A standard walk gate in Houston costs $200 to $400 installed. Double drive gates run $500 to $900. Sliding gates start around $800 and can exceed $1,500 for larger openings. These prices assume installation with a new fence — adding a gate to an existing fence costs roughly 15-20% more.
Gates are one of the most used parts of your fence, and they’re also one of the first things to have problems. A well-built gate with quality hardware will work smoothly for years. A cheaply-built gate will sag, drag, and frustrate you every time you use it.
This guide covers the gate styles we install, what affects pricing, and what to consider when planning your fence project.
Gate pricing by type
| Gate type | Size | Installed price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard walk gate | 3–4 ft wide | $200–$400 |
| Wide walk gate | 5–6 ft wide | $350–$500 |
| Double drive gate | 10–12 ft wide | $500–$900 |
| Extra-wide double gate | 14–16 ft wide | $800–$1,200 |
| Sliding gate (manual) | 10–16 ft wide | $800–$1,500 |
| Arched/decorative gate | Varies | Add $100–$300 to base |
Note: These prices are for gates installed as part of a new fence project. Adding a gate to an existing fence costs more due to the additional work required to integrate it properly.
Types of wood gates we install
Walk gates
The standard gate for pedestrian access. Typically 3-4 feet wide, these provide everyday access to your backyard without opening a larger vehicle gate.
- Best for: Side yard access, backyard entry from front yard
- Common locations: Between house and fence line, mid-fence entry points
- Hardware: Self-closing hinges optional (required for pool areas)
Wide walk gates
A single gate panel that’s 5-6 feet wide. Allows wheelbarrows, lawn equipment, and larger items through without opening a full double gate.
- Best for: Lawn equipment access, service entry
- Consideration: Wider single gates are heavier and need stronger hardware to prevent sagging
Double drive gates
Two gate panels that meet in the middle, typically providing 10-12 feet of clearance. The most common choice for vehicle access to backyards.
- Best for: Boat/trailer/RV storage, backyard vehicle access
- 10-12 ft opening: Fits most trucks and SUVs comfortably
- 14-16 ft opening: Needed for RVs, larger boats, equipment
- Hardware: Drop rod and cane bolt to secure the stationary panel
Sliding gates
A single gate panel that slides along a track rather than swinging open. Ideal when you don’t have room for a swinging gate.
- Best for: Sloped driveways, tight spaces, areas where swing clearance is limited
- Requires: Clear space along fence line equal to gate width (for gate to slide into)
- Can be automated: Add $500-$1,500 for electric opener
What affects gate pricing
Several factors can push gate costs up or down:
- Gate width: Wider gates need heavier frames, stronger posts, and better hardware. A 16-ft gate costs significantly more than a 10-ft gate.
- Wood type: Cedar gates cost 20-30% more than pressure-treated pine. Most people match their fence material.
- Frame construction: Steel frames last longer than wood frames and prevent sagging, but add $50-$150 per gate.
- Hardware quality: Heavy-duty hinges, self-closing mechanisms, and quality latches cost more but last longer and work better.
- Adding to existing fence: Cutting into an existing fence, adding new posts, and matching the style adds 15-20% to the cost.
- Custom design: Arched tops, decorative patterns, or non-standard sizes add $100-$300.
How to prevent gate problems
Gates are the most common source of fence complaints. Here’s what separates gates that work from gates that don’t:
Proper post sizing
Gate posts carry more weight and stress than regular fence posts. They should be larger (4×6 or 6×6 instead of 4×4) and set deeper (30-36 inches instead of 24 inches). Undersized gate posts are the #1 cause of sagging gates.
Quality hardware
Cheap hinges bend and fail. Quality hinges (spring-loaded or adjustable) can handle the weight and daily use. The difference between cheap and quality hardware might be $30-50 per gate, but it makes a huge difference in how long the gate works properly.
Steel frames for large gates
Wood frames on large gates (anything over 5-6 feet wide) will eventually sag. A steel frame welded behind the wood keeps the gate square for the life of the fence. We recommend steel frames for any double drive gate.
Anti-sag kits
For gates without steel frames, a cable-and-turnbuckle anti-sag kit can help prevent sagging. These run diagonally across the gate and can be tightened as needed. They’re not as effective as steel frames but better than nothing.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should a double drive gate be?
10-12 feet is standard for most trucks and SUVs. If you need to fit an RV, large boat, or equipment, go with 14-16 feet. Measure your largest vehicle plus 2-3 feet of clearance on each side.
Can you add a gate to an existing fence?
Yes. We cut the opening, add gate posts, and build the gate to match your existing fence. It costs 15-20% more than adding a gate during new fence installation because of the extra work involved.
Why do gates sag?
Three main causes: undersized gate posts that lean under the weight, inadequate hinges that bend or pull out, and wood frames that twist over time. Proper post sizing, quality hardware, and steel frames on larger gates prevent these problems.
Do I need a self-closing gate for my pool?
Yes. Texas law requires pool enclosures to have self-closing, self-latching gates. The latch must be at least 54 inches above the ground or on the pool side of the gate. We install code-compliant pool gates.
Can I automate a wood gate?
Sliding gates are the easiest to automate. Swing gates can also be automated but require more clearance and heavier-duty openers. Expect to add $500-$1,500 for automation depending on the setup.
Need a gate built right?
We build custom gates throughout the Houston area — walk gates, double drive gates, sliding gates, and everything in between. Every gate we install uses properly-sized posts, quality hardware, and steel frames on larger gates.
We’ll help you figure out the right gate setup for your property.