Composite gates give you the look of wood with less upkeep. UK Metal Gates makes them to measure, surveys your property first and installs across the UK. This page explains how to clean and look after composite boards, then shows what you get when you order from us. This guidance applies to the composite boards only.
Do composite gates need maintenance?
Yes, but not much. Low maintenance is one of the main reasons people choose composite boards, yet occasional cleaning is still needed to keep their appearance.
How to clean composite gates
Soapy water and a soft brush
Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and scrub the boards with a soft-bristled brush. Household washing-up liquid works well, including on grease or road dirt. Always brush in the direction of the grain.
Using a jet washer
A jet washer can be used on the boards. Direct the jet along the direction of the grain. Do not use a commercial washer, because it may be too powerful for the boards.
How to remove stains from composite boards
If a board is marked during installation or handling, clean it straight away so the stain does not become ingrained. Use a mild detergent mixed with water.
Stronger cleaning products are on sale, but we recommend a simple mild detergent mix, because stronger products risk serious damage to the board.
What to avoid when cleaning composite gates
- Commercial power washers, which may be too powerful.
- Sanding the boards.
- Abrasive materials, which should never be used to remove a mark or stain.
- Stronger cleaning products, as described above.
Composite gates compared with real wood
Compared with real wood, composite gates need less upkeep. They still benefit from regular cleaning, using the simple method above.
Why choose UK Metal Gates composite gates
Made to measure
We make composite gates to your measurements, and our ranges offer over 500 designs. Our fabrication capability reaches 15m long and 4m high.
British manufactured
Our gates are British manufactured, with no imports.
One workshop, start to finish
Our team handles sales, manufacturing, installation and powder-coating from one workshop in Barking, and the business dates back to 1993.
Surveyed and drawn before we build
We visit your property, take our own measurements and photographs, and send you a drawn plan before manufacture and installation.
Any RAL colour
Any RAL colour is available on composite gates.
Automation available
Composite gates can be automated. We supply and install DEA, CAME, FAAC and Nice motors, and we can motorise a gate you already own. Read our guide to electric gates cost.
Supplied and installed across the UK
We supply, deliver and install composite gates nationwide. We have worked with GP surgeries, NHS hospital sites and properties that landlords manage.
Composite gate styles we make
Choose the style that suits your opening, and see the full range of composite gates:
- composite driveway gates
- composite side gates
- composite garden gates
- composite sliding gates
- composite bi-fold gates
- Split layout: composite 3/4 split driveway gates
- Corner layout: composite corner sliding gates
Not sure which style fits? Our guide to entrance gates compares every type.
How to order a composite gate
- Start with your preferred style and colour, along with an approximate opening width.
- Let us know if you would like automation.
- Using that information, we calculate a price for your gate.
- We survey your property, then send the drawn plan before we make and fit the gate.
Composite gate questions
Do composite gates need maintenance?
They need less than real wood, but they still need cleaning every so often to keep their appearance.
How do I clean composite gates?
Use warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, and brush in the direction of the grain. Household washing-up liquid is suitable.
Can I use a jet washer on composite boards?
Yes, a jet washer can be used. Direct the jet along the direction of the grain, and do not use a commercial washer, which may be too powerful.
How do I remove a stain from a composite board?
Clean it straight away with a mild detergent and water, so the stain does not become ingrained.
Can I sand a composite board to remove a mark?
No. Do not sand the board or use abrasive materials on it.
Should I use a stronger cleaning product?
We recommend a simple mild detergent mix, because stronger products risk serious damage to the board.
Does this advice cover the whole gate?
No. This guidance applies to the composite boards only.
Do you make composite gates to measure?
Yes. We make composite gates to your measurements, and they are British manufactured.
What is the largest composite gate you can make?
Our fabrication capability reaches 15m long and 4m high.
Can I choose the colour of my composite gate?
Yes. Any RAL colour is available on composite gates.
Can composite gates be automated?
Yes. We supply and install DEA, CAME, FAAC and Nice motors, and we can motorise a gate you already own.
Will you visit before making the gate?
Yes. During our visit we measure and photograph the site ourselves. You receive a drawn plan before we manufacture and install the gate.
Do you install composite gates across the UK?
Yes. Our supply, delivery and installation service covers the UK.
