What Materials Are Best for Low-Maintenance Gates?

If you’re investing in new driveway or garden gates, one of the first questions to ask is what materials are best for low-maintenance gates? A great gate should look good, last for years, and not require constant repairs or repainting. While there are several materials on the market, not all are equal when it comes to durability, upkeep, and long-term value.

Below we’ll take a closer look at the main options—composite, plastic, wrought iron, steel—and explain why aluminium gates are the best low-maintenance choice for homeowners today.

Aluminium Gates in Light Grey - Horizal - Seram Tracked Sliding Gate

Composite Gates

Composite gates are made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic. While they can look modern, they are heavy, which puts strain on automation systems and hinges. They also don’t always age well, with the risk of fading or warping over time. For those seeking a truly low-maintenance option, composite is not the most reliable choice.

Wrought Iron Gates

Wrought iron has long been associated with traditional or “old-fashioned” gate designs. While strong, it is also very heavy, which means it puts a lot of strain on motors and hinges if automated. More importantly, wrought iron is prone to rust, requiring regular sanding, priming, and repainting. This makes it one of the highest-maintenance materials available.

If you love the classic wrought iron look but don’t want the hassle of constant upkeep, Horizal offers aluminium gates designed in a traditional wrought iron style. You get the timeless appearance with all the benefits of a modern, lightweight, and rust-free aluminium gate.

Dark green and gold traditional wrought iron effect gates

Steel Gates

Steel gates are robust and secure, but they come with significant drawbacks for domestic use. They are heavy, costly, and limited in terms of design options. Steel is far better suited to commercial or industrial sites rather than modern homes.

Aluminium Gates – The Best Low-Maintenance Option

So, what materials are best for low-maintenance gates? The clear winner is aluminium.

Aluminium gates offer a long list of advantages that make them perfect for homeowners:

No rusting – aluminium does not corrode like steel or iron.
Lightweight but strong – making it ideal for automation and reducing wear on motors.
Huge design choice – from sleek modern styles to more traditional looks, aluminium gates can be customised to suit any property.
Low maintenance – no need for constant painting or sanding. A simple wash now and then keeps them looking like new.
Durability – aluminium withstands all weather conditions without warping, rotting, or discolouring.

At Horizal, we specialise in premium aluminium gates that combine style with practicality. If you want a modern, durable, and truly low-maintenance solution for your home, aluminium is the smart choice.

Get Your Aluminium Gate Quote Today

If you’re still wondering what materials are best for low-maintenance gates, the answer is clear—choose aluminium. At Horizal, we offer a wide range of contemporary and traditional aluminium gate designs that are built to last and tailored to your property.

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