Choosing the Right Gate for Your Fence: Match or Contrast?

Understanding Your Choices

You've figured out what type of fence you want. Now, you have several design directions to consider. Should your gate blend seamlessly and match your fence, or should it stand out and provide a bold contrast? Here’s a practical guide to help you decide, using popular materials and styles like corrugated metal, metal and wood combinations, and metal gates. 

Matching Gates: Cohesion and Harmony

A matching fence gate continues the style, colour, and material of your fence, giving your property a unified look. This approach works well if you want:

• Clean, uninterrupted sightlines
  

• An understated, sophisticated curb appeal
  

• Simplicity when selecting materials and finishes
  

• A fence where all components age at the same rate

Image: "The Coastal" coffee brown corrugated panel in treated lumber frame. More about this fence

Contrasting Gates: Statement and Personality

A contrasting gate uses different materials, colours, or designs than the main fence. This option might suit you if you want:

• A focal point that draws the eye upon arrival
  

• To highlight the entrance or main path
  

• A touch of creativity or personal flair to your landscaping
  
  

Image credit: https://www.hello-hayley.com/wood-fence-ideas/

Think about whether you want the entrance to blend into the background (matching) or to stand out as a design element (contrasting). Take into account your home’s exterior colours, landscaping, and architectural style.

Design Inspirations

• Complete Unity: Corrugated metal fence with a matching gate for a modern industrial look. Picture charcoal gray corrugated panels running seamlessly from fence to gate, creating a striking backdrop for minimalist landscaping with ornamental grasses and sculptural planters.\

• Warm Contrast: Natural wood fence paired with a striking black metal gate for a contemporary farmhouse feel. This combination works beautifully with white or cream-colored homes, where the natural cedar fence provides warmth while the sleek black metal gate adds sophisticated contrast reminiscent of classic barn doors.

• Mix & Match: Metal and wood fence with a hog wire and wood fence gate to bring together multiple textures harmoniously. Consider alternating panels, creating visual rhythm that complements Craftsman-style architecture and natural accents.

• Bold Entry: Simple wooden fence offset with a sculptural black metal gate as an artistic main entrance. Think geometric patterns, laser-cut designs, or custom metalwork that reflects your home's unique character—perfect for mid-century modern homes with clean lines and large windows.

Image from Garon Fence

• Classic Elegance: Traditional white picket fence with an arched wooden gate painted in a coordinating trim colour, like soft sage green or navy blue, ideal for colonial and cottage-style homes with established gardens.

• Urban Chic: Horizontal slat fence in natural wood paired with a powder-coated aluminum gate in bronze finish, creating sophisticated contrast perfect for contemporary townhomes and loft-style properties with concrete and steel architectural elements.
  

Final Tips

• Visit fence suppliers for inspiration and to see sample combinations.
  

• Ask about custom fabrication if you need a specific look not offered as standard.
  

• Factor in local climate: Metal gates, including corrugated gates, resist warping and swelling better than wood in damp environments, but both may benefit from protective coatings.
  
  

A gate can set the tone for an entire property and selecting the perfect fence gate is a crucial step. You can embrace the elegance of coordinated design elements or make a statement with striking contrasts that showcase a unique style. From the industrial appeal of corrugated metal to the warmth of wood-metal blends, from classic metal designs to innovative colour combinations, the possibilities let you design an entrance that speaks to your personality.