern Privacy

If you’re looking for a driveway gateway that blends classic timber aesthetics with practical privacy, the Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Driveway Gate from Empress Fencing Clitheroe offers an appealing solution. These solid timber gates feature all boards inlaid into a sturdy 70mm thick frame, delivering both security and a view that isn’t completely blocked. In this post, we’ll explore the design, material options, finishes, and practical considerations to help you decide if this gate is right for your home.

Why choose a Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Gate?

The framed part solid design has a number of advantages. Firstly, the 70mm thick frame provides robust structural integrity, ensuring long-term performance in a gateway that faces daily use and varying weather. Secondly, the inlaid boards within the frame deliver an elegant, seamless appearance that complements a wide range of property styles, from traditional to contemporary. Thirdly, the dipped top design adds a hint of architectural refinement while preserving a clear line of sight at eye level, which some homeowners prefer for security and curb appeal.

This type of gate is especially suitable for driveways where you want privacy without feeling boxed in. The solid bottom portion offers a sense of security and a clean barrier at the lower portion, while the upper boards allow some visibility and light to pass through. If you value a gate that is both protective and visually appealing, the Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Gate could be the right choice.

Timber options and durability

Empress Fencing Clitheroe offers a selection of timber options for these gates, including softwood, redwood, and hardwood variants such as sapele or iroko. Each timber type has its own character and performance profile:

• Softwood: A cost-effective option that can be treated and finished to suit your climate. Good for budget-conscious projects.
• Redwood: Known for its natural durability and appealing grain, redwood is a popular middle-ground choice that offers good resistance to the elements.
• Hardwood (sapele or iroko): These are prized for their strength, stability, and classic timber aesthetics. For hardwood gates, a solid bottom bar is recommended to enhance rigidity and longevity.

A key note for hardwood gates is that a solid bottom bar is advised to improve structural integrity, particularly for larger widths. This helps minimize movement or sagging over time, even as timber naturally expands and contracts with humidity and temperature changes.

Movement and timber care: what to expect

Timber is a living product. As such, you may notice some movement in the gates and boards over the years. This is not a flaw but a natural characteristic of timber. Seasonal expansion and contraction can lead to minor warping or changes in alignment. Proper installation, quality joinery, and regular maintenance can help manage these movements effectively. It’s worth budgeting for occasional checks to ensure hinges, latches, and the frame remain aligned and functional.

To extend the life of your timber gates:

• Choose a reputable installer who understands the dynamics of framed gates.
• Consider finishes that protect against moisture and UV exposure without relying on pressure treatment, particularly for hardwood variants.
• Plan for routine maintenance, such as cleaning, re-oiling or re-varnishing as recommended for the timber chosen.

Finishing and treatment options

The gates in this style are designed to be visually striking while offering practical protection. It’s important to note that treatment options for these gates cannot be pressure treated. Instead, consult suitable finishes and sealants appropriate for hardwood or softwood, depending on your chosen timber. A high-quality outdoor timber finish will help guard against moisture ingress and sun damage, preserving colour and structural integrity.

For financial and performance considerations, hardwood gates (like sapele or iroko) paired with a solid bottom bar tend to perform exceptionally well in exposure conditions. When specifying treatment, discuss long-term maintenance plans with Empress Fencing Clitheroe to ensure you select products that suit your climate and aesthetic preferences.

Measurements, sizes, and customisation

Size is flexible with this gate design. The framework supports any width from 2 feet upwards, making it adaptable to a variety of driveways and entrance sizes. The Gate is made to order, which allows you to tailor details such as:

• Solid bottom and middle rails
• Rebated frame
• Optional arch or sweep on the top
• Shaped ends to suit your property’s architectural language

If you’re aiming for a specific look, such as a sweeping top, arched top, or a particular end shape, these customisation options can be incorporated to enhance curb appeal while maintaining the gate’s proven frame-inlaid construction.

Price guide and value

A practical starting point for this style is the Redwood option at approximately 6 feet wide by 4 feet to the highest point, priced around £325.00 plus VAT. Keep in mind that prices vary with timber choice, dimensions, and any optional extras you select. The value lies not only in the initial cost but in the durability, security, and timeless aesthetic that such gates offer. Timber gates from Empress Fencing Clitheroe are designed to be both functional and visually pleasing, ensuring they remain a feature of your property for years.

Installation considerations

Professional installation is essential for framed part solid dipped top gates. Proper alignment, secure hinge mounting, and correct post installation all contribute to the gate’s performance and life span. If you’re investing in a wooden gate of this kind, plan for a site assessment by the installer to confirm ground conditions, gate opening clearance, and alignment with the driveway. A well-installed gate reduces maintenance needs and enhances operation smoothness over time.

The Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Driveway Gate offers a compelling blend of privacy, style, and durability. With its solid 70mm frame and inlaid boards, it achieves a robust presence while preserving a view from the doorway. Timber options, from softwood to redwood to premium hardwoods like sapele or iroko, provide flexibility in appearance and budget, with a recommended solid bottom bar for hardwood installations to preserve structure.

If you are in the market for a high-quality timber driveway gate that can be made to order to fit your exact dimensions, and if you value the heritage and warmth of timber aesthetics, consider Empress Fencing Clitheroe’s Framed Part Solid Dipped Top Gate. It represents a thoughtful combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern practicality, designed to endure the rigours of daily use while enhancing your property’s curb appeal. Whether you prioritise the natural movement of timber or the assured rigidity of a solid bottom rail, this gate can be customised to meet your needs and style preferences.

If you’re considering enhancing your garden or property with sturdy and elegant 6ft fence panels or decorative fence panels, look no further than Empress Fencing, your local one-stop shop for fence posts, decking, timber, fence panels and fencing fixings. Experience the impact they can have on your outdoor space today!