Gates are one of the most important parts of your fence — and one of the most common sources of problems when they're not done right. A gate that sags, sticks, or won't latch is a daily frustration. Here's what to think about when planning your fence gates.
The most common mistake homeowners make is building gates too narrow. A standard walk-through gate should be at least 36–42 inches wide — wide enough for a person carrying things, pushing a wheelbarrow, or walking a dog on a leash.
If you need to get a riding mower, trailer, or other equipment through, a double gate (5–8 feet wide) is the way to go. Think about what you'll need access for — not just today, but in the future. It's much easier to plan for a wider gate now than to retrofit one later.
Single gates (3–4 feet) are great for pedestrian access, side yards, and dog runs. They're simpler to build, easier to operate, and less prone to alignment issues. Most residential properties need at least one.
Double gates (5–8 feet) are essential if you need equipment access to your backyard. We build double gates with a removable center post — one side stays latched as your everyday walk-through gate, and both sides swing open when you need the full width.
Cedar is heavy. Cheap hardware fails on cedar gates — fast. We use heavy-duty, rust-resistant hinges rated for the weight of the gate, and latches that stay aligned as the wood naturally expands and contracts with Colorado's seasons.
Self-closing hinges are a smart addition for households with kids or pets. Spring-loaded hinges pull the gate shut automatically, so it never gets left open by accident.
Gate sag is the number one gate complaint, and it's almost always caused by inadequate construction. Every gate we build includes a diagonal cross-brace — a board that runs corner to corner inside the gate frame. This simple structural element transfers the weight of the gate to the hinge side and prevents the dreaded sag that plagues poorly built gates.
The gate posts themselves also need extra attention. We set gate posts deeper and in larger concrete footings than line posts, because they bear more stress from the swinging weight.
A gate should look like a seamless part of your fence — not an afterthought. We build gates using the same boards, spacing, and style as the fence panels they sit between. When the gate is closed, you shouldn't be able to tell where the fence ends and the gate begins.
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