Do I need to use a wood preservative on newly made driveway gates?

Applying a wood preservative prior to oiling, painting or staining new driveway gates will help to protect the timber from mould, algae and insect attack. Usual application is 2 coats to all surfaces including edges and end grain. If the driveway gates are going to be treated with a water-based paint or stain, take care to ensure that the preservative used does not contain wax, oil or silicon as this will repel the top-coat. If the gate is to be oiled, this is not such an issue although a wax free preservative would still be a better option. a list of wood preservers suitable for driveway and garden gates can be found here.