FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrought Iron Gates & Railings
Yes.
Our online designers allows you to create your own made-to-measure wrought iron gates and railings from the comfort of your home.
You can select your preferred design and customise the decorative details, dimensions and finish to create a gate that’s suited to your property.
You’ll also be able to see a visual representation of your design and receive real-time pricing as you make changes.
We’ve made the process as straightforward as possible:
1. Measure
Measure your existing opening using our measuring guidance.
2. Design
Choose your gate or railing type and customise your design online.
3. Order
Once you’re happy with your design, place your order.
4. Manufacture
Your gate is made to your specified measurements and requirements.
5. Deliver
Your finished gate is delivered to you ready for installation.
Yes. Every gate we manufacture is made to measure.
Rather than choosing from a limited range of standard sizes, you provide the measurements required for your particular opening.
This means you can order a gate designed specifically for your property.
Accurate measurements are therefore extremely important.
Our online designers give you a wide range of options to customise your gate, allowing you to create a highly individual design.
If you have a particular design in mind that you can’t create using the online system, contact us before ordering.
We may be able to help with bespoke requirements outside the standard online options.
We manufacture a range of made-to-measure wrought iron, including:
- Wrought iron driveway gates
- Wrought iron garden gates
- Wrought iron side gates
- Wrought iron railings
Each can be designed to suit the style and requirements of your property.
Measuring Your Gates & Railings
Getting your measurements right is one of the most important parts of ordering a made-to-measure gate or railing.
You should measure the opening where the gate/railing will be installed and take measurements at multiple points rather than relying on a single measurement.
We recommend checking:
- The width at the top
- The width in the middle
- The width at the bottom
- The required height
- Ground level to the top of your pillar/or the underside of your coping stone
- Take height measurements from both sides and use the shortest measurement
Our How To Measure guide provides step-by-step instructions.
You’ll need:
- Width: We require the width measurement of the opening.
- Height: We require the height measurement to the top of the pillars/underneath the coping stone.
Always use the smallest height and width measurements.
We need the actual opening measurements. Please don’t take off measurements to allow the gate to fit, as we do this on our end.
You’ll also need to consider your existing the direction in which the gate will open.
If you’re unsure, take some photographs of the opening and send them to us before ordering.
Don’t worry — this is relatively common, particularly with older walls, pillars and driveways.
All of our gates and railing come with adjustable fixings, to allow for adjustment if the opening is out of square.
Take measurements at several points, always provide us the smallest measurement, or contact us if you’re unsure which measurements to use.
Providing photographs of the opening can also help us understand your installation requirements.
If your ground or opening slopes please email us a few pictures of the opening, from different angles and we will explain what you need to do before ordering.
Because your gate is made specifically to the measurements you provide, you should always double-check your measurements before placing your order.
Please see our Returns & Refunds Policy for more information.
If you’re unsure about any measurement, please contact us before ordering.
It’s much easier to resolve measurement questions before manufacture begins than afterwards.
Wrought Iron Gate & Railing Designs
Depending on the gate design, our online configurator allows you to customise features such as:
- Finials
- Spearheads
- Centre details
- Scrolls
- Baskets
- Bars
- Decorative tops
- Ornamental details
- Gate styles
- Colours and finishes
This allows you to create anything from a simple contemporary gate to a highly decorative traditional wrought iron design.
Yes.
Our range includes numerous traditional decorative features, allowing you to create an ornamental wrought iron appearance.
Popular options include decorative finials, spearheads, scrollwork and other traditional ironwork details.
Yes.
Wrought iron doesn’t have to mean highly ornate.
Using simpler bars and minimal decorative details, you can create a clean and contemporary appearance while retaining the strength and character of a metal gate.
Yes.
If you’re looking to create a consistent appearance across your property, we can manufacture matching or complementary wrought iron gates and railings.
This can work particularly well where a driveway gate, pedestrian gate and boundary railings are being installed together.
Wrought Iron Materials & Finishes
Our gates and railings are manufactured from metal selected for strength, durability and suitability for external use.
Frames: 30mm x 100mm (solid steel
Bars: 12mm x 12mm square (solid steel)
For more information please see our Materials page.
Each gate is carefully manufactured according to its size and design, with structural elements and decorative components combined to create the finished product.
Yes.
All of our products are supplied hot-dip galvanised for enhanced protection against corrosion.
Galvanising is particularly important for exterior metalwork because gates are exposed to rain, moisture and changing weather conditions throughout the year.
Hot-dip galvanising is a process used to protect steel from corrosion.
The prepared metal is immersed in molten zinc, creating a protective zinc coating over the surface.
This helps protect the metal against rust and extends its service life when used outdoors.
Wrought iron installed outdoors is constantly exposed to the elements.
Rain, moisture and temperature changes can all contribute to corrosion over time.
Hot-dip galvanising provides an additional layer of protection, making it an excellent choice for external gates and railings.
If long-term durability is important to you, galvanising is well worth considering.
Yes.
Powder coating provides a durable decorative finish and allows you to choose a colour that complements your property.
Available options are shown during the online design process.
The available finishes and colours are displayed within our online design system.
You can select your preferred finish while designing your gate and see the effect on your overall design.
If you have a specific colour requirement that isn’t shown online, please contact us before ordering.
Powder coating provides a protective finish, but proper preparation and corrosion protection are important for exterior metalwork.
For this reason, combining appropriate corrosion protection with a quality powder-coated finish can provide an excellent solution for outdoor gates.
Wrought Iron Gates
Yes.
A well-designed wrought iron gate can provide both security and visual appeal.
Our gates are manufactured with strength and durability in mind while allowing you to choose decorative features to suit your property.
Yes, we offer a made-to-measure service.
If your opening doesn’t fit the standard parameters available through the online designer, contact us with your measurements.
We’ll let you know what options are available.
Absolutely.
Photographs can be extremely useful when you’re unsure about measurements, installation or design.
Send us photographs showing the complete opening, including the posts, pillars, walls and ground.
Our team will be happy to take a look.
Installation
Yes.
Your made-to-measure gates and railings are manufactured and finished before being delivered to you ready for installation.
We can also provide guidance to help with the installation process.
Design Gates Online specialises in the manufacture and supply of made-to-measure gates and railings.
Our products are supplied ready for installation.
If you do require professional installation, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Yes, customers can arrange their own installation.
However, the appropriate level of installation expertise will depend on the size and weight of the gate and the type of installation required.
For larger driveway gates, structural posts and automated systems, we recommend using an experienced installer.
Yes.
We provide guidance covering areas such as measuring and hanging your gate.
Wrought Iron Delivery
Yes.
We provide mainland UK delivery for our made-to-measure wrought iron gates and railings.
Your gate is manufactured to your specification before being carefully prepared for delivery.
Because every gate and railing is manufactured to order, production requires more time than purchasing an off-the-shelf product.
Your expected timeframe will depend on your order and current production schedule.
Expect 6-8 weeks from order.
We’ll provide the relevant delivery information when your order is ready.
Your order will be carefully prepared and packaged before being transported to you.
As wrought iron can be substantial and heavy products, appropriate care is taken during handling and transportation.
We’ll provide delivery information once your order is ready.
Yes.
We’ll communicate with you regarding the delivery of your order and provide the relevant arrangements once your gate is ready.
Wrought Iron Prices
The price of a wrought iron depends on several factors, including:
- Gate type
- Width
- Height
- Design
- Decorative features
- Finish
- Posts
- Additional requirements
Rather than providing a generic price, our online designer allows you to create your gate and see the price as you customise it.
This means you can build a design around your budget before ordering.
Yes.
One of the advantages of designing your gate online is that you’ll see real-time pricing as you customise your design.
You can therefore experiment with different styles and options before deciding on your final specification.
Yes.
Our online design process allows you to explore your options and pricing without an obligation to purchase.
Our online design process is designed to make pricing as transparent as possible.
No.
Your selected options are reflected in the price as you build your gate or railing.
If you’re unsure whether a particular requirement is included, please contact us before ordering
Wrought Iron Gate Maintenance
A properly manufactured and maintained external metal gate can provide many years of service.
All of our gates and railings come with a 10 year manufacture warranty.
The lifespan will depend on factors including:
- Quality of manufacture
- Corrosion protection
- Finish
- Installation
- Exposure to the elements
- Maintenance
- Frequency of use
Galvanising can provide valuable additional protection against corrosion.
Galvanising greatly improves corrosion resistance, but exterior metalwork should still be inspected periodically.
We recommend checking your gate from time to time for signs of damage, wear or areas where the protective finish may have been compromised.
If the protective finish becomes damaged, it’s important to deal with it appropriately to prevent corrosion developing.
If your gate has been damaged, contact us for advice on the correct repair procedure for your particular finish.
We’re here to help.
If you’re unsure about measurements, gate design, materials, galvanising, installation or delivery, don’t guess.
Send us a photograph of your opening along with your measurements and tell us what you’re looking to achieve.
Our experienced team will be happy to help you choose the right solution.