A wood gate typically costs $150-$2,500 installed, with many homeowners paying about $900 for a standard walk gate or modest double gate. Wood gate cost depends mainly on gate width, wood species, hardware, post condition, labor, and whether the project includes a driveway opening or custom design.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk gate, installed | $250 | $750 | $1,500 | Typically 3-4 ft wide |
| Driveway gate, installed | $800 | $2,000 | $5,000 | Usually 10-16 ft wide |
| Gate materials only | $100 | $450 | $1,800 | Wood, frame, and basic hardware |
| Installation labor | $150 | $500 | $1,500 | Higher if posts or access need work |
Assumptions: U.S. prices for standard wood and manual hardware, with normal site access. Custom designs, premium lumber, and regional labor rates can raise totals.
What homeowners pay for a wood gate by size
For a standard 3-4 ft walk gate, buyers commonly pay $250-$1,500 installed. A straightforward prefabricated gate with sound existing posts may land near the low end; a made-to-measure cedar gate with new posts and upgraded latch can approach the high end. The average is about $750.
A 6-8 ft garden or side-yard gate generally costs $400-$1,800 installed. Wider openings need stronger framing and more substantial hinges to limit sagging. For a 10-16 ft driveway opening, expect roughly $800-$5,000 for a manual pair of wood gate leaves, depending on design and post work.
A useful initial budget is $500-$1,200 for a basic walk gate and $1,500-$3,000 for a typical manual driveway gate. These estimates cover a standard design, installation, and ordinary hardware, not automatic operators, major fencing changes, or difficult excavation.
How lumber, posts, hardware, and labor shape the quote
A contractor’s estimate may combine the gate itself, supporting posts, hardware, labor, and removal of an old gate. The ranges below describe common line items; some companies include hardware and delivery in a single installed price, so the categories should not simply be added without checking the quote.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate lumber and frame | $100-$900 | Species, thickness, design, and width | $10-$45 per sq ft |
| Posts and concrete | $50-$350 | Post count, depth, soil, and removal | $25-$125 per post |
| Hinges, latch, and fasteners | $30-$300 | Load rating, finish, lock, and gate size | $30-$150 per gate |
| Carpentry and installation | $150-$1,500 | Build complexity and site conditions | $50-$100 per hour |
| Old gate removal and disposal | $50-$300 | Gate weight, access, and disposal rules | $50-$200 per opening |
Labor and post work often account for as much of the bill as the gate panels themselves. A simple replacement on solid posts may take 2-4 hours. Setting new posts, building a large frame, or correcting a sloped opening can add a half day or more.
Which wood species and opening dimensions raise prices?
Wood species affects both material price and long-term maintenance. Pressure-treated pine is usually the least expensive choice, while cedar often costs more but is naturally resistant to decay. Redwood and hardwood options can cost substantially more and may require specialty sourcing. For gate lumber alone, a basic pine build may run $100-$350; cedar commonly falls around $200-$700; premium or custom hardwood work can exceed $900.
Width and height determine how much lumber is needed and how much weight the hinges and posts must carry. A 3-4 ft wide pedestrian gate is less demanding than a 6 ft tall privacy gate or a 12-16 ft driveway pair. Openings over 8 ft often require reinforced frames, heavier hinges, or a center support to reduce sagging.
Site conditions also matter. A slope of more than a few inches across the opening may call for a custom angled bottom, stepped layout, or different hinge placement. Rocky soil, tree roots, a retaining wall, or buried utilities can make post installation slower or require alternate mounting. Confirm the exact opening width, height, slope, and post condition before comparing quotes.
Finishing can add $1-$4 per sq ft for stain or sealant, depending on preparation and product. Painting may cost more when the wood needs primer and multiple coats. A gate exposed to frequent rain or direct sun generally needs a suitable exterior finish and periodic upkeep.
Why labor and post replacement can change installation cost
Labor rates vary by market, but carpenters and fence installers often charge about $50-$100 per hour, or quote a fixed project price. A simple gate hung on existing, plumb posts may require one installer for 2-4 hours. A custom build with new posts, concrete, trim, and latch adjustment can require two workers for 5-10 hours.
Replacing posts is a common cost swing. Setting one or two new posts may add $100-$500, including ordinary materials and labor; removal of concrete-set posts or work in difficult soil may push that higher. A loose hinge or latch adjustment can cost $75-$200, while a post that has rotted below grade usually needs replacement rather than a quick repair.
Some contractors have a minimum service charge of $150-$300 for a small repair or installation visit. Delivery may be included in a full installation quote, but a separate delivery or trip charge can add $25-$150. Ask whether the estimate covers old gate removal, concrete, hardware, finish, and cleanup.
For a fair comparison, ask each installer to price the same gate dimensions, wood species, hardware, and post scope. A low bid that excludes post replacement or finishing may not represent the lower final cost.
How wood gate prices compare across U.S. regions
Prices in high-cost metropolitan areas of the Northeast, West Coast, and Hawaii can run roughly 15%-35% above a national midpoint because of labor, transport, and operating costs. Smaller towns and some rural markets may be 5%-20% below the midpoint, although limited contractor availability can offset the savings.
For a standard walk gate that might cost $750 in a mid-priced market, a similar installation could be about $860-$1,010 in a high-cost metro or $600-$710 in a lower-cost area. These are planning adjustments, not fixed regional tariffs; local lumber prices and seasonal demand can shift them.
Climate affects material choices more than it determines a precise local price. In wet or coastal locations, pressure-treated framing, rot-resistant cedar, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and suitable finishes may add $50-$250. In snowy regions, clearance beneath the gate and stronger hardware may also be worth including in the quote.
Use regional percentages as a budget adjustment, then rely on itemized local bids for the actual price. Comparing at least two estimates can reveal whether a large difference comes from labor rates, lumber grade, or a different amount of post work.
Three wood gate quotes for common project sizes
A small side-yard replacement might use a 3.5 ft wide pressure-treated pine gate, existing posts, and basic hinges. Materials and hardware could total $180-$350, with 2-3 labor hours at $60-$85 per hour. A realistic installed quote is about $350-$650, assuming no removal or post repair.
A midrange backyard project could install a 4 ft wide cedar privacy gate with a new post, concrete, upgraded latch, and stain. Lumber and hardware may cost $350-$650, post supplies $60-$150, and 4-6 labor hours could add $280-$510 at $70-$85 per hour. The total may fall around $750-$1,400, depending on disposal and finish prep.
A 12 ft driveway opening with two custom cedar leaves, reinforced frames, heavy hinges, new posts, and removal of an old gate may cost $1,000-$2,000 for materials and $700-$1,500 for labor and site work. Expect approximately $1,800-$3,800 for a manual system with ordinary access; decorative details or complex post removal can push the quote above $4,000.
These examples show why the opening and post scope matter more than a gate’s material price alone. Automatic operators are not included; adding a suitable opener, wiring, and setup can add roughly $700-$2,500 or more.
When repairing a wood gate costs less than replacing it
Repair is often economical when the frame is sound and the problem is limited to sagging hinges, a latch, or a small damaged section. Hinge or latch replacement commonly costs $75-$250, while resetting or bracing a gate may run $100-$350. Replacing a few boards can cost $50-$250, including a modest labor visit.
Replacement becomes more practical when several boards are rotten, the frame is warped, or posts move at ground level. A new basic walk gate may cost $250-$750 installed on usable posts, while a larger custom gate can be considerably more. Compare a repair quote with the cost of a replacement that includes new posts and hardware, rather than comparing repair with the gate panel price alone.
For driveway gates, recurring sagging can indicate that the leaf is too wide or heavy for its frame and hinges. Replacing only the latch may not solve the underlying issue. A contractor can assess whether adding a wheel, cross-brace, center support, or stronger post is a durable repair.
Which choices can lower a wood gate installation bill?
Keeping the design rectangular and avoiding custom lattice, arched tops, decorative caps, and complex trim reduces carpentry time. A standard-size gate may cost less than a made-to-measure build, but the opening should be measured carefully; forcing an undersized gate into an opening can create gaps or require extra framing.
Choose a wood species based on the site and maintenance plan, not appearance alone. Pressure-treated pine typically costs less upfront than cedar, while cedar may be preferred where decay resistance matters. Compare the full installed price, including finish and expected upkeep, before choosing a material. Basic galvanized hardware may be sufficient for many inland settings, while coastal exposure may justify corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
Existing posts can be reused if they are solid, plumb, and correctly spaced. Ask the installer to check their condition before assuming replacement is necessary. Homeowners may also save by clearing vegetation and providing access before the crew arrives, but should leave digging around utilities and structural post work to qualified professionals.
Control the scope first, then compare written quotes that list materials, labor, hardware, post work, removal, and finish separately. Avoid paying for an automatic opener, premium wood, or decorative upgrades unless those features solve a specific need. Scheduling outside peak local fencing season may help in some markets, though contractor availability and weather determine whether a discount is possible.