The Torridge Gates Blog

With spring just around the corner, our thoughts naturally turn to those cherished moments spent outdoors. What better way to embrace the garden's vibrant awakening than to do so ensconced in the timeless elegance of handcrafted wooden furniture? Here at Torridge Gates, we believe your outdoor haven deserves furniture that's not just functional, but an expression of your unique style and a celebration of nature's enduring beauty.

Why Choose Wood?: A Mixture of Sustainability and Style

While plastic alternatives may hold some allure, wooden garden furniture strikes a harmonious chord with both your aesthetic and the environment. Responsibly sourced timber boasts a significantly lower carbon footprint, making it a conscious choice for the eco-minded. Its inherent recyclability means that way into the future it might have a second life one day, while its natural charm whispers tales of sun-drenched afternoons and laughter shared beneath a starlit sky.

But wood's allure transcends mere aesthetics. Pressure-treated for enduring protection against the elements, our handcrafted pieces become steadfast companions, weathering the seasons with grace. With a touch of annual TLC – a splash of oil, stain, varnish, or paint – your wooden oasis will remain a vibrant testament to your discerning taste for years to come.

Taking care of your gates not only keeps them looking beautiful but will ensure they remain strong and long-lasting. Wood rotting is a common problem in the winter with mould and mildew caused with moisture being the main cause.

It is almost impossible to stop the spread of rot once it has set in. Whether your gates are made from soft wood or hardwood, treating your gates will keep them protected for years. You can treat timber with a wood preserve and a topcoat of oil, stain, varnish, or paint. Wood that has been pressure treated has protection against damp, mould and insects and it is not necessary to add a wood treatment, however, it is recommended that you treat your gates at least once a year to enhance its appearance and give your gates a longer life.

We sell the following products we we recommend depending on your gate and the colour/look that you want, just ask us if you have any questions at all, we are always here to help.

Protek Stable Coat is a water-based micro-porous treatment that is easy to apply and is an extremely high water repellent. This comes in clear and tinted stains. It is quick-drying, mould resistant, low odour and pet and plant friendly.

As well as choosing what style and size your gates need to be. You will also need to decide what type of timber you would like your gates to be manufactured from. Choosing which timber is best for you depends entirely on your own needs and wants.

Here at Torridge Gates, we use Scandinavian Redwood pine (softwood) and Iroko hardwood. Below is some information on both types of timber to help you decide. We are also more than happy to discuss your needs with you to help you with your decision.

SOFTWOOD

Softwood comes from evergreen trees and is more flexible than hardwood which means it is less expensive than hardwood. It is usually light in colour. Softwood will need to be treated more than hardwood to prolong its lifespan. Softwoods are the most cost-effective and durable types of wood available.

HARDWOOD

Torridge Gates is a company that specializes in crafting high-quality outdoor furniture. Their products are made from Scandinavian hardwood and are designed to withstand the elements, making them perfect for gardens, patios, and other outdoor spaces.

One of their most popular offerings is the deluxe bench, which can be seen in this time-lapse video. This bench is carefully crafted by skilled artisans in Devon, using only the finest materials and techniques. The end result is a beautiful, sturdy piece of furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Once the bench is complete, it is treated to ensure its longevity and resistance to weathering. This treatment helps to protect the wood from rot, insects, and other possible sources of damage, making it a great investment for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their outdoor space.

Whether you're looking for a single bench or an entire outdoor furniture set, Torridge Gates has you covered. They offer nationwide delivery, so no matter where you live, you can enjoy the beauty, durability, and quality of their products.

Wooden entrance gates are a beautiful and timeless way to add style and security to your home. Torridge Gates specializes in bespoke handmade wooden entrance gates, so we can help you create a gate that is both stylish and functional.

When choosing a wooden entrance gate, there are a few things you need to consider:

• The style of your home. Your gate should complement the style of your home. If you have a traditional home, you might choose a "Tarka Entrance Gate" or maybe "The Leicestershire Entrance Gate". If you have a modern home, you might choose "The Hillies entrance gate" or even "The Cranford"..
• The size of your property. The size of your gate will depend on the size of your driveway or entrance. You'll also need to consider the amount of space you have available for the gate posts.
• The level of security you need. You might want to choose a gate with a security lock. You may also want to consider a gate with a sensor that will automatically open when you approach.
• The type of wood. There are many different types of wood that can be used for wooden gates, each with its own unique properties. Some popular choices that we use are Iroko and Scandinavian softwood.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a wooden entrance gate:

• Do you have enough space for the gates to swing? Make sure to measure the space where the gate will be installed to ensure that the gates have enough room to swing open and closed.
• Do you want even gates or would an uneven split work better for you to combine pedestrian and vehicle access? If you have a driveway that is wide enough, you can choose to have two even gates. However, if you need to accommodate both pedestrians and vehicles, you may want to consider an uneven split gate.
• Does your driveway slope? (Don’t worry, we have practical solutions for sloped driveways) If your driveway slopes, you'll need to choose a gate that is designed to accommodate the slope. Torridge Gates can help you find a solution that works for your specific needs.
• Do you want complete privacy, or do you just want to stop people accessing your driveway? If you want complete privacy, you can choose a gate with solid panels. However, if you just want to keep people from accessing your driveway, you can choose a gate with more open panels.
• Do you have pets or children you want to keep safe? If you have pets or children, you may want to choose a gate with a lower clearance so that they can easily pass through.
• The type of hinges. There are many different types of hinges that can be used for wooden gates, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some popular choices include strap hinges, butt hinges, and pivot hinges.
• The type of latch. There are also many different types of latches that can be used for wooden gates. Some popular choices include gate latches, chain latches, and bolt latches.
• The type of finish. Wooden gates can be finished in a variety of ways, each with its own unique look and feel. Some popular choices include Natural, staining, painting, and varnishing.

With a little planning, you can choose a wooden entrance gate that is both stylish and functional. Torridge Gates can help you create a gate that you'll love for years to come.

The best way to choose a wooden entrance gate is to talk to a professional gate maker like Torridge Gates. We can help you choose the right gate for your needs and budget.

If you're adding a gate to your property for security, you may be wondering how you'll still be able to receive your post without anyone entering your property. A gate-mounted letterbox is the perfect solution!

Gate mounted letterboxes are secure yet stylish. They are easily accessible for your postie, but with a lock, your post is secured. This means that you can rest assured that your mail is safe, even when you're not home.

At Torridge Gates, we offer a wide range of gate-mounted letterboxes to choose from. We have letterboxes in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes to match your existing gate or fencing. We also offer letterboxes with a variety of features, such as parcel slots, anti-theft mechanisms, and weatherproofing.

No matter what your needs are, we have a gate-mounted letterbox that's perfect for you. Contact us today to learn more about our products and to get a quote.

Use these quick links to find what you are looking for:

The Tenoner Machine: A Powerful Tool for Woodworkers

A tenoner machine is a floor-mounted machine with pairs of cutting heads that are used to shape tenons. Tenons are essentially wooden dowels that are used to join two pieces of wood together. Mortise and tenon joints have been used for thousands of years by carpenters and to this day are still one of the strongest methods of joining pieces of wood together.

The mortice and tenon joint gives such a secure join that it is key to the longevity of the gates we manufacture. The tenoner machine makes it easy to create these joints, even for beginners.

There are two main types of tenoner machines: single-end and double-end. Single-end machines can only cut tenons on one end of a piece of wood, while double-end machines can cut tenons on both ends.

Torridge Gates are your local experts in pressure treatment timber. We are based in Merton, North Devon, so if you’re in the local area, we’d love to show you how we can make your timber last longer with pressure treatment!

Pressure treatment is a process which enhances the protection of your timber. It begins with the unpreserved timber being placed onto a wheeled cart and wheeled into the tank (a vacuum chamber). Here, the vacuum is used to remove all the air from the cells in the timber. Once this is done, the vacuum is released, and air pressure is applied. This pressure forces the chemical preservatives deep into the wood, which then extends its longevity by decades.

At Torridge Gates, we believe that pressure treatment is one of the best ways to protect your timber from the elements, increasing its life expectancy and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. We use only the highest quality preservatives, ensuring that your timber is safe from rot and decay. We can also provide advice on how to maintain your timber so that it remains protected for years to come.

If you’re looking to protect your timber and make it last longer, contact us today. We’re here to help!

To find out more about our Treatment Tank visit our website from here

A Morticer is a specialised woodworking machine used to cut holes in a piece of timber to create a mortise and tennon joint. It combines the cutting of a four-sided chisel with the action of a drill bit in the centre

We use a Morticers to make our stunning gates. This versatile machine can be used to create intricate designs, as well as to quickly and efficiently make strong, durable joints. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use a morticer to make beautiful hardwood gates.

First, you’ll need to measure the gate for the morticer. To do this, you’ll need to make sure that the gate is the same thickness as the morticer’s bit. It’s important to make sure that the gate has a consistent thickness so that it can be cut accurately and evenly. Once you’ve determined the thickness of the gate, you can begin to mark the mortice pattern onto the wood.

Next, you’ll need to choose a router bit for your morticer. There are a variety of styles and sizes of router bits available, so it’s important to select the one that’s best suited to your specific needs. You’ll also want to make sure that the bit you select is compatible with the type of wood you’ll be using.

Once you’ve chosen the right router bit, you’ll need to adjust the depth of the bit. This will ensure that the mortice cut is deep enough to join the two pieces of wood together securely. After you’ve adjusted the depth, you’re ready to begin morticing.

We are a family-run business specialising in the manufacture of beautiful hardwood entrance and field gates. Our gates are handmade with care and attention to detail, from start to finish.

Today, we’d like to share two short timelapse videos with you, showing the process of crafting two of our most popular gates: The Liberton hardwood entrance gate, and The Heanton hardwood field gate.

The Liberton is an elegant and sophisticated entrance gate, made from solid hardwood. Our skilled craftsmen measure, cut, shape and assemble each gate to create a stunning, secure entrance to your property.

The Heanton is our popular hardwood field gate. Its robust construction and classic design make it ideal for use in gardens, driveways and other outdoor spaces. We construct each Heanton gate with the same care and attention to detail as all of our products.

We hope you enjoy watching our craftsmen at work in the videos below.

A recent job fitted in the icy weather last week. The customer was looking for gates to go across the front of their property to stop other drivers using the driveway as a turning point, but still needing to get their own cars in.

The driveway is very wide with quite a steep slope. We felt that having such wide gates may not be the most suitable option as they would be very heavy and difficult to operate.

After liaising with the customer and looking at different options, we installed a 'bollard' system using planed posts with rounded tops and polyhemp rope with decorative hook and eye holders. Not only is it pleasing on the eye, using metal sleeves to position the posts means the customer is able to remove the posts to allow them to get their cars on the driveway.

Alongside this we also produced and fitted Curved Top Cottage Pedestrian gates to the front and rear of the property with matching Curved Top Cottage Panels.

We are really pleased with how this looks, all made possible thanks to a great team.

"The Rolle" is our best selling "Field Gate" made from Larch or Douglas wood they are of a very high quality using traditional joinery methods and will last for many years.

Each gate is made to your specific requirements up to 4.8 metres (16ft) long. This is truly your 5 star wooden field gate!

The customer really liked the Rolle Gate style but were concerned that their small dogs would be able to get out by going underneath. To solve this problem, we added an extra rail on the bottom of the gate to stop the dogs from making a break for freedom.

The customer is really happy with the look of the gate and the dogs are now working on other methods of escape.

Visit our Field Gate page from this link

8’ x 6’ Apex Security Shed

• 4ft Perspex Security Window
• A very robust door with continuous security hinge
• A heavy duty throw lock, with a high-quality security lock and handle on the outside
• New upgraded high-performance polyester shed felt
• Ex 19 mm pressure treated shiplap and the roof and floor sections are made using Ex 25 mm pressure treated Tongue & Groove The raw material used is kiln dried joinery grade Scandinavian redwood and treated using the latest generation Tanalith pressure treatment chemical.

This product is extremely robust and superior to other off-the-shelf security sheds.

£720.90 inc. VAT

We now have top quality premium Nordman low needle drop Christmas trees in stock. A superb thick needle tree that smells gorgeous and looks very impressive.
Trees that measure 5ft 6" to 7ft = £36 each
We have a few that are 8ft = £48 each

Visit our workshops just off the A386 at Merton, only 10 minutes from Torrington. You won't be disappointed, these trees are really lovely.

We also have some very cute handmade log Reindeer and Snowmen.
Small £5.00 and large £7.50

We look forward to seeing you when you visit. We are open Mon - Fri 9am till 5.30pm.
Merry Christmas to you all.

Click Here to learn more about Torridge Gates

This is a 15ft x 6ft ‘Flat Top Dartington’ gate made from Prime Grade Oak, made in our workshops in Merton, Devon. We also provided the posts in advance in order for the site to be ready for installation.
As the gate was going to be automated on a sliding mechanism we had the customer send us the wheels so we could mortice the upgraded bottom rail accordingly and place the wheels into it before delivery and final install.

To browse our selection of gates please Click Here

Here is a hand-made Beaford Style Pedestrian Gate, made from Iroko (an African hardwood) and treated with Danish Oil.

Galvanised 18” adjustable flat bands and hooks, closed with a Brenton Bolt and Ornamental Twisted Ring Latch, locked with a GATEMATE Euro Profile Long Throw Double Lock.

Check our Gates page here for more inspiration and then contact us on Tel: 01805 603 429 Mob: 07795 690 848

Bespoke Build for Client in Newton St. Petrock:

Crafting Room (4.8m x 2.2m) with adjacent car port (3.6m x 4.2m).

Fully planed all round, pressure treated Scandinavian Redwood Pine main structure and shiplap cladding.

Gallow brackets for the car port, plastic coated box-profile roofing and edging and galvanized ironwork on the double-doors.

Concrete base laid in advance and only two weeks to build!

Here at Torridge Gates in Merton we have once again got the Grade A Nordman, low needle drop, Christmas trees in for sale this year. Ranging from 5 to 8 foot.

You can come and choose the tree you would like, they are all unwrapped, once you have chosen your special tree, we will net it up for you and also deliver locally for free if required.

The post code is EX20 3EH; we are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5:15 pm.

Office number is 01805 603 429

Merry Christmas!

Hopefully ready in a couple of weeks will be our new display area.

You will be able to see our range of Sheds, Arbours and Arches as well as Picnic tables and Planters all in a smart new section at our base in Merton, North Devon.

Check out our full Garden Furniture range here

By all means just drop in and see us or call/email for quotes or further information