A gate is the most-used, hardest-working part of any fence — and the line item most likely to surprise you. A fence panel just stands there; a gate swings thousands of times a year, sags under its own weight, and needs hardware that survives the abuse. Here's what gates actually cost in 2026 and where the money goes.
Walk gates: $200–$600 installed
A standard 3–4 ft walk gate runs $200–$600 installed depending on material, matching the fence it sits in. The gate itself is often only $100–$250; the rest is hardware and labor. Don't cheap out on hinges and the latch — they're what fail first.
Double drive gates: $600–$2,500 installed
A double-swing drive gate (10–16 ft total opening) runs $600–$2,500 installed for manual operation. Wider spans need a drop rod, heavier hinges, and often a center stop set in concrete. Wood drive gates sag fastest; aluminum and welded steel hold their geometry far longer.
Automation: add $1,500–$5,000
Adding a gate operator (opener) plus safety sensors, a keypad or app control, and a power run typically adds $1,500–$5,000 on top of the gate. Solar operators eliminate trenching for power and are increasingly the default on rural driveways.
Where to spend and where to save
- Spend on hinges: self-closing, ball-bearing, or strap hinges rated above the gate's weight.
- Spend on the latch — especially pool gates, where self-latching hardware is code.
- Save by matching gate width to actual need; every extra foot adds bracing cost.
- Save by choosing a sag-resistant material (aluminum/steel) over wood on wide spans.
Use the cost calculator to fold gate count into your overall estimate before you talk to contractors.