Gallows Brackets: What Are They and What Sets Ours Apart From Others?
When choosing a front door canopy or similar structure, one of the key elements you’ll come across is gallows brackets. These simple but incredibly strong supports play a vital role in keeping canopies secure and stable.
Whether you’re building a porch, fitting an over door canopy, adding character to a bay window, or even supporting a small extension, gallows brackets combine strength and style in a way few other components can. But what exactly are they, and why should you choose ours over the many other options on the market?
What Are Gallows Brackets?
The name “gallows bracket” comes from the Middle Ages. Back then, gallows, the wooden frames used for executions, relied on a triangular support to hold up heavy beams. The triangular shape was chosen for one reason, strength.
A triangle is the strongest geometric shape in construction. It has fixed angles which distribute force evenly, making it rigid and resistant to twisting or bending. For centuries, builders have used triangular supports in everything from bridges to roof trusses, and gallows brackets are a smaller, more practical application of this same principle.
Today, gallows brackets are commonly used to:
Support porches and door canopies
Hold up bay windows or dormer structures
Provide stability to small extensions
Act as a feature beneath balconies or overhanging sections of buildings
Add support and style to signage and shopfronts
Used to support hanging baskets
Create decorative details on timber-framed homes
Even serve in furniture making or shelving for a rustic look
So, while they’re a go-to for canopies, their use goes far beyond that. They’re both a functional and decorative element that can enhance the safety, structure, and character of a property.
Why Gallows Brackets Matter in Construction
Every building relies on weight being distributed properly. Without strong support, even a small structure can become unsafe over time. Gallows brackets provide that essential reinforcement.
For example, if you’re adding a door canopy to your home, the weight of the roof and tiles needs to be transferred back into the wall. Without brackets, all that stress would rest directly on the wall fixings, leading to cracks, sagging, or even structural damage. Brackets work by spreading the load, keeping the feature secure and extending its lifespan.
It’s not just about safety though. Gallows brackets are clearly visible, so they play a vital role in how your home looks. The right style of bracket can add architectural detail, blending seamlessly with traditional homes or offering a sharp, modern finish to newer builds.
In short, gallows brackets combine the best of both worlds – strength and aesthetics. But as with most building components, not all are made to the same standard.
Traditional Gallows Brackets vs Modern Alternatives
Historically, gallows brackets have been made from timber or metal. While these can still be found today, they come with some challenges:
Timber brackets look attractive but need constant maintenance. They must be treated regularly to prevent rot, woodworm, and weather damage. Over time, even the best-quality wood can warp or split.
Metal brackets provide good strength but can corrode, rust, or discolour. They’re often heavier and harder to install, and if the paint or powder coating chips away, they’ll need attention to keep them looking presentable and keep them safe and sturdy.
Both materials can do the job, but for homeowners and builders who want something longer-lasting and hassle-free, there’s a smarter choice.
What Sets Our Gallows Brackets Apart?
We’ve taken the traditional gallows bracket and re-engineered it using modern materials and manufacturing techniques. The result is a bracket that doesn’t just perform well on day one but continues to do so for years without extra effort.
Here’s why ours stand out:
Exceptional Strength
Strength is the number one priority when it comes to gallows brackets. After all, their main job is to support weight safely. Each of our brackets has been tested to support up to 250kg individually, or 500kg when used in pairs with the load evenly spread.
What does this mean in practice? It means you can use them with confidence for heavy-duty applications such as porches, tiled canopies, or even structural overhangs. Where some brackets may only be suitable for lightweight features, ours are built for real-world demands. Builders appreciate this strength because it reduces risk, while homeowners gain peace of mind knowing the structure will stay secure for the long term.
Maintenance-Free Design
Traditional timber brackets look charming when first installed, but they require regular upkeep. Paint can peel, wood can crack, and moisture can lead to rot. Similarly, metal brackets can suffer from rust or peeling coatings if not maintained.
Our brackets, on the other hand, are made from a composite polymer that never needs sanding, sealing, painting, or oiling. Once fitted, you can forget about them. This low-maintenance design saves time, money, and hassle. For busy homeowners, it’s one less job on the long list of property upkeep tasks. For tradespeople, it means fewer callbacks and happier clients.
Long-Term Durability
Durability is where our brackets really shine. Unlike timber, they won’t rot, warp, or split. Unlike steel, they won’t rust, corrode, or discolour. Even after years of exposure to sun, rain, and frost, they stay looking and performing exactly as they did on day one.
We back this up with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers not just structural integrity but also UV stability. That means the colour and finish won’t fade under sunlight. Homeowners can feel confident, knowing they’re investing in a product designed to last well beyond the warranty period.
Choice of Styles and Sizes
Every home and every project is different, which is why we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our gallows brackets are available in both straight designs for a clean, modern look and curved designs for a softer, more traditional feel.
In terms of scale, we stock sizes ranging from 250mm up to 600mm, making them suitable for everything from compact bay windows to larger porch extensions. If your project requires something more specific, we also offer custom-made brackets tailored to your exact requirements. This flexibility ensures a perfect fit and avoids the compromises that often come with off-the-shelf solutions.
Modern Colour Options
A bracket should support your project structurally, but it should also complement it visually. To make this easy, our gallows brackets are available in three neutral yet stylish finishes: white, black, and anthracite grey.
These colours have been carefully chosen to suit a wide range of properties. White works beautifully with traditional homes and lighter façades. Black offers a bold, timeless contrast that suits both brick and rendered walls. Anthracite grey is a modern favourite, blending seamlessly with contemporary windows, doors, and cladding. Whatever the style of your home, there’s a finish to match.
Eco-Friendly Construction
Sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a priority for homeowners, developers, and builders alike. That’s why we’ve made sure our gallows brackets are an environmentally responsible choice. Each one is made using 80% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
By choosing our brackets, you’re not only reducing your project’s environmental impact but also supporting a more circular economy. You get all the benefits of strength and durability, with the added reassurance that your choice is kinder to the planet.
Why Homeowners and Builders Prefer Our Brackets
It comes down to three things: strength, style, and simplicity. Builders appreciate that our brackets are easy to fit and won’t create callbacks for maintenance. Homeowners like that they enhance the look of the property while requiring no upkeep.
And because they’re made from sustainable materials, they also tick the box for eco-conscious buyers who want to make greener choices.
FAQs About Gallows Brackets
Can I fit gallows brackets myself?
Yes, many DIY enthusiasts are confident enough to install them. However, for larger projects like extensions or bay windows, we recommend professional installation to ensure safety and compliance.
Are gallows brackets stronger than corbels?
Yes. While corbels can provide decorative support, gallows brackets use the triangular structure that’s designed for heavy loads, making them more reliable for structural use.
How long do gallows brackets last?
Traditional timber or metal brackets may need replacing after a few years of wear. Our composite polymer brackets, with their 10-year warranty, are designed to last decades without deterioration.
Final Thoughts
Gallows brackets may have started out in medieval construction, but they remain just as important today. From porches and canopies to bay windows, signage, and even purely decorative features like hanging baskets, they’re a versatile and essential part of modern building design.
The difference comes in choosing the right type. Traditional wood and metal brackets bring with them a long list of maintenance and durability concerns. Our brackets, made from composite polymer, solve those problems with outstanding strength, zero maintenance, and a long lifespan – all while being environmentally friendly.
So, whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your entrance, a builder sourcing reliable materials, or a property developer seeking a sustainable solution, our gallows brackets deliver on every level.