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Field Gate: Traditional Five-Bar Gates for Any Width

Traditional five-bar field gates have stood the test of time, combining practicality with classic rural aesthetics. Empress Fencing Clitheroe understands that a reliable field gate is more than just a barrier between paddocks, it’s an enduring piece of kit that should perform season after season. In this post, we’ll explore the features, timber options, sizing, and optional extras that make these field gates a practical choice for farms, smallholdings, and country homes alike.

What makes a traditional five-bar field gate?

Five-bar field gates are a staple in countryside fencing for a good reason. Their design:

• Provides sturdy support with a solid top rail and diamond bracing that resists racking and sagging.
• Handles regular use from livestock and machinery while maintaining structural integrity.
• Offers a balanced blend of strength and ease of operation, thanks to a well-positioned hinge and latch system.

At Empress Fencing Clitheroe, these gates are built to order, ensuring you get a gate that fits your exact opening with the durability you expect from a traditional timber gate.

Timber options: softwood versus hardwood

Choosing the right timber is crucial for longevity, maintenance, and appearance. We offer two main categories:

• Softwood options: larch and redwood
  • Larch is renowned for its natural hardness and resistance to both insects and decay, making it a popular choice for external fencing.
  • Redwood provides a cost-effective yet robust solution, with a pleasant finish that can be stained or treated to suit your landscape.
• Hardwood options: sapele or iroko
  • Sapele brings a rich appearance with good stability and resilience, ideal for gates that will face frequent use.
  • Iroko is often likened to natural teak in durability, offering excellent rot resistance and a longer service life in harsher weather.

When selecting timber, consider your local climate, maintenance willingness, and aesthetic preferences. Our team can advise on the best combination of appearance and practicality for your property.

Size and customization: width, height, and made-to-order

Nothing beats a gate that fits perfectly. These field gates are made to order with a range of widths starting from 2 feet upwards. If you have an unusual opening or require a broader gate for vehicle access, we can tailor the dimensions accordingly.

Key considerations for sizing:

• Opening width: Measure the existing fence line accurately, accounting for any slight deviations.
• Post placement: Ensure there is adequate space for the gate to swing without obstruction.
• Height: A standard field gate height is typically around 4 feet, but this can be adjusted based on clearance needs and local livestock management practices.

Being made-to-order also means you can specify the exact timber choice and any functional tweaks to suit your location and usage.

Guiding price and value

For reference, a larch field gate at the 12-foot size is listed at £125.00 plus VAT. While prices vary with timber choice, width, and optional extras, this base figure provides a useful starting point for planning your fencing project. Remember that investing in a quality field gate can reduce maintenance costs over time and improve livestock management and security.

Optional extras: tailoring your gate to your needs

To ensure your gate meets all practical requirements, consider these popular upgrades and options:

• Extra rails: For added strength and reduced flex, particularly in busier entrances or with heavier livestock.
• Solid bottom bar: A practical choice for cattle gates or electrified setups, where a rigid base helps with stability and mounting fittings.
• Solid middle rail: Enhances rigidity and helps the gate hold its shape under repeated use.

If you plan to electrify the gate, a solid bottom bar is particularly advisable. It provides a sturdy mounting surface for fittings such as strainer bolts, electrified insulators, and hardware.

Installation and maintenance tips

• Finishes: Apply a high-quality preservative or timber oil suitable for exterior use to extend life and keep the timber looking its best.
• Cleaning: Remove debris from the diamond bracing and top rail to prevent moisture buildup that can accelerate decay.
• Hinges and fittings: Regularly check and tighten hinge screws, adjust alignment as needed, and replace any worn fittings to maintain smooth operation.
• Seasonal care: In damp or coastal environments, inspect for signs of swelling, warping, or insect activity and treat promptly.

Why choose Empress Fencing Clitheroe

Choosing a traditional field gate from Empress Fencing Clitheroe means selecting craftsmanship tailored to your needs. With made-to-order options, timber variety, and thoughtful extras, you get a gate that not only works reliably but also complements the rural character of your property. Our team understands the local climate and agricultural practices, ensuring that the gate you receive will stand up to daily use and the elements.

A field gate is more than a boundary marker, it’s an investment in security, convenience, and curb appeal. The traditional five-bar design with diamond bracing and a solid top bar offers a proven combination of strength and aesthetics. By choosing the right timber, opting for practical extras, and ensuring precise sizing, you’ll enjoy a gate that lasts for years and continues to perform well in daily use. If you’re in need of a durable, made-to-order field gate, consider the options from Empress Fencing Clitheroe and tailor your gate to your specific needs today.

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!