FT NEWS

A strong, visually-appealing compound wall gate provides protection, gives a glimpse of the owner’s taste and sets the tone for the interiors. Just as most of us give a lot of importance to the decor of the home, the gardens and porch, we should also pay attention to the outward-facing compound wall gate. Read on to know about the different materials that are preferred for boundary wall gates.

1. Wood
The charm of wood is undeniable. While wood is a strong, durable material for exterior gates, it also has an aesthetic value – it has a welcoming feel to it, and it also ages gracefully. Weathered wooden gates are full of character. You can also consider staining the wood for a fresh look. Here, the boundary wall gate made of slender planks of wood complements the brick-red compound wall and desert-sand-tinted house walls, giving this home an warm, earthy look.

2. Metal
Corten steel
Also known as weathering steel, this material is typically used for landscaping and other outdoor uses (such as compound wall gates). That’s because over time, corten develops a patina and keeps the surface corrosion-free.

Structurally, it is a strong metal and can withstand harsh weather. The material has a strong, rugged look, but can be given a dose of design, as in this image, with a laser-cut pattern.

Steel
Steel is a rust-proof material that has an inherent sheen. In this compound wall grille design, the stark effect of the narrow steel panels is balanced by wood, which adds a touch of warmth to the compound wall gate.

Wrought iron
The most commonly seen material for compound wall gates is wrought iron. It is a hard metal that is known for its durability and longevity – it can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for generations. To avoid rusting and to give it a fresh, new look, a wrought iron gate can be regularly painted. A variety of wrought iron compound wall grille designs are available, though they may not be the best way to go if you want complete privacy from the street outside.

An iron gate can be designed like this, with grille work on a solid form. This iron gate blocks views beyond it, keeping all the activity inside hidden, yet has a decorative exterior.

4. Vinyl
Vinyl is a type of plastic made from ethylene (found in crude oil) and chlorine (found in salt). It can be moulded to any pattern, and the designs available in it are aplenty. Also, since it is both tough and a bit flexible, it is a good choice for windy, stormy regions. Vinyl is able to withstand a lot of heat, too.

5. Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate panels framed with metal give this boundary wall gate a clean, sleek and smart look. Since polycarbonate sheets are translucent, they allow natural light to filter through but prevent passersby from seeing inside.

6. Composite
Composites are a combination of materials that, when combined, create a material that has a greater strength than its individual components. What’s also unique about composites is that one can get them to mimic different surfaces, such as wood, stone, brick or iron.