CRAFTSMANSHIP KEY AT GATECRAFT
Chelmsford-based Gatecraft Gates has been manufacturing bespoke hardwood gates since Bob started the company back in 1980.
Bob explained: “All of our hardwood is bought after inspection by one of our team. It is kiln dried at the supplier and then offloaded at our works where it is put ‘in stick’ in open sheds to season further.
“We aim for a moisture content of 18% before we use it to manufacture gates. This process may take a few months and it also allows us to identify any boards that may have moved which allows the most stable materials to progress through to the manufacturing stage.
into a very awkward space
with stainless steel bars
“If the project is particularly challenging, such as a tall gate within a sun trap courtyard where summer temperatures might become extreme, we laminate the frame in order to provide for a very stable product. We normally use sapele, iroko or prime selected oak.
“I believe Gatecraft is unique in offering this,” added Bob.
Gatecraft offers a CAD design service that gives clients a professional way to present the product to the end user.
Bob continued: “Once we receive your dimensions we create a design that goes into production once it’s been signed off by the customer or contractor. This clarifies the job for all parties and greatly reduces any misunderstandings further down the line.
“We have the capability to build substantial posts with a hollow core that allows cabling and services to run up the middle making for a neat finish with a removable finial allowing for access.
“We have designed and built a hinge that is patent pending. It uses sealed bearings built into the top of the hanging stile. This can be adjusted on all planes so, if necessary, the gates can be lifted or moved to achieve a perfect closing using just an allen key.
“This design eliminates the need for a safety edge on the hanging stile thus reducing time and labour. The bearings allow absolute minimum ease of opening and closing, reducing wear and tear on the motors.
“Our standard softwood FL, braced F/Edge and TGV gates are built from Scandanavian redwood, a slow grown timber. The stiles and top rails are cut from 2exw50x200mm reducing twisting and resulting in a very high quality, competitively priced gate,” added Bob.
