Gate ironmongery, by nature of its use, has to be strong, sturdy and durable. Choosing the correct ironmongery is essential when installing any type of gate as it can be an added design feature as well as a functional item.

Galvanised Ironmongery

Galvanised metal is when iron, steel or aluminium is coated with a layer of zinc to act as a barrier between the metal and the atmosphere.

The zinc layer reacts with the oxygen and carbon dioxide – giving a strong finish that stops further corrosion and the elements attacking the metal.

Galvanised ironmongery has the maximum protection against weather and the acidic nature of the timber that it is fixed to. It is also durable and low maintenance; it has a hard to scratch finish, ideal for outdoor everyday items.

Black Ironmongery

Black finished products can be achieved by dipping the product in wet paint, stove drying it, coating it in a dry powder and then stove drying it again to give the black finish. This double coating helps prevent corrosion but isn’t as durable as galvanised ironmongery.

Black ironmongery has a traditional look and can complete the desired finish for your gate.

It is often viewed as decorative and more of a design feature on gates or fencing but it can easily chip and then rust so does require regular maintenance.

Does Galvanised Ironmongery react with timber?

By nature, wood is a corrosive substance and in some cases, though expensive, stainless steel is the preferred material to be used for external timber fixings. For example oak & accoya can react with non- stainless steel ironmongery resulting in staining of the timber and / or ironmongery. Especially in coastal locations, stainless steel is required as it is able to resist the aggressive nature of the environment, including the timbers acidity and the atmospheric salt.

When choosing your gate ironmongery you need to take these aspects into consideration and prioritise what is important to you, the aesthetic look and feel or the durability and longevity of the finished product. Additionally consider the timber you want the gate to be manufactured from, and whether its overall use is practical, as a finishing touch to your overall garden design or a preventative function to keep animals in or out!