Sapele, Gates, Exterior, Mortise, Adjustable, Painted
Garden Threshold
A pair of bespoke timber side gates designed, made and installed for a home in Lewes. Built from solid sapele, the gates replace an existing set with something stronger, more considered and better suited to the character of the property.
Traditional joinery, durable materials and carefully selected adjustable hardware were brought together to create gates intended to age well and remain easy to maintain.
BRIEF.
The client wanted to replace an existing pair of side gates with something more substantial and better made. Privacy and security were important, but the new gates also needed to feel like a permanent part of the home rather than an off-the-shelf addition.
Because they are exposed to the weather throughout the year, durability, timber movement and future maintenance all needed to be considered from the outset.
CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS.
External joinery has to cope with continual changes in moisture and temperature, so the natural movement of the timber was central to the design.
The previous hinge arrangement offered little scope for adjustment as the gates moved through the seasons. Heavy-duty adjustable hinges were specified instead, allowing the alignment to be fine-tuned in future without altering the gates themselves.
Combined with naturally durable sapele and a Teknos exterior coating system, this gives the gates a much better chance of continuing to operate smoothly over the long term.
THE MAKING PROCESS.
The project began with a site survey to establish the exact opening, proportions and practical requirements. Back in the workshop, the sapele was selected and prepared before each component was machined and the traditional mortise and tenon joints were cut.
The gates were assembled as individual pieces rather than adapted from a standard design, allowing their proportions to suit the property and feel substantial without becoming visually heavy. Care was given to grain direction, joint accuracy and the way each component would respond outdoors.
Once assembled and prepared, the gates received the full Teknos exterior paint system before being transported to site. Installation focused on achieving consistent gaps and smooth movement, with the adjustable hinges carefully set so the gates could continue to be fine-tuned as the timber naturally changes through the seasons.
“Absolutely beautiful craftsmanship, we're extremely happy with the care and attention throughout the project. Thanks so much!”
- Sara Stindum, Lewes