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Framed Part-Solid Gate: Crafting Bespoke Timber Gates for Your Boundary

Framed part-solid gates offer a distinctive blend of performance, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. With an approximate 2/3 to 1/3 split and a sturdy 3″ thick frame, these gates are the perfect solution for homeowners who want a robust entrance that still lets light and air through. Made to bespoke customer requirements, this style of gate combines traditional craftsmanship with modern timber options to suit a range of properties. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits, timber choices, finishes, and practical considerations for Empress Fencing Clitheroe’s Framed Part-Solid Gate.

Why choose a Framed Part-Solid Gate?

A framed part-solid gate is designed to balance security and visibility. The 2/3 solid section provides a solid, weather-resistant panel that helps deter intruders and reduces wind load, while the 1/3 open section allows light to pass and keeps the gate from feeling too oppressive. The 3″ thick frame adds mass and durability, ensuring the gate remains upright and functional for years to come. These gates are ideal for:

• Driveways and entrances where you want a substantial, impressive gateway
• Properties that require a degree of privacy without completely blocking the view
• Settings where bespoke sizing is important to fit uneven boundaries or specific opening widths

At Empress Fencing Clitheroe, these gates are crafted to order, which means you can tailor the dimensions, timber, and finish to your exact needs.

Timber options: softwood, redwood, hardwood, and more

The framing and infill of a Framed Part-Solid Gate can be constructed from several timber options, each with its own character and performance traits:

• Softwood: An economical and versatile choice that responds well to staining and sealants. Softwood gates are typically supplied ready for hand-staining, giving you control over the final colour and finish.
• Redwood: Known for its natural beauty and natural resistance to decay, redwood provides a warm, classic appearance that suits traditional and modern properties alike.
• Hardwood: Hardwood variants such as sapele or iroko offer superior strength, durability, and a refined finish. For gates in hardwood, a solid bottom bar is often recommended to enhance rigidity and longevity.
• Sapele or Iroko: These woods are popular for high-end gates due to their density and attractive grain. They’re well-suited for external conditions and can take finishes beautifully.

The choice of timber influences not only appearance but also maintenance requirements and price. If you’re aiming for longevity and a premium feel, hardwood options (often with a solid bottom bar) are an excellent choice. For a cost-conscious yet durable solution, softwood with a good finish can be very effective.

Finish and treatment: what to expect

• Softwood gates: Supplied ready to be hand-stained. This gives you the flexibility to match existing fencing or gate timbers and to choose a colour that suits your property.
• Hardwood gates: Often come with a solid bottom bar and may require specific finishing to protect against weathering. Some hardwood frames benefit from professional treatment or varnish to maintain colour and prevent sun or moisture damage.
• Treatment limitations: Treatment options cannot be pressure-treated. This means you’ll want to apply appropriate protective finishes and regular maintenance to extend the life of the timber, especially in exposed or damp environments.

Regular maintenance is essential for long-term performance. Depending on the timber and climate, re-staining or sealing every couple of years can help preserve colour and prevent surface checking or water ingress. If you choose a hardwood option, expect a richer patina over time, which often reduces maintenance frequency while maintaining aesthetics.

Sizing and bespoke design: tailoring to your space

One of the strongest advantages of the Framed Part-Solid Gate is its bespoke nature. The gate can be made to any size, ensuring a perfect fit for irregular openings, uneven ground, or unique drive layouts. When planning, consider:

• Opening width and height: Ensure the gate fits within the reveal and allows for easy operation of the hinge and latch hardware.
• Frame thickness: The 3″ thick frame provides substantial presence but must be compatible with surrounding fencing and gateposts.
• Solid vs. open portions: The 2/3 solid, 1/3 open split should be designed to balance privacy with light and airflow, influenced by property location and personal preference.

As a guide price example, redwood gates at 5 feet wide by 5 feet high are quoted at £429 + VAT. This provides a ballpark for planning, but actual pricing will reflect timber choice, hardware, and any optional extras.

Optional extras: enhancing functionality and security

• Solid bottom and middle rails: Strengthens the frame and helps prevent sagging over time, especially for wider gates.
• Rebaited frame: Ensures a snug fit within the opening, improving security, weather sealing, and operation.
• Hardware upgrades: Heavy-duty hinges, latch systems, and weather-proof components can extend life and reduce maintenance concerns.
• Finishing touches: Custom staining, varnishes, or paint colours to match or complement existing fencing and gates.

Practical care and longevity

To maximize the lifespan of your Framed Part-Solid Gate:

• Perform regular inspections for signs of rot or insect activity, particularly at the frame joints and bottom rails.
• Clear debris and ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling near hinge areas.
• Re-seal or re-stain as needed to maintain surface protection, especially for softwood gates.
• Avoid pressure-treated treatments if you prefer a natural timber appearance or if your supplier recommends non-pressure-treated timber for ecological reasons.

Framed Part-Solid Gates by Empress Fencing Clitheroe deliver a compelling combination of strength, beauty, and customization. With choices across softwood, redwood, and hardwood (including options such as sapele or iroko), plus practical design features like a solid bottom bar for hardwood variants and an option-rich frame, these gates are built to meet your exact needs. The 2/3 to 1/3 split offers privacy and light in equal measure, while the 3″ frame conveys quality and durability. If you’re planning a gate that makes a confident first impression and stands up to the elements, this bespoke framing approach is well worth considering. Remember to factor in finish choices and maintenance to ensure your gate remains a timeless feature of your property for years to come. Embrace the opportunity to tailor your gate to your space, lifestyle, and aesthetic, and you’ll enjoy both curb appeal and practical functionality for the long term.

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!