A Modern or Contemporary style gate is usually built of a hardwood with a natural stain/finish to show off the color and  attractive grain patterns.  Honduras Mahogany was the original or “authentic Mahogany” in a wide variety of architectural applications, including doors and windows and elaborate interior woodworking.  In recent years, Honduras Mahogany has become scarce and very expensive due to over-cutting and exploitative resource management in South America.   Today,  there are several species of hardwood that share the look and benefits of this fine hardwood, and are excellent substitutes for use in exterior gates and even marine settings.  Sapele, Utile, Sipo, Ipe and African or Philipine Mahogany are now common in all sorts of residential  uses.