A Helpful Guide When Comparing Quotes for aluminium slat Gates & Fencing
We know choosing the right contractor isn’t just about price. When you’re comparing quotes for aluminium slat gates or fencing, it can be hard to tell what really matters until years later - when things start rattling, sagging, or cracking.
This guide is here to help you ask the right questions and understand the details that make a difference for long-lasting gates and fencing.
8 Questions You Should Be Asking
Is the Gate or Fence Made to Measure at Your Home or Pre Fabricated Off Site?
How is The Gate Frame Built?
Are the Posts the Right Size and Installed Deep Enough?
How Are the Slats Fixed, and Are the Screws Visible?
Are the Hinges and Locks Reliable?
Is Everything Included - and Is the Price Fixed?
Have They Got Good Reviews?
Will They Go the Extra Mile?
1- Is the Gate or fence Made to Measure at your home or pre fabricated off site?
Prefabricated gates and fence panels may not suit openings that aren’t perfectly square or plumb. This can lead to:
Odd-sized gaps between the gate and the posts
Gates that look crooked and not square
Posts being packed out to try and allow for the pre made gate
Our approach:
We arrive with full lengths of all the materials required
We measure everything perfectly
Everything is cut and built at your home, made specifically for your opening
This opening had a 30mm difference between the top and the bottom, but because we made it custom on site we could modify the gate frame to make sure it looked perfectly square
2- how is the gate frame built?
Some gates are built using fully welded frames. While this method can work, it does have a few challenges:
Welds may not be welded all the way through, which can make them prone to cracking over time
Welded frames don’t allow for natural movement or vibration from daily use
Extra braces may be needed to hold the shape, which can create uneven or less attractive sides
Because the slats sit inside a fixed border frame, there’s usually a visible top rail - meaning the slats don’t always line up perfectly with the adjoining fence panels
Our preference is to build our gates using vertical sections with horizontal slats providing the main structure. We prefer this method :
Allows natural movement, so the frame can handle repeated opening and closing without stress
Eliminates the need for extra braces, so the gate is clean, strong, and symmetrical
Ensures the slats line up seamlessly with adjoining panels for a consistent, modern finish
Provides a durable, long-lasting frame that maintains its shape and function over time
Other installer: the slats do not line up across the whole fence and gate
Our Install: perfectly aligned slats the whole way across
3- Are the Posts the Right Size and Installed Deep Enough?
Posts hold your gate or fence securely, so they need to be strong and thoughtfully installed.
We ensure they’re sized appropriately and installed deeply - for example, an 1800mm gate needs to have about 600mm of post in the ground and be securely cemented.
Also check whether the size of post being used is strong enough for what you require, you can’t be using a 50mm aluminium post to hold up a 1.5m wide gate, it wouldn’t have the strength.
We also take care to make sure the posts look like they belong, so everything is level, aligned with your fence and gate, and sits naturally with your home.
Other supplier: Post on wall an odd height and also not strong enough by our standards
Our install: Strong appropriately sized posts all lined up at the same height
4- How Are the Slats Fixed, and Are the Screws Visible?
The way slats are fixed makes a big difference for durability and appearance.
Check how many screws are used - some fences and gates only have one screw per end, which can loosen over time.
Ask whether the screws are covered or exposed - visible fixings can distract from a clean, modern look.
Our approach:
Two screws at each end of every slat for extra strength and reduced vibration
Screw covers that completely hide all fixings, giving a seamless, premium finish
Other supplier: Slats had been poorly installed and were falling down
Our install: Two screws in every slat which are then covered afterwards for a seamless finish
5- Are the Hinges and Locks Reliable?
The right hardware is key for a gate that functions smoothly and lasts.
Ask about the hinges - will they support the gate’s weight? Are they made from materials that won’t rust or wear quickly?
Check the lock type - is it simple, proven, and easy to maintain?
Our approach:
Heavy-duty hinges rated to 500kg, designed to handle repeated use without sagging
Trusted lock system used for over 10 years - simple, strong, and reliable
Double-sided key lock that can also be used without needing a key for everyday convenience
You can learn more about the specific details of our gates here.
6- Is Everything Included - and Is the Price Fixed?
When comparing quotes, check:
Is removal and disposal of any existing gates or fencing included?
Are there any extra costs for disposal or site preparation?
Is the price fixed, or could it change if the installation takes longer than expected?
Some quotes may look competitive upfront, but additional time, adjustments, or unexpected challenges can sometimes lead to extra costs once the job is underway.
With us, removal and disposal are always included, and we don’t add on extra costs after the job.
7- Have You Checked Their Reviews?
It can be tempting to go with the guy selling a gate cheaply on Facebook Marketplace, but how do you know they’re reliable?
Reviews are a great way to get peace of mind. They show whether:
The installer turns up on time
The work is done neatly and professionally
Customers are happy with the finished result and the care taken during installation
Taking a little time to check reviews can save a lot of frustration later - ensuring your gate or fence looks great, works well, and lasts for years.
Check out our glowing 5 star google reviews (note: The Fence King was our previous brand - still the same Tom providing the same quality service)
You can also read up a bit more about Tom, our owner and head installer
8- Will They Go the Extra Mile?
We don’t just put up the gate or fence and walk away. A lot of time is spent making sure the area is returned to exactly how it was.
Customers are often pleasantly surprised when Tom gets out the rag to wipe down every single slat and then meticulously vacuums up all the metal shavings. It’s these little touches that make a big difference.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions about our quote, or you’d like help comparing options, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to talk things through and help you make the right decision for your home.