Compare samples at your property
Timber has natural grain and variation; painted aluminium gives a more uniform surface. Wood-effect aluminium offers a printed or applied timber appearance, but grain repetition, edges and the rear face can look different from real wood.
View samples beside your brickwork in daylight and shade. Ask to see the finish on a corner, joint and reverse face, rather than choosing from a small photograph. Check how the posts, pedestrian gate and fencing will match.
Look beyond the face of the gate
For timber, ask for the species or modified-wood product, board construction, frame joints and finish specification. For aluminium, ask about the frame, infill, joints, coating and repair options. The material name alone does not establish stiffness, durability or suitability for automation.
Solid boards and open bars create different privacy and wind-exposure conditions. Discuss weight, dimensions, supports and movement with the installer. Compare the complete gate design instead of assuming that one material will suit every opening.
Plan the upkeep you will accept
Timber coatings need care appropriate to the species, exposure and selected finish. Ask how to recognise when attention is due and whether you want the wood to retain its original colour. Aluminium still needs the specified cleaning, coating checks and maintenance of its fittings.
Separate the timber or coating warranty from the gate fabrication, installation and automation terms. Ask about exclusions, maintenance records and labour charges. A raw-material warranty does not promise that the complete gate will remain unchanged for that period.
Compare equivalent quotations
Put the same opening dimensions, infill, finish, supports, automation and access controls into both quotations. Include removal of the old entrance, power, groundworks, VAT and reinstatement. This gives you a useful comparison without relying on a universal lifespan or percentage saving.
Explore wooden driveway gates and aluminium gates. For modified timber, read our Accoya guide and ask for the proposed product terms. Then discuss your entrance.