Crestala Gate Care Information

It is important that all gates supplied by Crestala, whether treated or untreated Softwood or Ikoko hardwood, are stored, treated and cared for properly before and after hanging.  Please read the following recommendations for more detailed instructions. Failure to follow these instructions may invalidate any future claims.

For gates purchased from Crestala but manufactured by Charltons Gates, please read their wood care instructions here.

Over the last couple of years, there has been a change in thinking about how gates should be treated and maintained. We agree with the new ideas and have amended our care information and recommendations. Gates are an expensive item, so it makes sense to look after them properly.

Timber gates are made from a natural product that reacts to the environment it is in. Wet, dry, hot, humid, sunny, overcast or cold. All types of weather have an effect on timber. This is what causes gates timber to warp, twist, shrink, expand or develop shakes (splits in the wood). Simplified, all these are caused by the movement of moisture into or out of the timber.

If we can slow down how much water the gates absorb or how quickly water evaporates from the timber, it will reduce any problems’ severity.

Two coats of good UV oil can alleviate the movement of moisture in both directions, repelling rain and sealing the tiny holes in the surface of the timber that lets moisture out. It will also help your gate to retain its colour for longer.

We do not recommend using any form of paint to protect timber gates.

You cannot stop timber from being timber. Any wooden gate will have some of the issues mentioned above to a lesser or greater degree. What we can do is minimise the risk of having severe problems, and how you prepare and maintain your gate will help.

  • When the gates are delivered or collected from our yard, the gate(s) should be inspected for size and damage. Any problems should be reported immediately. Do not treat, oil or work on any gate with defects.
  • Made-to-order gates or any gate that has been worked on cannot usually be returned. The exception to this is if there is an agreed manufacturing defect.
  • Gates need to be handled with care before hanging to avoid damaging the surface of the timber.
  • Store the gates out of direct sunlight, flat on three bearers or stand against a wall with both stile tops evenly supporting the gate.
  • All gates must be completely treated with two coats of oil before hanging. Pay special attention to the top and bottom of each gate and all end grains. UV Oil can be applied with a good-quality brush or lint-free cloth. Preferably work along the grain of the wood.
  • Use adjustable hinges, allowing most seasonal gate movement to be adjusted out.
  • Do not use dark stains or colours, as these attract heat from the sun, which can cause extra movement in the timber.
  • Cheaper fence or shed treatments are not suitable for use on gates.
  • Crestala Fencing Centre will not accept responsibility for any costs or problems caused by incorrect storage; gates hung badly, or failure to look after or treat the gates. However, this does not affect your statutory rights.

Untreated Softwood Gates

Untreated softwood gates usually come treated with a base coat, providing minimal protection during delivery. The gates should be treated with at least two coats of a clear preservative such as Barrettine Clear Wood Preserver. Preservative treatments must be fully dry before applying two coats of UV-stable wood oil. Tinted oil is available if you wish to alter the colour of your gate. Please follow the manufacturer’s application instructions. Take care to cover all surfaces, particularly the bottom, end grain, holes, etc., for gate hardware.

Check your gates at least every spring and autumn. Spray a little water onto the gate; if it does not bead on the wood surface, it is time to retreat your gate.

Looked after properly, a softwood gate should last many years.

Treated Softwood Gates

Treated softwood gates are protected from rot and insect attack but, on the downside, are more susceptible to warping, twisting and shakes (splits in the wood) due to the amount of liquid forced into the timber during the pressure treatment process. Applying two coats of UV-stable wood oil to pressure-treated timber can slow down the rate at which the excess moisture is released from the gate timbers. The oil will also reduce the amount of water the wood absorbs during wet periods. These reductions in moisture transfer will reduce the risk of your gate suffering from severe warping, twisting and shakes.

Tinted oil is available if you wish to alter the colour of your gate. Please follow the manufacturer’s application instructions thoroughly. Take care to cover all surfaces, particularly the bottom, end grain, holes, etc., for gate hardware.

Check your gates at least every spring and autumn. Spray a little water onto the gate; if the water does not bead on the wood surface, then it is time to retreat your gate.

Looked after properly, a pressure-treated softwood gate will last many years.

Iroko Gates

Although we would not recommend it, you can hang Iroko gates without any treatment. They will weather to a greyish colour after a few months.
To reduce the weathering and the risk of the gates warping or developing shakes, Iroko gates should be treated with UV Oil. Wiping the gates with white spirit before the first coat will help the oil to adhere to the wood. Please follow the oil manufacturer’s application instructions fully. Take care to treat all surfaces, particularly the bottom, all end grain & any holes etc., for gate hardware. Because of the uncertainty of UK weather, we strongly recommend that your gates are given two coats of UV oil before hanging. Wiping the gate with white spirit before the first coat will help the oil to adhere to the wood.

Check your gates at least every spring and autumn. Spray a little water onto the gate; if the water does not bead on the wood surface, then it is time to retreat your gate.

Looked after properly, an Iroko gate should last over 20 years.