Gates Railings Direct

Gates Railings Direct, manufacturer of made-to-measure metal gates and railings

Gates Railings Direct is a British family business dedicated to manufacturing wrought iron-style metal gates, railings and handrails, each produced individually to the customer's measurements. The company presents itself as a firm established in 1946, operating from its own manufacturing facility in the West Midlands.

Origins and history: from coal bunkers to decorative ironwork

The company began trading in 1946 under the name Brettell Brothers Ltd, then focused on the production and supply of items such as coal bunkers and tin baths to retailers nationwide. Over the years it expanded its range to include metal gates and railings, adding wrought iron-style models, handrails and balustrades. Recognising the growing demand for this type of product among homeowners and property developers, it developed a range of decorative ironwork available both to the general public and to trade professionals. It later adopted the trading name Gates Railings Direct to reflect its core offering more clearly. According to the company itself, it began designing and manufacturing wrought iron gates, railings and handrails for local residential customers approximately thirty-five years ago.

Made to measure rather than standard stock

The feature the company highlights as its differentiator is that it does not hold stock of standard-sized products: all of its wrought iron-style items are made to order according to the measurements supplied by the customer. Production does not begin until the measurements have been verified and approved by the buyer. The firm maintains that this method achieves a precise fit without the need for on-site alterations during installation and at prices comparable to those of off-the-shelf products. The company's Technical Director, Anthony, is available to provide guidance during the measuring process.

Product ranges

The catalogue is organised into several lines of gates and railings, with different price points and finishes:

• Standard Range and Standard Flat Top
• Select Range
• Select Plus Range
• Elite Range, described as substantially proportioned and elegant
• Contemporary Range
• Bespoke Range, fully customised

Alongside these ranges, the shop offers metal posts, decorative post tops, locks, grilles and security doors, galvanized coal bunkers, tin baths and wrought iron handrails.

Installation and service in the London area

The products are designed for straightforward installation; the company notes that no previous experience is required and that a drill, a spirit level and a spanner are all that is needed. For customers in the London area, the company can offer a measuring and installation service through a network of collaborating landscapers and garden designers operating in various boroughs. Outside that area, the firm does not mention its own installation service.

Shipping, pricing and customer service

Gates Railings Direct ships anywhere in the United Kingdom. The company states that its prices and quotes include VAT and that it does not apply hidden charges. Based on the information provided by the customer, it prepares and issues a quote within two working days. For enquiries, it can be reached on 01384 392300 and at info@gatesrailingsdirect.co.uk.

Reviews and promotions

The website shows a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 106 reviews, with a link to Trustpilot. At the time of analysis, the site was advertising a Black Friday promotion with 10% off railings, gates and handrails when calling by phone and using the code GRD10; the promotion itself excluded tin baths, bunkers and bins.