FAQ's

Here at Authentic Gates™ we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality workmanship and products that are long lasting as well as value for money. Over the years we have come across several frequently asked questions about our genuine timber gates and you can find the answers below.

Questions
  • What makes a gate 'Authentic' ?

  • Only heavy duty galvanized bolts, brackets and hardware are used and good quality strap hinges, gudgeon pins, drop latches or chain.

  • Heavy-duty “square” washers [more clamping surfaces for bolts]

  • Minimum horizontal end grain [angled to shed rain]

  • All timber connections are vertical [self-draining when wet]

  • All nuts, bolts and washers are hot-dip galvanized [no rust problems]

  • Optional “Safe-Nuts” [increased security, no exposed bolt ends]

  • High-durability, full sized timber sections [built to outlast others]

  • You may find the occasional gum-vein, checking, cracks or splinters [indisputable evidence that this is real wood]

  • Hand selected seasoned Australian hardwoods [no “ex-rainforest” imports used here]

  • Fully bolted structure some screws; never any nails

  • Full diagonal-bracing [no sagging]

  • Evenly spaced horizontal rails

  • All braces are positioned at correct angles for optimum bracing [no sagging]

 

  • How long will it take to have my order delivered?

  • All  handcrafted Authentic Gates™ are made to order and are dispatched in less than 2 weeks from receipt of payment.

  • For interstate or regional orders, allow and extra 2-3 days transport time to receive your order.

  • If you have special needs or particular deadline, we will look at our production schedule and do our best to work to your requirements. Please call today if you would like to discuss this further.

 

  • Do any of the Authentic Gates™ include painting ?

  • All Authentic Gates™ are supplied with natural timber surface ready for oiling, staining or painting.

  • Alternatively you may choose to let them weather naturally to achieve a silvery grey patina. This will not void your Warranty.

  • Do you offer a warranty?

     10-year-no-bg-smaller.png

 

  • All the hardwood gates produced by Authentic Gates™ not only carry the stamp of true craftsmanship and are fully supported by a 10 year warranty.

  • Where are Authentic Gates™ products manufactured ?

  • All our gates are manufactured here in our own factory in Girraween NSW 2145  

 

  • What timber is used to make Authentic Gates™ ?

  • When sourcing timber, Authentic Gates™ selects only the finest and most durable, seasoned Australian Hardwoods.

  • We only use Class 1 and 2, properly seasoned Australian Hardwoods.

  • Hand selected from carefully managed and sustained yield licensed forests, these timbers are then cut, seasoned and then handcrafted into practical gates of natural beauty.  

  • These timbers have been hand-selected for durability & quality, so you know you’re getting an Authentic Gates™ made to stand the test of time.

  • We do not use 'reject grade' timbers or any inferior imported woods.

  • Who will install my new Authentic Gates™ ?

  • This is easy as we have already provided and factory fitted the hinges and latch hardware for you on every gate.

  • If assistance is required with fitting the Gudgeons (hinge pivots) to your posts, a reputable fencing contractor should be able to help with this. 

  • Are Authentic Gates™  weatherproof ? 

  • Because we only use seasoned Australian hardwood, Authentic Gates™ are naturally weather resistant for at least 40 years.

  • We do advise that you oil, stain or paint your gates to ensure you maximize their lifetime.

  • Good quality decking oils ( avoid 'water based oils' ) like Sikkens seem to work best.

  • What size posts will i need ?

  • Posts are best sourced from your local fencing contractor. For the larger hardwood gates we recommend:

  • Hardwood posts at least 200mm thick.

  • Treated softwood posts at least 300mm thick.

  • What is the widest single gate I can order?

  • Many of our single gate designs are available in individual widths up to a maximum of  3.6m.

  • The Vigneron design is the only design that includes a 3.9m single span.  

  • The widest standard size listed for each gate design is the maximum width that design will support.

  • Most designs can be reduced in width to a smaller custom size at no charge.

  • What do Authentic Gates™ generally weigh ?

  • Made from durable Australian hardwood, most driveway gates weigh between 80 to 120kg per gate. 

  • How much will shipping add to my order ?

  • FREE Shipping in NSW

    • Delivery is FREE direct to your site/property/stud/farm in greater Sydney metropolitan area, including out-lying districts.
    • Delivery within NSW is FREE to our nearest freight or transport depot in your REGIONAL area.

 

  • Shipping Fees outside NSW

  • Delivery outside NSW to our nearest freight or transport depot in your area incurs one flat rate surcharge per delivery.

  • This single fee covers all of the gates included in the same order :

    • ACT -  $66
    • NT   -  $675
    • QLD -  $330
    • SA    - $330
    • TAS  -  $440
    • VIC  -  $220
    • WA   -  $550

  • How do I prevent small animals (dogs, rabbits, chooks, small lambs) getting out under my gate ?

  • We recommend adding some fine chicken mesh or wire to the bottom of your Authentic Gate™ after it has been hung to prevent small animals getting in/out underneath the gate.

  • This mesh can be purchased in silver or black, and once hung is barely noticeable, so won’t ruin the look of your gate.

  • This mesh is generally available from most rural supply stores.


  • How do I identify an Authentic Gate™ ?

  • All of our gates have a stainless steel badge on them with our trade mark Authentic Gates™ logo.                                                               

  • This badge is your confirmation that you have the genuine article and proof of '10 year Warranty'.

  • What type of hardware is used on Authentic Gates™ ?

  • All of our gate hardware and components are heavy-duty galvanized steel.

  • How are they delivered ?

  • The gates are already assembled and delivered as a complete gate, with hinge kit & gudgeons, ready for you to hang.                                 

  • Most gates just require a two-man lift to get off the truck.


  • Do you provide Gate Automation ?

  • Authentic Gates™ does not provide automation services, however many of our clients have automated their Authentic Gates™, all with great success. 

  • We have seen almost every type of automation fitted to Authentic Gates™, e.g. ‘hydraulic ram’, ‘worm drive’, ‘crank arm’ etc. 

  • All of our gates are suitable for automation by any reputable automation company. This is best arranged after the gates have been installed. 

  • We have always found that:

  • 1st) Fit the gates correctly to properly founded posts,

  • 2nd) Arrange quality automation to be fitted by a professional company. Install adequate closing 'stops'.

  • 3rd) The gates will swing open and close, meeting perfectly every time.


  • Do you offer fencing, site work or installation ?

  • As specialist gate manufacturers, Authentic Gates™ do not offer fencing, site works or automation, however after purchase we may be able to refer you to local trades who specialize in those fields.


  • Can you make custom gates ? 

  • Authentic Gates™ have been providing fully customized design and style to unique specifications and size since 1999.

  • These are quoted individually and are understandably more of an investment than the Country Style range on this website. 

  • These can also include any combination of timber and steel construction, custom cedar gates, metal gates, wrought iron and steel gates.

  • You can view our custom gate portfolio at www.authenticgates.com.au

  • Please contact our office with an indication of your preferred type of gates and we will be pleased to assist.

  • For peace of mind knowing that you are buying an Authentic Gate, order yours online with us. Browse our range of wooden gates here.