Pricing Your Gate Project: Wooden Gate Options and Costs
Last Updated: December 27, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Once you've got the perfect wood fence picked out for your property, the last you'll need to choose is a gate.
The most obvious wood gate choice is one that matches the fence paneling.
But, you could select a wooden gate that stands out from the rest of the fence and adds a dash of style or have one custom built.
How Much Does a Wood Gate Cost? #
Installing a new wooden gate averages between $500 and $4,500. Prices vary based on size, wood type and design style:
Gate Size & Type
- 3 ft walk gate: $200 - $800
- 4 ft single driveway gate: $400 - $1,200
- 6 ft double driveway gates: $800 - $4,500
Wood Type
- Pine, cedar or redwood: $25 - $100 per linear foot
- Douglas fir or hemlock: $35 - $125 per linear foot
- Exotic hardwoods: $125+ per linear foot
Design Factors
- Basic ranch style: $500 - $1,500
- Ornate decorative: $1,500 - $4,500
- Automatic opener: $1,000 per gate
Labor accounts for 50% - 70% of costs.
Expect to pay more for heavy duty frames, hardware and delivery to remote areas.
Real-World Wood Gate Costs #
Here are some real-world quotes from homeowners on how much they paid to install custom wood gates:
"I had a 6 ft wide cedar gate with arched top and decorative metal hardware custom built for my driveway entrance. Paid $2,300 with installation." - James T., Ohio
"Needed a access gate put in on the side of my house for the backyard, nothing fancy. The 4x4 pressure treated pine gate with bolts cost me $425 total." - Anne B., Texas
"I hired a local woodworker to build a natural stone look composite 4 ft gate for the side yard. With the welded steel frame underneath and hardware, it was $1,860 total." - Kevin R., Pennsylvania
"Had two 8 ft automatic rolling gates with keypad entry installed on my long driveway. Used treated pine wood and cost $4,100 altogether." - Olivia S., Maryland
"I purchased a standard 6x3 ft cedar gate from the home improvement store for $189 and installed it myself easily over the weekend." - Noah P., Arizona
"Custom ordered two 12 ft long driveway gates made of durable ipe wood with decorative metal accents for $5,870 with pro installation." - Emma C., Nevada
As shown, costs range from $189 for basic DIY wooden gates up to $5,800+ for premium custom multi-gate projects.
Average Wood Security Gate Prices By Location (Updated for 2024): #
City or State | Zip Code | Average Price Paid |
---|---|---|
Houston, TX | 77449 | $504 |
Chicago, IL | 60629 | $458 |
Syracuse, NY | 13210 | $406 |
Albany, NY | 12208 | $426 |
Philadelphia, PA | 19019 | $441 |
Boise, ID | 83709 | $381 |
Grand Rapids, MI | 49504 | $402 |
Boston, MA | 02110 | $540 |
Las Angeles, CA | 91331 | $430 |
Wood Fence Gate Considerations #
The most common wood fencing designs are picket, vertical board, and post and rail.
For each of these, you should have no problem finding a corresponding wooden fence gate, but in order to select one that combines the right mix of form and function, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Double or Single Swing: Whether a wood entry gate has one or two halves (or leaves) is generally determined by the width of the opening. For a single swing gate, its best to limit the width to 5' to 8', while a double swing gate should fall within the 10' to 16' range. Exceeding these measurements could result in significant structural problems.
- Safety: Wooden gates, especially larger ones made from dense wood, can be quite heavy and present a significant safety hazard for children. Installing inside jams on the gate and providing space on the latch side can ensure small fingers don't get caught in pinch points. And to combat wind, which can cause a gate to slam shut, you may want to consider a wood gate design with spaces between the pickets so that air can pass through.
- Maintenance: Wood entry gates are prone to sagging and the hinges often wear out and require maintenance well before the gate itself does. Fortunately, repairs should be minor and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, those with basic do-it-yourself skills should be able to handle the job.