The Ultimate Guide to Field Gates: Wooden & Metal
Looking for a reliable gate for your farm, driveway, or paddock in East Anglia? This detailed guide covers everything from materials to fittings, installation tips, and upkeep—helping you find the best field gate for your property.
What Are Field Gates?
Also known as five bar gates, farm gates, or agricultural access gates, field gates are a staple in both rural and residential settings. They’re designed to provide practical access control for driveways, fields, paddocks, equestrian yards, and livestock enclosures.
These gates typically feature:
- Five horizontal bars (hence the name “five bar gates”)
- Diagonal or diamond bracing for added strength
- Open designs that allow visibility and airflow
Whether you’re after functionality or countryside style, a quality field gate is a long-term investment in your property’s security and presentation.
Wooden vs Metal Field Gates
Wooden Field Gates
Wooden field gates are the traditional choice for farms, stables, and residential entrances. In fact, they’re just as popular as entrance gates for driveways and properties as they are for agricultural use. Made from pressure-treated softwood or hardwood like oak, they offer natural charm and heritage appeal. for farms, stables, and residential entrances. Made from pressure-treated softwood or hardwood like oak, they offer natural charm and heritage appeal.
Advantages:
- Aesthetically pleasing for homes and rural environments
- Customisable with stains & paints.
- Renewable and eco-friendly, responsibly sourced
Our popular Uni-Five-Bar-Gates are named for their universal design—they can be hung left or right-handed thanks to drilled hanging and slam stiles. Built with a heavy-duty top rail across the full width and stainless steel bolted bracing, these gates are both beautiful and incredibly robust.
Construction Details:
- Overall Height: 1.27m
- Widths: 0.9m to 4.2m
- Top Rail: 100mm x 75mm
- Cross Braces & Under Rails: 75mm x 25mm
- Hanging/Slam Stiles: 100mm x 75mm, rounded tops
- Morticed & tenoned joints with chamfered top bar
- Supplied in 25 year guarantee Jakcured® finish – Read more in this article about Jacksons Unique Timber Treatment.
➡️ Compare Wooden vs Metal Gates
Metal Field Gates
Galvanised metal field gates are built for strength and resilience. They’re popular for commercial farms, equestrian facilities, and anywhere durability is critical.
Advantages:
- Withstand harsh weather conditions and livestock pressure
- Rust-resistant finishes (zinc-coated galvanisation)
- Require little to no upkeep over time
Our galvanised metal gates come in sizes from 915mm to 4880mm, featuring punched hole bracing, springbolt fastenings, and a sturdy 50mm x 50mm box section hanging side for maximum strength.
Includes:
- FREE 19mm gate eyes for secure hanging
- Box section ends for structural durability
Common types:
- Half-mesh for animal containment
- Full-mesh for smaller livestock and pets
- Diamond brace for high-strength installations
Choosing the Right Field Gate
Before buying, consider:
- Purpose – Security, livestock control, aesthetic?
- Traffic type – Pedestrian, livestock, vehicles, machinery?
- Opening width – Standard field gates range from 3ft to 16ft
- Ground slope – Will the gate swing freely on uneven terrain?
- Material match – Wood gates go with timber posts; metal gates with steel posts
Planning permission isn’t usually required for agricultural gates under 2 metres, but check with your local authority if the gate will adjoin a road or footpath.
Must-Have Ironmongery for Wooden Field Gates
Without the right ironmongery, even the strongest gate won’t perform reliably. Your field gate ironmongery should match your gate’s material and ensure smooth, secure daily use.
Essential fittings include:
- Adjustable top and bottom hinge sets for custom alignment
- Drop bolts to secure one or both gates in place
- Spring latches or auto latches for easy locking/unlocking
- Hook-on plates and drive-in pins depending on gate type
- Throw over Loops for closing a pair of gates
For wooden field gates, choose heavy-duty galvanised fittings that resist corrosion and weathering.
➡️ Explore Five Bar Gate Ironmongery
How to Install a Field Gate Correctly
Installing a gate properly is essential for long-term performance. Poor installation can lead to sagging, misalignment, and premature failure.
Key Installation Steps:
- Match gate and post materials – e.g., timber with timber, metal with metal
- Post depth – Dig posts in 600–900mm deep, set in with concrete or our 20kg Fast Set Post Mix
- Gate clearance – Leave 50–75mm under gate for ground movement
- Hinge adjustment – Ensure the gate swings level and doesn’t drag
Top Tip: Always use a spirit level and allow 24 hours for concrete to cure before hanging your gate.
➡️ Step-by-Step Gate Post Installation
Automation Options for Field Gates
For added convenience and security, consider fitting an automated opening system:
- Underground motors for wooden gates (discreet finish)
- Above-ground arms for metal gates (high torque)
Automation can be retrofitted, but ensure your gate and hinges are rated for motorised use. Always use a certified installer for safety compliance.
Simple Maintenance Tips for Long Life
Whether it’s a wooden or metal field gate, routine maintenance ensures safety, aesthetics, and performance for years.
Wooden Gate Care
- Apply wood preservative or UV-resistant oil annually
- Check for splits, cracks, or warping
- Re-tighten ironmongery where needed
Metal Gate Care
- Inspect for rust on welds or corners
- Lubricate hinges and latches every 6 months
- Repaint any worn galvanised sections with zinc spray
➡️ Field Gate Maintenance Guide
Trusted Products for Suffolk & East Anglia
We stock a range of trade-quality Agricultural gates and accessories, ready for fast delivery across East Anglia.
Popular Wooden Gates:
Popular Metal Gates:
Ironmongery Kits:
Posts:
Why Choose Us?
We’re a Suffolk-based fencing supplier with deep experience serving the local agricultural and trade sectors. Our 1-acre yard in Stowmarket is stocked with a wide variety of field gate options, ironmongery kits, and fixings ready for next-day dispatch across East Anglia.
What sets us apart:
- Expert customer support – real advice from trade professionals
- Bulk pricing for contractors and farms
- Tailored gate and post matching services
- Flexible local delivery options, including offload
- Secure online ordering with fast checkout
- Product quality guaranteed or your money back
Plan Your Project Today
Whether you’re fencing off a paddock, securing a driveway, or upgrading livestock access—start with the right gate setup.
👉 Browse Metal Field Gates
👉 Browse Wooden Field Gates
👉 Shop Field Gate Ironmongery
👉 View Gate Posts
Need help choosing the right gate? Contact us or visit our Suffolk yard for hands-on guidance.
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.
