Timber Gate Buying Guide
In short: Mortice & Tenon makes handcrafted timber pedestrian and driveway gates to order in our Hornsby (Sydney) workshop, using traditional mortice and tenon joinery. You choose a style and a standard size for fixed pricing, or request a custom size for any opening. Most gates are made within about four weeks and supplied primed, ready to paint. This guide covers the gate types, styles, costs, materials and how to choose.
Pedestrian gate or driveway gate?
The first decision is the opening you are filling. Pedestrian (single) gates suit front paths, side access and courtyards and are usually 900–1000mm wide. Driveway (double) gates are supplied as a matched pair for vehicle entrances, with a standard 3000mm total opening.
| Pedestrian gate | Driveway gate | |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Paths, side access (~0.9–1.0m) | Driveways (~3.0m) |
| Sold as | Single leaf | Matched pair |
| Standard price from | about $1,865 | about $3,645 |
| Lead time | ~4 weeks | ~4 weeks |
Timber gate styles
- Buckingham (Classic) — an open picket-window across the top with a solid lower panel; light, decorative kerb appeal.
- Collaroy (Solid) — a fully solid tongue-and-groove face for maximum privacy.
- Balmain & Avalon (Picket / Balustrade) — full-height or balustrade-style pickets for an open, traditional look.
Each style comes in flat-top, upward-curve and downward-curve profiles, with a choice of decorative gate-horn profile. See finished examples in the Gate Design Gallery.
How much do timber gates cost in Sydney?
Pricing depends on the style, size and options. As a guide, for standard sizes supplied primed:
| Product | Standard-size range |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian gates | about $1,865 – $3,090 |
| Driveway gate pairs | about $3,645 – $4,995 |
| Timber pickets | $10 – $18 each (min. order 10) |
Custom sizes are quoted individually — request a Custom Size quote and we confirm the size, price and lead time before we build. Hinges, locks, posts and automation are not included (hinges can be quoted on request).
Materials & construction
- Timber: sustainably sourced plantation pine.
- Joinery: genuine mortice and tenon joints — the strongest traditional timber joint, and where our name comes from.
- Finish: supplied primed; apply at least two coats of a quality exterior topcoat within four weeks of delivery, before the gate is exposed to the weather.
Lead time & custom sizing
Every gate is made to order, usually within about four weeks (confirmed at the time of order). For any opening that is not a standard size, use Custom Sizing — we work to your make width and height. Not sure how to measure? Follow the How to Measure guide.
How to choose — a quick checklist
- Opening type — pedestrian (single) or driveway (pair)?
- Privacy — solid face (Collaroy) or open picket (Buckingham / Balmain)?
- Top profile — flat, upward or downward curve?
- Size — a standard size for fixed pricing, or custom to your opening?
- Extras — gate-horn profile, hinges (quoted on request).
Ready to order?
Browse Pedestrian Gates and Driveway Gates, or contact us for help choosing — we have been making timber gates in Sydney for over 50 years.