When investing in bespoke electric gates for your property, selecting the right material is essential to ensure long-term durability, aesthetics, and functionality.Â
Among the myriad of options available, Accoya and aluminium stand out as two of the most popular choices. Both materials offer unique advantages, making them well-suited for different property styles, preferences, and needs.Â
At Windlesham Gates, we specialise in creating electric gates tailored to your specific vision. Whether you are looking for wooden electric gates that blend naturally with traditional architecture or sleek aluminium gates for a contemporary finish, our team has the experience and skills to create the perfect entrance to your property.
In this guide, we will explore the key features of both materials and compare their performance, helping you to make an informed decision on which option will best suit you.Â
Why Choose Accoya for Your Wooden Electric Gates?
Accoya, a high-performance modified wood, is a stable, versatile, sustainable construction material. Its unique properties make it an outstanding choice for electric gates, offering exceptional durability, environmental benefits, and aesthetic appeal.
1. Exceptional Durability
Accoya wood is engineered through an advanced acetylation process that significantly enhances its longevity.Â
Unlike traditional timber, it is resistant to rot, swelling, cracking, and pest/insect damage, meaning that wooden electric gates made from Accoya can remain strong and beautiful for decades with minimal maintenance.Â
In fact, Accoya offers industry-leading warranties of up to 50 years for above ground use and 25 years in water or below ground, outperforming even premium unenhanced hardwoods like oak or teak. Independent research backs this up, as do Timber Development UK (formerly TRADA, the UK’s leading independent timber research association) and the BRE (Building Research Establishment).
Even in the UK’s unpredictable and sometimes extreme weather conditions, Accoya maintains its structural integrity, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for wooden driveway gates.
2. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
With sustainability becoming an increasing societal priority, Accoya is an excellent eco-friendly choice for wooden electric gates. As a carbon-negative material, it absorbs more COâ‚‚ than it emits, actively helping to combat climate change.
Sourced from fast-growing, sustainably managed forests, Accoya wood is also fully recyclable, FSC-certified, and Cradle to Cradle Gold certified. This makes it a responsible alternative to tropical hardwoods, which contribute significantly to deforestation in old-growth rainforests.
Additionally, Accoya is the only construction material in the world to achieve a C2C Platinum certificationâ„¢ for Material Health, meaning it is 100% non-toxic to people, pets, and the environment.
3. Flawless Long-Term Aesthetics
For homeowners who appreciate the classic beauty of wood but seek modern performance, Accoya wood offers the perfect blend of timeless aesthetics and long-lasting quality.Â
Accoya’s natural grain and texture provides warmth and character to electric gates for driveways, complementing both traditional and contemporary properties. It also offers huge design freedom, with the ability to achieve a range of textural finishes – such as smooth, charred and brushed – in any colour, resulting in a bespoke, tailored gate appearance.
Coatings like stains or paint last up to twice as long on Accoya than those applied to non-modified woods, so it maintains its appearance for longer, with less frequent need for restoration and less maintenance than untreated hardwoods.
Why Choose Aluminium for Your Bespoke Electric Gates?
Aluminium is a lightweight yet robust metal, making it perfect for modern electric gate designs. Combining strength, durability, and sleek aesthetics, aluminium electric gates are a low-maintenance, long-lasting, and visually impactful choice for any property.
1. Lightweight Yet Strong
Aluminium gates are significantly lighter than those made from materials like wood, steel, or wrought iron, which places less strain on the gate motors and hinges.Â
This reduces wear and tear on the automation system, ensuring smooth operation and long-term reliability for swing gates or sliding gates – even with frequent use.
Despite its lightness, aluminium has a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio that makes for durable, sturdy electric gates. It is also naturally highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for coastal locations or humid microclimates where other materials might degrade more quickly.
This resilience ensures that bespoke electric gates crafted from aluminium maintain their structure and functionality over time.
2. Low Maintenance and Weather Resistance
One of the most significant advantages of aluminium gates is their minimal upkeep requirements.Â
Unlike wooden gates, which may need regular staining or sealing to prevent weather-related damage, aluminium options simply need an occasional clean with mild detergent and water to maintain their pristine appearance.Â
Aluminium is naturally rust-proof, and highly resistant to warping, cracking, or fading, making it an excellent material for gates that are constantly exposed to the elements.Â
Powder-coated finishes not only offer an extensive range of colour options but also provide additional protection against harsh weather conditions, ensuring that your aluminium gate retains its flawless finish for years to come.
When it comes to reliable, low-maintenance electric gates for driveways, aluminium is a long-lasting, hassle-free material choice that offers both peace of mind and aesthetic appeal.Â
3. Modern and Contemporary Appeal
Sleek, streamlined, and effortlessly stylish, aluminium gates are ideal for contemporary or modernised homes and business properties.Â
Their clean lines and minimalist designs have made them particularly popular in urban areas such as London, as well as the stylish suburbs of Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire.
Offering unparalleled versatility, these bespoke electric gates are available in a wide range of fully customisable designs – from solid panels for privacy to visually striking horizontal slats or intricate laser-cut patterns that add artistic flair – and a variety of colours and finishes.Â
While they naturally offer a polished, high-end look, aluminium electric gates can also be powder-coated to mimic the texture of wood grain, providing the warmth of timber without the associated maintenance.
Accoya vs. Aluminium: Choosing the Right Material for You
When deciding between Accoya and aluminium for your bespoke electric gates, several factors should be considered, including aesthetics, maintenance, cost, climate suitability, and environmental impact..
Match Your Property’s Architectural Style
Aesthetically, Accoya provides a warm, timeless appeal, whereas aluminium offers a sleek, modern look. Both materials allow for customisation, offering a range of colours, finishes, and design options to achieve a truly unique gate.
Typically, traditional or period properties are complemented by the classic charm of Accoya, while aluminium works well with industrial, contemporary, or minimalist architecture.
However, every building is different, so consult with experts to determine the best option for your specific property.
Factor in Your Maintenance Preferences
Both material options are fairly low maintenance, making them excellent choices for busy gate owners.
Aluminium gates are virtually maintenance-free, needing only occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain their finish.
If you don’t mind occasional refinishing to maintain a natural look, Accoya gates provide unmatched elegance.
Take Cost into Account
While Accoya gates may have a higher upfront cost, they offer long-term value due to their durability and classic elegance.Â
Gates made from aluminium are often more affordable initially and come with minimal maintenance costs over time.
Consider Location and Climate
For homes located in coastal or high-moisture areas, aluminium is likely the best material choice, as it is highly resistant to weather, rust, and corrosion. In urban settings where pollution and dirt can accumulate quickly, it is also easy to wipe clean.
Meanwhile, wooden electric gates like those made from Accoya can withstand the elements, rot, and pests for decades. They will integrate beautifully into rural settings and natural landscapes.
Environmental Concerns
If sustainability is a priority, Accoya is the superior choice, as it is FSC-certified, carbon-negative, and completely recyclable.Â
On the other hand, aluminium is recyclable too, though its production has a significantly high carbon footprint. Since aluminium gates are lighter, their hinges and gate motors are under less strain, which means these components will need less frequent replacements, using fewer resources.
FAQs
Q: Are Accoya wood electric gates more expensive than those made from aluminium?
A: Initially, yes. However, Accoya’s durability and sustainability make it a long-term investment that can outlast many alternative materials.
Q: How often do Accoya gates need maintenance?
A: Accoya requires minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood. A quality stain or paint finish can last several years before reapplication is needed.
Q: Can aluminium mimic the look of wood?
A: Yes! Aluminium can be powder-coated with a wood grain effect, offering the appearance of timber without the maintenance.
Q: Which material is best for security?
Both materials offer excellent security, but aluminium gates can be reinforced with extra security features while maintaining a lightweight profile.
Make the Best Choice for Your Bespoke Electric Gates
Both Accoya wood and aluminium have unique advantages, but the right material option for your electric gates will depend on factors like your needs, property style, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance capabilities.
Accoya is perfect for those who appreciate natural elegance, sustainability, and a timeless aesthetic, while aluminium offers a contemporary, low-maintenance alternative that excels in durability and versatility.Â
At Windlesham Gates, we specialise in designing and installing electric gates for driveways that perfectly balance beauty, functionality, and durability.Â
Whether you’re drawn to the charm of wood or the sleek sophistication of aluminium, our expert team will help you choose the perfect material for the entrance to your property.
Contact us today to discuss your gate project, and let us bring your vision to life!
