The Benefits of Engineered Timber for Summer Gates and Why They Last Longer
Wood warps in summer heat.
Most homeowners don't realise this until it's too late.
Their beautiful wooden gates start sticking, swelling, and looking tired after just one season.
But it doesn't have to be this way...
Why Summer Weather Challenges Traditional Gates
The British summer brings unique challenges to wooden gates.
One day it's pouring rain.
The next, scorching sunshine beats down.
This constant cycle of wet and dry causes standard timber to expand and contract repeatedly.
And that's where the problems begin.
Traditional solid timber gates often can't handle these conditions without proper engineering.
I've seen countless gates fail after just a few summers.
The wood splits. Joints weaken. Suddenly that premium entrance looks shabby and worn.
Here's the thing...
As a fourth-generation Yorkshire craftsman, I've learned that the timber itself makes all the difference.
The Engineered Advantage
Engineered timber isn't just wood glued together.
It's actually stronger than natural wood.
Want to know why?
When we create engineered Redwood (our primary material), we carefully select and layer the timber so the grain runs in different directions.
This simple change makes all the difference.
The opposing grains fight against each other when they try to warp.
The result? A gate that stays straight and true through summer downpours and heatwaves alike.
Surprisingly enough, this technique has been used in fine furniture for centuries.
We've simply applied it to gate-making.
Summer-Specific Benefits You'll Notice
The real advantages become clear during those hot summer months:
- Dimensional stability - Your gate won't shrink, swell or warp with temperature changes
- Moisture resistance - Less absorption means less expansion in summer rain
- Reduced splitting - The engineered construction prevents those unsightly cracks
Behind closed doors, most gate makers don't talk about these issues.
They'd rather sell you a replacement in a few years.
The penny dropped when I watched my grandfather repair Victorian joinery that had stood for over a century.
"It's all in how they prepared the wood," he told me.
Beyond Standard Engineered Timber
For those wanting the ultimate in summer performance, we offer two premium alternatives:
Accoya - Modified timber with a 50-year guarantee against rot and bugs. Perfect for gates near swimming pools or water features where moisture is constant.
Iroko - A naturally oily hardwood that thrives in summer conditions. Its natural properties make it exceptionally stable in changing weather.
What most people miss is that these materials cost more upfront but save thousands in replacement costs over time.
The Traditional Joinery Connection
The missing piece of the puzzle is how the timber connects.
Our gates use traditional mechanical joints - not just screws and glue.
These mortise and tenon connections allow the wood to move slightly with the seasons without losing structural integrity.
It's the same technique that's kept Georgian windows functioning for centuries.
Curiously, when you look closer at failed gates, it's usually the joints that go first, not the wood itself.
What Our Trade Partners Say
Local builder James from Harrogate told me:
"I installed one of your engineered gates three summers ago. The homeowner's previous gate lasted just two years before warping. Yours still looks brand new."
This changes everything because it means you're not just buying a gate - you're making an investment in your property.
Making The Right Choice For Your Entrance
When considering a wooden gate for summer, ask yourself:
- How many summers do I want this gate to last?
- Is my entrance exposed to direct sunlight?
- Do I want something that maintains its appearance with minimal upkeep?
The critical difference lies in choosing engineered timber from the start.
It might cost 15-20% more initially, but will outlast standard timber gates by decades.
Why This Matters For Your Home
Your entrance makes a statement.
It's the first thing visitors see.
A warped, sticking gate creates a poor impression, no matter how beautiful your home.
An engineered timber gate maintains its elegance through every season.
It operates smoothly year after year.
And it continues to enhance your property's kerb appeal long after lesser gates have been replaced.
Ready To Upgrade Your Entrance?
If you're considering a new gate for summer, I'd be happy to discuss which engineered timber option would work best for your specific situation.
With four generations of Yorkshire joinery expertise behind every gate we create, you can trust that we understand how to make wooden gates that truly last.
Want to see examples of our engineered timber gates that have weathered multiple summers?
Get in touch today, and I'll share our portfolio of gates that continue to impress years after installation