Those gates really do look good. We advise our customers that if they want a painted finish NOT to go for hardwood. The cost can easily double (if not treble) in price and there is no real advantage if instead using a slow grown softwood! In fact, density level of iroko (hardwood) and slow grown redwood pine is extremely close. Yes hardwood is dense but so is some softwoods. Also, the natural beauty of hardwood with a quality oil finish is stunning and seems a crime to paint - in our opinion!

@Portcullis - sage green seems really popular at the moment which is why I think my contrariness is telling me to go for something different! It also doesn't help with giving colour during the winter months much but on the other hand there's a reason it's so popular! @Patience - thanks for the suggestions. I don't think of myself as a pastel person much but I can see how it would solve some problems like not noticeably fading like bolder colours would. Re. the boundary wall - I'm reluctant to paint it as it's going to have loads of plants in front when I get my pots - it's where the sun shines and I don't like the look of painted bricks much. Thanks for the suggestions - some food for thought!

Style and colour looks nice and you can find many shades in the greens, blues, greys that will look good. It depends on your garden theme overall. This one was possibly made to measure so cost is a consideration. There are other options such as tall palisade gates, and louvre and slatted panels or combinations of louvre and slatted with solid panels, plus many trellis styles to top panels that are off the shelf (Jacksons, Grange, etc). I think you will find ideas here. Just consider that if people can see in (top section trellis or other) this helps the look overall and importantly aids your security. If others can see in, then they can see if anyone is in your garden who shouldn't be! As its adjacent a road, I suggest you also check your local planning regs for fence heights adjacent to a highway.

I prefer the Painswick/agate grey. Black looks too much like dark grey