Make a grand entrance every day
You’ve got your fence picked out down to the dimensions, material, and color, but there’s one last decision to make before your yard is complete: the gate. Choosing between fence gate sizes for your property depends on more than the fence’s aesthetic—it determines how accessible your yard is, and how much security you’ll have. and who or what can pass through. Thinking about how you plan to use the gate, whether for pedestrian access or a vehicle, will help you decide how wide you need to go. Read on to eliminate the guesswork and choose the right gate for your yard.
To figure out what size gate you need, think about why you built or plan to build a fence in the first place. Many homeowners install fences for privacy, to designate their property line, or to keep children and pets safe in the yard. In these cases, a small gate that allows a person to walk through should work. If your fence blocks access to your garage, you’ll want a driveway gate big enough for your vehicle to pass through with plenty of space.
Then, there are times when people have fences for more specific uses. Some people fence in vegetable gardens. If so, they might need a slightly larger gate to bring certain items through, like a wheelbarrow. Others own livestock or have expansive properties that they traverse with golf carts or UTVs. They would also benefit from a large gate.
When measuring for a fence gate, begin by getting the height and width measurements of the gate opening. Determine the width by measuring the distance between the two posts where the gate will be installed, accounting for any obstacles or unevenness in the surrounding terrain. Measure the height from the ground level up to the top of the opening while considering the necessary clearance for uneven surfaces at the bottom.
Remember to factor in the space required to swing open without anything getting in the way. Record these measurements in both inches and feet for precision. Measuring at multiple points will help you account for variations in the opening's dimensions, ensuring a well-fitted gate.
Buying a prefabricated gate is easiest when you stick to the conventional sizes. Here are the most common gate widths.
A 3-foot-wide gate is generally the smallest size you can install. It provides enough space for people to pass through, as well as some push mowers, but it isn’t large enough for much else.
This is the most common gate size, as it’s wide enough to accommodate people, push mowers, and some compact riding mowers. 4-foot gates are easy to find for most fence styles, including picket, chain-link, and privacy fences.
This range is ideal if you intend to bring a riding mower in and out of the yard. 5 to 6 feet tends to be the largest size you’ll find for single doors. In fact, 6-foot-wide gates are often made from two 3-foot-wide gate doors attached, so you can decide if you prefer the single or double look before installing.
Moving into the larger gate sizes, a 10-foot gate allows vehicles to pass through, including trucks and SUVs.
Twelve feet is, by and large, the widest gate you’ll find for a fence. Some driveway gates get up to 18 feet wide, but increasing the size will also increase the cost of your gate, and most won’t need an entrance that large. A 12-foot gate easily accommodates vehicles, farming equipment, hauling trailers, and more.
As you're choosing between fence gate sizes, there are a few other things to consider besides measurements. Selecting the right fence material and deciding between a manual or automatic gate will ensure it functions well and looks great.
You should pick a gate material that complements your fence. While it's ideal to choose the same material you used for your fence as your gate, it's not always the most budget-friendly option.
Vinyl is often considered the most cost-effective gate material that can also easily blend with other fence materials. Metal, including aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, are also budget-friendly choices. Using these materials paired with a wood fence can provide a chic look, despite not matching the fence material.
You can choose whether you want your gate to open manually or automatically. Manual gates are operated by hand using a latch, handle, or key. These traditional and cost-effective gates work best on smaller properties or areas with lower security needs. Automatic gates are operated remotely, often using a keypad, remote control, or sensor technology. Choosing from the best types of automatic gates will provide added convenience, security, and a touch of luxury, making them ideal for larger properties, driveways, or areas with a lot of coming and going.
Choosing between a single or double gate for your fence system may not apply to every homeowner's situation. Single gates, traditionally more common, consist of one panel and swing open in a single direction, while double gates comprise two panels that swing open in opposite directions, meeting at the center when closed. The choice between these two types of gates primarily depends on the width of the opening and the specific requirements of the property.
A single gate is a practical and cost-effective solution for smaller driveways or pedestrian entrances. Double gates are ideal for wider driveways and can create a more symmetrical and grand entrance. Double gates can also enhance the overall visual appeal of the property.
You can also decide between a swinging or a sliding gate. Swinging gates open inward or outward on hinges, much like a traditional door, while sliding gates move horizontally along a track, parallel to the fence line. Swinging gates are commonly used for smaller openings and can be more visually appealing, providing a classic and elegant entrance. Sliding gates are best for larger openings and where space is limited, since they require less clearance. This makes them particularly suitable for very wide entrances, driveways on an incline, or areas with limited lateral space.
The choice of whether to have an inward or outward opening fence gate depends on the direction in which the gate swings when opened. An inward-opening gate swings towards the property, while an outward-opening gate moves away from it. The decision between the two is based on several factors, including the characteristics of the driveway or entrance. For sloped driveways, an outward-opening gate may be more suitable to prevent ground scraping during the swing, especially if the incline is significant. Short driveways may also benefit from an outward-opening gate, which allows ample space for parked cars without the risk of the gate hitting them upon closure.
If you choose an automatic gate that opens with a keypad, you'll need to consider the space you have for an outward or inward gate. A shorter driveway where the keypad is close to the gate would require an inward opening but if there is ample space, the keypad can be situated further from the gate opening to allow enough clearance for an outward opening.
The rule of thumb is that gate hinges should be at least one-third the size of the gate. For example, if you have a 3-foot-wide gate, your hinges should be 1 foot long to accommodate the door’s size and function.
If you want to add a spring to keep your gate closed, you have some wiggle room regarding size. Most gates will close with a spring measuring 8 to 12 inches. A 13- to 15-inch long spring should do for those with a heavy-duty gate. Springs can usually be adjusted to add or decrease tension.
For smaller gates, around 3 to 6 feet wide, it’s best to use gate posts that are 4 feet by 4 feet. A 10-foot gate requires 6-by-6 posts, while a 12-foot gate needs 8-by-8 posts.
The gate latch style is up to you. You have all kinds of options to choose from based on your style preferences and budget. For the savvy DIY homeowner, you can learn how to install a gate latch for initial installation or to change the style in the future.
Before installing a fence gate, homeowners must consider both HOA restrictions, if applicable, and local building codes by reviewing guidelines. HOAs often have strict regulations regarding gate design, size, and materials, which aim to keep a beautiful and cohesive neighborhood look. Violating these guidelines could result in fines or requests for modifications. Similarly, local building codes may have restrictions based on your property and the location of the gate.
The cost to install a gate is about $2,340, with an average range of $880 to $3,830. The price mainly depends on its size, material, and any high-end features. A simple 3- or 4-foot gate costs $200 to $400 for the materials if you install it yourself. If you hire a local gate installation pro, the cost will increase by about $80 per hour in labor fees.
These are ballpark figures, however. The price can be significantly higher depending on the complexity of the gate. For instance, installing an automatic driveway gate can reach $8,500 or more.
As a general rule, wire fences and gates tend to be the least expensive, and chain-link fences, vinyl, and wood gates are similarly priced. Wrought-iron and aluminum gates are on the expensive end for manual gates, and automatic or electrical components will always drive the price up.
Derek Rose contributed to this piece.
