Why Professional Gate Installation Matters and How to Choose the Right Trade Partner
Your gate is more than just an entrance. It's the first impression of your home, a statement of style, and crucially, your property's first line of defence.
Most people don't realise this until it's too late.
Traditional craftsmanship makes all the difference when it comes to security. And here's why...
The Hidden Security Weakness Most Homeowners Miss
When most people think about home security, they focus on alarms, cameras, and locks. But your gate? It's often overlooked.
Yet according to security experts, gates are frequently seen as the weak link in a property's perimeter security. This makes them a prime target for opportunistic intruders.
The difference between a properly constructed gate and a poorly made one isn't just about appearance. It's about structural integrity that lasts decades rather than years.
Let me show you what I mean.
Traditional Joinery: The Forgotten Security Feature
At Made To Measure Wooden Gates, we use traditional joinery techniques that have stood the test of time for centuries. These aren't just craftsmanship flourishes – they're practical security features.
The mortise and tenon joint is perhaps the most important element in gate construction. This classic technique involves creating a rectangular slot (mortise) on one piece of wood that perfectly fits the protruding end (tenon) of another piece.
Why does this matter for security?
Simple gates are often just screwed together. When force is applied, these screws can loosen or the wood can split around them. But a properly constructed mortise and tenon joint distributes force throughout the entire structure.
For our gates, we take this a step further by using through wedged mortise and tenon joints. This increases the surface area for gluing and creates a mechanical lock that makes the gate significantly stronger.
The result? A gate that can withstand attempts to force it open, and one that won't sag or weaken over time.
Modern Security Features Worth Considering
While traditional construction forms the foundation of a secure gate, modern security features can enhance protection even further.
Recent developments in gate security for 2025 include:
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Enhanced Safety Edges - These detect any obstacle the gate comes into contact with and immediately stop operation. This has been installed with upgraded security features such as additional safety edges. The motor is a low voltage 24v kit that has a built in stop and return if gate comes into contact with an obstruction.
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Integrated Locking Systems - Rather than relying on external padlocks, gates can now feature built-in locks similar to those on front doors. The J-Lock system, for example, is installed into the gate itself, making it harder to damage and compromise.
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Strategic Design Elements - The structure of the gate itself can be a security feature. Vertical board styles don't create foot or hand holds for climbing, while solid gates prevent potential intruders from seeing valuable items on your property.
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Dual Locking Points - Installing both a lock and a Brenton Bolt (slide bolt) at the top of the gate provides redundancy. If one is forgotten, the other still provides protection.
Why Professional Installation Makes All the Difference
Here's where choosing the right trade partner becomes crucial.
A professionally installed gate isn't just about aesthetics. It's about ensuring every security feature works as intended.
For example, did you know that gates should be installed with the bracing on the inside? Otherwise, the horizontal timber brace can actually serve as a climbing aid for intruders.
Or that a properly installed gate should have a gap of exactly 50mm underneath for clearance? Any larger and it could create space for a child to crawl through or provide leverage for forcing the gate.
These are the details that separate professional installation from DIY attempts.
How to Choose the Right Trade Partner
As we move into August, we'll be focusing more on our trade partnerships. But here's a preview of what to look for when selecting a professional for your gate installation:
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Craftsmanship Knowledge - Do they understand traditional joinery techniques? Can they explain why mortise and tenon joints matter?
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Material Expertise - A good trade partner should be able to advise on the best materials for your specific situation, whether that's engineered Redwood, Accoya with its 50-year guarantee, or Iroko.
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Security Focus - They should proactively discuss security features rather than just aesthetic elements.
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Installation Precision - Ask about their approach to installation, including how they ensure the gate is properly aligned and secured.
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After-Installation Support - What happens if there are issues after installation? A quality trade partner stands behind their work.
The Made To Measure Wooden Gates Difference
As a fourth-generation craftsman with a 7-year traditional apprenticeship, Thomas Sangwin brings centuries of Yorkshire joinery expertise to every gate we create.
Our trade partners benefit from this heritage craftsmanship while saving approximately £1,500 in labour costs compared to building gates themselves.
How? Because our gates arrive ready to install, reducing a week-long build to a single day's work.
This means trade professionals can maintain their reputation for quality while increasing their profitability. It's why we have a 20% repeat business rate from our trade partners.
Next Steps for Enhanced Gate Security
Whether you're a homeowner looking to upgrade your property's security or a trade professional seeking to provide better solutions for your clients, the right gate makes all the difference.
In the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more about our trade partner programme, including exclusive benefits and success stories from professionals who've partnered with us.
In the meantime, consider these questions:
- Does your current gate feature traditional joinery techniques that enhance security?
- Are you confident in its ability to withstand force?
- Could modern security features provide additional peace of mind?
If you're unsure about any of these points, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Contact us to learn more about our made-to-measure wooden gates or to discuss becoming a trade partner. Your property's security is too important to compromise