There are so many important details that you need to
remember when you start to update your home exterior. An often-overlooked
aspect is the divide between sections of your yard, such as the front and back
or between distinct zones. This is because it is usually more interesting and
time-consuming to think about landscaping or outdoor decor rather than
practical details such as fencing and gates. However, these are essential if
you want to make your home's outdoor space the best that it can be. If you
don't have one already, here are some of the many reasons that you should
consider installing a composite gate in your backyard.
What is a Composite Gate?
If you are not already familiar with the different types of
fencing available on the market today, you most likely have not yet heard of
composite fencing and gates. Composite fencing and gates are made with a
combination of natural or recycled wood and plastic. This mixture of materials
is what gives composite fencing and gates their unique properties compared to
more traditional and outdated forms of outdoor division and access. A composite
gate is designed to be as sturdy and visually attractive as possible, taking the best of plastic and wood to create a product that ticks all the boxes.
What are the Disadvantages of Traditional Gates?
Perhaps your home already has a traditional gate. This might
be made out of metal or wood. If it has been a part of your backyard for some
time now, you will most likely have noticed some visible wear and tear to the
gate that could possibly even impact its functionality. Rust and rot can make a
traditional gate less secure and practical. Although they are often kept for
their attractive look, these materials don't lend themselves to longevity,
particularly if you live somewhere with a wide variety of weather conditions.
Security
One of the top reasons most people choose to replace an old
gate with one made from composite materials is that they are far more secure
and offer greater peace of mind when it comes to the safety of your property. Since traditional-style gates are often made of
materials that are far easier to damage either through force or weather
exposure, they tend to stop being as secure when they begin to degrade over
time. If you have been looking for a more secure and reliable type of backyard
gate, you would be wise to research the various styles of composite gates that
would suit your needs.
Visually Appealing
Speaking of styles, the great advantage of composite gates
is that they share the visual appeal of traditional gates without foregoing
sturdiness and reliability. If, for example, your backyard aesthetic ambitions
demand a traditional side gate, you can easily find one to suit your preferences
without having to resort to weaker materials. If you have more contemporary
tastes, you will also be able to install a composite gate that matches your
style. This is because manufacturers have more control over how the materials
appear as a final product and can therefore create plenty of style options for discerning backyard renovators and decorators.
Simple to Install
If you are planning to take on the updating of your home's
exterior space with your own two hands, you will be pleased to learn that composite
gates are straightforward to install. Most manufacturers will supply you with
sufficient instructions to help guide you through the installation process.
They will also inform you as to which tools you will need in order to complete the task most efficiently and
safely. Even the keenest amateur landscapers and backyard designers can
struggle with the installation of gates, so choosing composite gates will make
this a much smoother project. Of course, if you are not planning to install the
gate yourself, then you can simply give the relevant instructions to whoever
will be completing this task.
Creating Separate Zones in Your Backyard
Most backyard gates are used to securely separate the
backyard from the front of the property so as to protect the privacy and
belongings of the household. However, this doesn't have to be the only purpose
of a backyard gate. Depending on the size and shape of your outdoor space, you
might be tempted to create distinct zones to divide your backyard for aesthetic
or practical purposes. Here are a few examples that might inspire you:
- If you have children, create a special play area with a gate for access. This makes the space feel more magical and
secluded;
- For those who enjoy gardening and growing produce, a gate
can help to neatly divide your backyard into leisure and hobbyist sections;
- Even a smaller backyard can enjoy the benefits of
additional zones. If, for example, you have a long and narrow backyard, you can
close off the far end and install a gate for access. This creates a special and
mysterious outdoor space where you could design an open-air party area or set up a private reading nook. With a gate, the sections of your backyard
become more intriguing and protected.
Aesthetic Cohesion with Fencing
Whether you have traditional fencing or composite fencing, a
composite gate can look fantastic with either. If you are holding back from
choosing a composite gate because you believe that it won't match your current
fencing, take a look at the huge variety of textures and tones available. You
are sure to find something that matches your backyard fencing.
Easy to Keep Clean
If you install fences and gates made out of traditional materials
such as metal and wood, they can look amazing for the first few years but soon
begin to show their age. This is because exposure to the elements such as sunlight, heat, rain, wind, and cold all contribute to the damage
of these materials. Composite gates, however, are designed to be more durable
and can withstand these weather conditions for much longer than other types of
gates or fencing. Instead of seeing the unsightly rust or rot of your metal or
wooden gate, you can simply wipe away any dirt from your composite gate to keep
it looking new for longer.
Sustainability
Many people are now becoming more and more aware of the
seriousness of humanity's impact on the natural environment. If you are keen to
make changes that help to reduce your impact on the planet, choosing a composite
gate is a great option for you. This is because the durability and reliability
of the material make a composite gate less likely to require replacement. When
objects are designed to last longer and don't need to be updated all the time
when they wear out, they are more sustainable.
Rethinking Your Backyard Look
It has already been mentioned above that composite gates can
easily look like part of your existing backyard should you wish them to since
they come in such a wide variety of styles. However, this also means that you
can use a composite gate as the starting point for trying something new with
your outdoor space. If you like the look of a particular style of composite
gate or fencing, use this as inspiration to style the rest of your backyard.
You might be surprised at how impressive the results are when you design a
space so cohesively.
Affordability
Depending on the other types of gate that you might have
been looking at when weighing up your options, you have probably noticed that
gates can vary in price based on a number of factors. If you have come across
gates that cost less than composite gates, this is most likely due to the fact
that the material will be quicker to degrade. Although a composite gate might
seem like a larger upfront payment, it is far more affordable in the long run
to avoid the costs of maintenance and replacement.
When to Replace Your Old Gate
Perhaps you have read all these reasons to upgrade to a
composite gate and can see why they are so practical and popular, but you
aren't sure whether or not it is time to replace your old gate. This can be a
difficult decision, especially if your current gate is visually appealing as
part of your backyard or has no obvious signs of wear and tear. If you are contemplating
switching out your old gate for a composite one, it can be helpful to consider
if your current gate is broken, rusty, rotten, or infested, or not secure
enough to protect your property. If your gate seems fine for now, remember that
when the time comes to replace it, a composite gate will be a smart choice.
Should You Have a Composite Gate in Your Backyard?
As you can see, installing a composite gate in your backyard is one of the best ways to create a more secure, attractive, and sustainable outdoor space for your home. Although many decisions when it comes to backyard renovation are difficult or uninteresting, choosing to install a composite gate is a decision that you can be confident about.
