The Ultimate Guide to Field Gates: Wooden & Metal
Looking for a reliable field gate for your farm, paddock, or driveway in East Anglia?
This guide covers everything you need to know — from materials and fittings to installation and maintenance — to help you choose a gate that combines durability, security, and timeless countryside style.
What Is a Field Gate?
Field gates, sometimes called five-bar gates, farm gates, or agricultural access gates, are a familiar sight across rural and residential properties. They provide secure access for vehicles and livestock while maintaining visibility and airflow.
Typically, field gates feature:
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Five horizontal rails for strength
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Diagonal or diamond bracing for rigidity
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An open design that allows light and air to pass through
A well-made field gate is more than just practical — it’s an investment in the security and presentation of your property.
Wooden Field Gates
Wooden field gates are the traditional choice for farms, stables, and countryside homes. Made from pressure-treated softwood or hardwood such as oak, they offer natural character and long-term reliability.
Their classic look makes them just as suitable for a driveway entrance as for an agricultural yard.
Advantages of Wooden Field Gates
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Naturally attractive and suited to rural settings
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Can be stained or painted to match surrounding fencing
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Renewable and sustainably sourced materials
Our Uni Five-Bar Wooden Gates are built with a heavy-duty top rail, stainless-steel bracing bolts, and drilled hanging and slam stiles, making them both strong and versatile. Each gate can be hung left- or right-handed to suit your layout.
Construction details:
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Height: 1.27m
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Widths: 0.9m to 4.2m
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Top rail: 100 x 75mm
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Cross braces / under rails: 75 x 25mm
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Hanging & slam stiles: 100 x 75mm, rounded tops
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Mortice & tenon joints with chamfered top bar
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Supplied in Jakcured® 25-year guaranteed finish – see our Jacksons Timber Treatment Guide for details.
Metal Field Gates
If your priority is strength and minimal maintenance, galvanised metal field gates are ideal. They’re designed for agricultural, equestrian, and commercial use, where resilience and reliability matter most.
Advantages of Metal Field Gates
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Highly durable and weather-resistant
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Galvanised finish prevents rust and corrosion
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Requires minimal ongoing maintenance
Our galvanised range features punched-hole bracing, spring-bolt fastenings, and a solid 50 x 50mm box-section hanging side for added strength.
Standard features:
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Supplied with free 19mm gate eyes
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Box-section ends for structural stability
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Available in widths from 915mm to 4880mm
Common types:
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Half-mesh gates – suitable for livestock and equestrian yards
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Full-mesh gates – prevents smaller animals from escaping
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Diamond-braced gates – strong, rigid, and ideal for wider spans
Choosing the Right Field Gate
Before purchasing, consider the following:
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Purpose: Is it for security, livestock control, or visual appeal?
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Traffic type: Will it be used by vehicles, livestock, or pedestrians?
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Width: Standard field gates range from 3ft to 16ft.
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Ground conditions: Check that the gate can swing freely on sloped ground.
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Material compatibility: Pair wooden gates with wooden posts and metal gates with steel posts.
In most cases, planning permission isn’t required for agricultural gates under 2m high, but check with your local authority if the gate borders a road or public path.
Essential Ironmongery for Wooden Gates
High-quality fittings are vital for a reliable gate setup. For wooden field gates, we recommend galvanised ironmongery that resists corrosion and provides smooth operation.
Key fittings include:
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Adjustable hinge sets (top and bottom)
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Drop bolts and spring latches
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Hook-on plates and drive-in pins
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Throw-over loops for double gate setups
Explore Five-Bar Gate Ironmongery
Installing a Field Gate
A properly installed gate will perform better and last longer. Here are some key steps to follow:
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Match your materials: Timber gates with timber posts, metal gates with steel posts.
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Set posts securely: Position posts 600–900mm deep in Postcrete or concrete.
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Leave clearance: Maintain 50–75mm under the gate to allow for ground movement.
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Check alignment: Use a spirit level to ensure the gate swings level.
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Allow curing time: Wait at least 24 hours before hanging your gate.
Read our Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Automation Options
Automated gate systems are increasingly popular for both convenience and security.
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Underground motors offer a discreet finish for timber gates.
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Above-ground arms provide powerful operation for metal gates.
Always ensure your hinges and gate structure are suitable for automation, and have installations carried out by a certified professional.
Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your gate and fittings.
Wooden gates:
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Reapply wood oil or preservative each year
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Check for cracks, warping, or loose joints
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Re-tighten ironmongery as needed
Metal gates:
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Inspect welds and hinge points for corrosion
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Lubricate moving parts every six months
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Touch up any exposed areas with galvanising spray
View Field Gate Maintenance Guide
Trusted Products for Suffolk and East Anglia
We stock a wide range of field gates, fittings, and gate posts at our Stowmarket yard, ready for delivery across East Anglia.
Popular Wooden Gates:
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Softwood Five-Bar Field Gate
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Raised Helve Field Gate
Popular Metal Gates:
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Galvanised Seven-Rail Ashbourne Gate
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Tornado Full-Mesh Deer Gate
Ironmongery Kits:
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Adjustable Hinge Sets for 3″ Timber Posts
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Galvanised Spring Latch Sets
Posts:
Why Choose Clarke Fencing
As a family-run Suffolk fencing supplier, we’ve been serving homeowners, farms, and contractors for over three decades.
What sets us apart:
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Experienced, knowledgeable support from our in-house team
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Bulk pricing available for trade customers
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Gate and post matching services for custom projects
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Reliable delivery with offload options across East Anglia
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Fast, secure online ordering
If you’re planning a new installation or replacing an existing gate, we’ll help you find the best setup for your property.
Browse Wooden Field Gates
Browse Metal Field Gates
Shop Field Gate Ironmongery
This guide is part of our Field Gate Series. Continue reading to explore materials, installation tips, and maintenance guidance in more depth across our blog.
