How do I keep a wood gate from sagging?

Build the frame square, add a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner toward the latch side (or a tensioned cable kit), and use hinges rated for the leaf weight. All three are in the takeoff.

How much gap should I leave on each side?

Typical practice is a small hinge-side gap and a slightly larger latch-side gap so the leaf swings free. The calculator subtracts both from the opening to give the frame width.

Are the material costs accurate for my area?

Costs are regional estimates only, indexed by ZIP against national material averages. Always confirm current prices with your supplier before buying — the numbers here are for planning and budgeting, not a quote.

Do I need to confirm my measurements first?

Yes. The calculator asks you to verify key dimensions before it will produce material, cut, or shopping lists, because a single mistyped dimension changes every quantity downstream.

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Gate · Step 1 of 6 · Gate style

Single or double gate?

A single gate swings on one side. A double gate has two leaves that meet in the middle — great for driveways or wide backyard access.

Gate style

Live estimate

Prices for your area

Enter your ZIP to re-price materials, or keep national averages.

Reviewed weekly · price book updated 2026-07-27See what changed

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Free

Save about $391 (53%)

building this gate yourself.

You build it$340

Materials only, your sweat.

A contractor builds it$731

Typical bids land $643–$863.

Materials: $425
Labor: $306
Est. hours: 6

Contractor figures assume a $55/hr blended labor rate (national average). Estimates only — use them to sanity-check a bid, not as a quote.

Cut-list optimizer

Free

Buy 14 boards · 19% offcut

120 linear ft purchased, 97.8 ft used — 22.2 ft ($37) left over. Cutting from these stock lengths avoids about $9 of scrap versus one board per piece.

10 × 5.5" @ 8'
Pickets · 1 piece per board
20 ft scrap (25%)
2 × 6 × 6 @ 10'
Gate posts · 1 piece per board
2 ft scrap (10%)
2 × 2 × 4 @ 10'
Frame top/bottom rails, Frame vertical stiles · ~2 pieces per board
0.2 ft scrap (1%)

Sheet goods and pre-built parts (Diagonal brace) aren't cut from stock lengths — see the shopping list for those.

Estimates only. Includes a 1/8" blade kerf per cut. Measure your own site and check board lengths at the yard before buying.

Gate leaf sag bracing4.0 ft leaf vs Anti-sag bracing recommended at 3 ft, required at 4 ft leaf width
4.0 ft leaf width is braced against sag with an anti-sag kit.

This is an automated sanity check against published residential span guidance — estimates only, not a stamped engineering review. Local code and your inspector always govern; confirm sizing and embedment with your building department before you build.

Check a contractor bid

Free

Enter what a pro quoted you. We'll break it down against this project's materials and national labor rates.

Bid totalMaterials (optional)Labor (optional)

$340

incl. 10% waste

Materials

Leaves: 1
Leaf width: 3.88 ft
Posts: 2
Hinges: 1 pr
Concrete bags: 8

Gate calculator questions

Common questions about this takeoff. All output is an estimate only — confirm quantities and prices before you buy.