Fence Gate Ideas to Upgrade Your Home’s Curb Appeal

A fence is a great addition to your yard. It’s practical, and it can also complement your house. And with the wide variety of materials available, your fence can be as bold or unobtrusive as you want.

But remember that you’ll need a way to get in and out of the yard! That’s where a gate comes in.

There are almost as many gate options as there are fence options. It can get overwhelming if you aren’t quite sure what you want. We’re here to help.

Keep reading to learn about fence gate types!

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5 Types of Gates for Fences

1. Standard gate

A standard gate is the most common fence gate design. It’s usually a single-door gate with a width of 26 to 32 inches. If you opt for this gate type, it will probably be built in the same style (and with the same materials) as the fence.

Your fence contractor should build the gate with a diagonal brace. This is an important piece of the gate because it prevents the door from warping and sagging. Some contractors use a turnbuckle device as part of the brace. The turnbuckle can be adjusted or tightened in the future if the gate starts to sag or warp.

Make sure that your standard fence gate has a latch. For security, the latch needs to be on the inside of the gate. It should be installed a little higher than halfway down the side of the gate. This placement ensures that it’s too high for small children to reach but too low for passersby to access.

2. Swing gate

Swing gates can have one or two doors that swing inward or outward. This gate type is considered a specialty gate. Because they’re simple to build and install, swing gates are typically a less expensive option.

3. Cantilever gate

If your entire yard, front and back, is fenced, consider a cantilever fence gate at the driveway. Cantilever gates are anchored on one side and slide open on rollers. These types of gates are typically made of metal and are quite heavy as a result. To make them easier to open and close, they’re usually automated.

4. Rolling gate

Rolling gates are similar in design to cantilever gates. The main difference is that a rolling gate rolls open on a track embedded in the driveway. The rollers on a cantilever gate are at the top of the fence, on the inside. Rolling gates are also typically automated for ease of use.

5. Double gate

A double gate is simply a wide version of a standard gate. This gate style is great if you need to move yard equipment or other large items around your property. A double fence gate can be customized to the width you need.

Keep in mind that wide gate panels are heavy. Wood panels are more likely to warp over the years. A latch at the bottom and top of the gate panels can help keep the panels square when they’re closed.

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Deciding on Gate Ideas for Your Fence

There are so many options when it comes to fence gates. And just like your fence, the gate you choose needs to be functional and attractive. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced fence and gate contractor. If you’re upgrading to an automated gate, that professional expertise is even more important.

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