Decks are a great communal area to many homes, especially when they overlook a yard or are large enough to host large numbers of people. The entrance to your deck from the outside, or the entrance from this area to the yard itself, should be an efficient, if not handsome, deck gate, which matches the deck and railing, yet also compliments the house and backyard. There are many different gate designs based on aesthetics and safety for guests--and babies. Does this Spark an idea?
High Entryway Deck Gate
If your deck is surrounded by large buildings or a tall wall of some kind in an urban area, a high entryway deck gate may be the perfect option. This gate can be made out of a different material then the rest of the deck, such as wrought-iron or older treated wood, and should stand at least 5 feet high so that it not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also creates a bit of security from anyone trying to climb over the deck gate from the outside.
Of course this depends on the design of your deck itself, but with higher walls and railings and less of an open area to the deck, whatever is happening on the deck itself may feel a little more exclusive or private.
Saloon Door Deck Gates
An original, interesting and inventive idea for deck gates may be to create them with two narrower wooden doors that swing back and forth smoothly, like the small doors in the saloon. These swinging deck gates would go from the base of the deck to the top of the railing and be able to be pushed open with ease and close on their own. They could also be locked from one side, with a latch or hooks, preventing animals or children from venturing or falling off the deck. Aesthetically they may not work with some deck designs. But with others, in the style of the South or West, where old saloon doors are a throwback to the roots of the area, they may be the most memorable deck gates around.
Temporary Safety Gates
There are also a number of deck gates that are primarily for animal containment and baby safety. Most of these are plastic or inexpensive balsa-wood frames that can be extended or compressed to lock against the railings of the deck's staircase, creating a barrier that can easily be removed or stepped over by adults. While incredibly efficient and inexpensive, these temporary safety gates aren't very aesthetically pleasing, for the most part. Some companies make attractive hardwood safety gates that can easily be installed and uninstalled at deck entrances. However, the best solution may be to install a temporary gate with a latch put up high, so a small child or animal cannot reach it and let themselves out.
Tags: deck gates, your deck, aesthetically pleasing, Deck Gate, deck gate, deck itself
