If you head to a DIY store, you will see garden gates in one standard width: 900mm (approx 3ft). Ideally, that fits a standard opening.
But Bristol is an old city. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Southville or a stone cottage in Hambrook, your masonry opening is rarely "standard." It might be 860mm at the top and 890mm at the bottom.
Trying to force a standard gate into a non-standard gap leads to huge ugly gaps or a gate that won't close. The solution? Bespoke Joinery. Here is how we build a gate from scratch to fit your specific space.
Step 1: The "Millimeter" Survey
We don't just measure the width. We measure the "square." Old brick walls often lean or bow.
We take three width measurements (top, middle, bottom) and two diagonal measurements. This tells us if your opening is square. If the walls are wonky, we calculate exactly how much clearance (expansion gap) is needed so the gate swings freely in winter without leaving a massive gap for the wind to whistle through.
Step 2: The Skeleton (The Z-Brace)
The most important part of a gate is the part you don't always see: the rear frame.
A cheap gate uses a simple square frame. Over time, gravity pulls the latch side down, and the gate drags. We build a traditional "Ledge and Brace" frame.
- The Ledges: Horizontal bars that hold the structure.
- The Brace: A diagonal timber running from the bottom hinge corner to the top latch corner.
Engineering Fact: This diagonal brace transfers the weight of the gate back to the hinges (the strongest point), making it physically impossible for the gate to sag (known as "racking").
Step 3: The Cladding (Joinery Grade)
For bespoke gates, we don't use rough fence slats. We use Joinery Grade Scandinavian Redwood.
We typically use TGV (Tongue and Groove V-joint) boards. These interlock tightly for total privacy and a smooth, premium finish. Because the timber is kiln-dried and planed smooth, it takes paint or oil beautifully, unlike rough-sawn timber which soaks up paint like a sponge.
Step 4: The Furniture
A heavy bespoke gate needs heavy hardware. We don't use tiny screws.
We install 400mm or 450mm T-Hinges (either Galvanized for a silver look or Epoxy Black for a heritage look). These long hinges spread the load across the width of the gate, preventing the wood from splitting.
Why Bespoke?
It’s not just about the fit. It’s about security.
Because we build the gate to fill the gap perfectly, there is no room for a crowbar to be inserted. We can integrate Long-Throw Key Locks (which allow you to lock the gate from both sides) directly into the frame during construction, making your side entrance as secure as your front door.
Got an awkward gap?
Don't settle for a gate that "almost" fits. Let us hand-craft a solid timber gate that adds value, security, and style to your home.
Featured Image Image A high-quality close-up of the back of a new bespoke timber gate, showing the sturdy "Z" diagonal bracing and heavy-duty black hinges. Image Alt Text Bespoke timber gate showing Z-brace construction and heavy duty T-hinges. Tags Select Tags Bespoke Gates Custom Joinery Garden Gates Made to Measure Bristol Carpentry SEO Settings Meta Title Bespoke Timber Gates Bristol: Hand-Crafted to Fit Meta Description Standard gate won't fit? We hand-craft bespoke timber gates for odd-sized gaps in Bristol. Strong Z-braced frames & joinery finish.