What is the best iron material for gates?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STEEL GATES AND WROUGHT IRON GATES?

Because metal gates are generally advertised as the same thing, being metal, the differences are not clearly obvious with modern manufacturing processes. However, from a scientific perspective, there are some differences that will assist you in determining the proper type of gate for your situation. For starters, steel is an alloy while iron is an element found on the Periodic Table. Basically, steel is a man-made metal combining carbon and iron, while iron is a raw material that is extracted from the ground.

Of course, if you are not big on Chemistry, you could be questioning why knowing the science behind the two metals help determine which gate to choose. Below is an outline of characteristics between each type to highlight the differences. This enables you to ask the proper questions when shopping for your metal gate.

WROUGHT IRON GATES

Iron gates are created from the raw element (iron) after being excavated from the earth. Iron has been used for centuries all around the world. Although, traditional wrought iron forged by civilizations using a hammer and an anvil do not exist in a modern commercial sense. However, the work is still done by a few establishments, which often charge premium prices. But, for the past century steel has been the preferred metal due to being rust-proof, stronger and simply being superior.

Although, the major change from iron to steel is not to suggest manufacturing no longer uses iron. This is particularly true with manufacturing of metal gates, where steel may be used for the railings, posts, pickets and frames, the manufacturer may prefer to use sand-casted iron for the gate frame caps and posts, panel brackets, final tips, and various visual elements. Steel is no doubt more wear resistant and stronger, making it the ideal material for stamping, rolling and cutting. However, sand-cast iron provides manufacturer’s the ability to create more visual details, providing an appealing gate, in combination with a strong frame.

STEEL GATES

Steel gates are the most common type of metal gates manufactured today, followed by aluminum. As previously mentioned, the reason being steel provides a rust-proof and stronger frame. Although, material quality used depends on the manufacturer. You should question the dealer about what type of metal the gate is fabricated with. Many gate fabricators create gates from a thinner type of stamped steel with picket tops pressed into flat pointed shapes, which have no iron elements. This process is cheaper to manufacture, making it a preferred option on a small budget. However, it does not have the high-quality appearance that iron tip gates provide. Generally, for an additional charge a manufacturer will offer final tip upgrades, but many of these are fabricated from die-cast or plastic with each being applied by pressure. Therefore, to get the best appearance possible you would have to align each picket to be straight and even. When dealing with several feet of fencing, this can be challenging.

Although, this is not suggesting these type of steel gates is poor quality, necessarily. Because they are mostly fabricated from steel, they provide strength while being economical. They just do not have the stunning appearance achieved with iron finishing’s on a steel frame.

Because of this, reading the fine print becomes an important step, along with asking questions when shopping for a metal gate. We hope our explanation has helped to provide a clear understanding between the differences between iron and steel gates. As a metal gate is not a cheap investment, you should be well informed for making your decision.

CUSTOMIZED METAL GATE FABRICATIONS

Are you searching for a custom fabricated wrought iron or steel gate in the Scottsdale, Arizona area? Victory Metal Works is an experienced fabricator and offers custom wrought iron gate fabrication. We will help you develop a custom design for your metal gates, fabricated it with the highest quality metal and fabrication techniques, and then professionally install it at your home, office, or any property you wish.  We design, fabricate, and install both custom single gates and custom double gates.

Start your order by giving us a call at 480-584-6220

An automatic driveway or estate gate is a fabulous addition to any property. It provides an extra layer of home security, enhances curb appeal, and increases overall property value.

When shopping for a new driveway gate, you typically start by choosing a material. Here’s what you should know about the various types of metal used for automatic gates to help you make the right choice for your property!

Metal Gate Materials

There are four types of materials are used to craft metal driveway gates:

• Steel. An alloy of iron and carbon, steel is stronger than pure iron and more resistant to impact. Steel is the most heavy-duty option.
• Aluminum. This metal is lightweight and malleable. It’s also entirely rust-proof. However, it’s less robust than steel.
• Wrought iron. Iron that’s been heated and worked with tools is known as wrought iron. It’s more malleable than cast iron and therefore can be shaped into more intricate designs. Moreover, its fibrous appearance lends the metal a great deal of character.
• Cast iron. Iron that’s been melted, poured into a mould, and left to solidify is known as cast iron. It’s a strong metal, but isn’t quite as heavy-duty as wrought iron, nor is it as ductile. In terms of appearance, it has a smoother finish than wrought iron.

Comparing the Different Metals

The four metals used for driveway gates each have their pros and cons. Here’s a look at how they stack up.

• Strength and durability
  Steel is the strongest metal of the bunch and aluminum the least heavy-duty. This means that, in theory, a steel gate is best able to withstand abuse as well as the leverage forces associated with gate operation. Iron gates are only slightly less robust than steel gates.
  
  Although aluminum gates are the least heavy-duty, they’re far from being flimsy and most will hold up to anything you or Mother Nature throws its way. However, it should be noted that, unlike steel and iron gates, aluminum gates are usually not a single welded piece. Instead, the pickets are screwed in. They may, as a result, loosen over time and require adjustments. Fully-welded constructions are always more robust.

• Maintenance
  All metal gates are low maintenance and require minimal upkeep by the user. Aluminum has the advantage of being a naturally rust-resistant material. However, iron and steel gates are finished with a powder coating to ensure that they don’t rust, peel, or fade.
  
• Weight
  Aluminum fences are about 2.5 times lighter than steel and iron gates. This makes them less heavy-duty but, by the same token, they don’t require as much support. They can therefore be automated with a less powerful gate operator. Moreover, aluminum can be a practical choice for very large gates so that they can be opened and closed with greater ease.
  
• Appearance
  Provided they’re well-made, metal gates are intrinsically elegant, whether they’re made of steel, iron, or aluminum. If you’re looking for a more ornate appearance, wrought iron is an ideal option. If simplicity is your thing, a flat-top steel, cast iron, or aluminum gate may be right for you.

Designs & Styles of Metal Gates

Metal gates generally have one of three designs:

• Flat-top. This is the simplest gate style. The upper rail of a flat-top gate is completely straight, giving the gate a perfectly rectangular shape.
  
  
• Arched-top. The upper rail of an arched-top gate forms a gradual, sweeping arch. This metal gate style has an elegant, traditional look and is ideal for double swing gates.
  
• Arched-top with finials. This style of gate differs from the arched-top design in that the tops of the pickets (the finials) extend past the upper rail, providing a more ornamental finish.

While these are the three basic styles, there are many ways to further customize a gate. For example, you can choose the spacing between the pickets, decide the height at which the gate sits off the ground, and choose between a variety of ornamental designs for the pickets and finials.

Gate Opening Action – Swing or Slide?

Swinging gates are the most popular choice. They have the advantage of requiring less space alongside the driveway than a sliding gate. Moreover, swing gates are the best match for a traditional arched-top gate design. Single and double swinging gates are available. Double swinging gates have a more traditional look and are ideal for larger openings, but they do require two gate operators. Single swinging gates are the better option for smaller openings.

A traditional slide gate glides along a track and stows alongside the fence. Trackless cantilever gates, which slide along post-mounted rollers, are also available. Another option is a telescopic, or stacker gate, which consists of two or more panels that stack on top of each other when the gate opens, allowing the gate to be compactly stowed.

Top-Quality Automatic Metal Gates in Western Canada

Creative Door Services™ provides custom residential gate systems throughout Western Canada. We source all types of metal driveway gates and provide reliable installation and maintenance services. To request a quote for a gate system, contact us at one of our locations in Vancouver, British Columbia; Kelowna, British Columbia; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Regina, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.