Gates are one of those things where the price range is massive. A basic wood gate for your backyard fence might cost a few hundred dollars. An automated iron driveway gate can cost thousands. The type of gate, material, size, and whether it’s manual or automated all affect what you’ll pay.
We’re Austin Fence Company, and we install gates of all types across Austin. Here’s what gates actually cost so that you can budget realistically for your project.
Need a gate quote? Call us at (512) 900-5735 for a free estimate.
Gate Cost Quick Reference
Here’s what different gate types typically cost installed in Austin:
Basic wood pedestrian gate (3-4 ft): $300-600
Wood privacy gate (4-6 ft wide): $500-900
Double wood drive gate (10-12 ft): $1,200-2,000
Iron/aluminum pedestrian gate: $600-1,200
Iron driveway gate (manual): $2,000-4,000
Automated swing gate (single): $3,000-6,000
Automated slide gate: $4,000-8,000
Custom ornamental iron gate: $3,000-10,000+
These ranges include standard installation. Complex installations, custom designs, or premium automation add to the cost.
Wood Gate Costs
Wood gates are the most affordable option and the most common for residential privacy fences. They match your existing cedar or wood fence and provide full privacy.
Standard pedestrian gate (3-4 ft wide): $300-600. This is your typical backyard gate for foot traffic. It includes the gate, posts, hinges, and a basic latch. Cedar costs more than pine. Most homeowners choose this size for side yard access or backyard entry points. These gates handle daily use well and last 10-15 years with basic maintenance.
Wide privacy gate (4-6 ft wide): $500-900. Wider gates for getting mowers, trash cans, or equipment through. These need heavier hardware and sometimes a wheel support to prevent sagging. A 5-foot gate is popular because it fits most riding mowers while not requiring double-gate construction. We reinforce wide gates with diagonal bracing and heavy-duty hinges.
Double drive gates (10-12 ft opening): $1,200-2,000. Two gates that meet in the middle for vehicle access. Requires substantial posts (usually 6×6 cedar or steel), heavy-duty hardware, and often a center drop rod to keep the gates aligned. Popular for backyard boat or RV access. The posts alone can cost $200-400 because they must support the weight and movement of two large gates.
Custom or arched wood gates: $800-1,500+. Decorative designs, arched tops, or custom patterns require more craftsmanship and increase the price. These are often installed in front yards where appearance matters more than in back or side yards. Custom work requires more layout time and sometimes specialty cuts that standard tools can’t handle.
Wood gates should match your fence material. If you have a privacy fence, your gate should be built from the same wood and in the same style so it blends in seamlessly. Mismatched gates are among the most common eyesores we see when homeowners try to save money by using different materials.
Iron and Metal Gate Costs
Iron and steel gates cost more than wood but last significantly longer and offer a more upscale appearance. They’re common for front yard fencing and driveway entrances in neighborhoods like Westlake Hills, Tarrytown, and Barton Creek.
Iron pedestrian gate: $600- $ 1,200. A standard walk-through gate in ornamental iron. Price depends on design complexity and size. Simple vertical picket designs are on the lower end. Gates with decorative scrollwork or custom elements cost more. These gates are typically powder-coated for rust resistance and can last 30+ years.
Manual iron driveway gate: $2,000-4,000. A single or double swing gate for driveway entry without automation. Includes posts and hardware. You open and close it manually. Good for properties where you don’t enter and exit frequently or where automation isn’t in the budget yet. Many homeowners start manually and add automation later.
Custom ornamental iron gate: $3,000-10,000+. Hand-forged scrollwork, custom designs, family crests, and other artistic elements significantly increase costs. These are statement pieces for high-end properties. The metalwork itself can take weeks to fabricate. We work with local craftsmen who specialize in ornamental iron for these projects.
Aluminum gates offer a similar look to iron at a lower price point. They won’t rust and require less maintenance, though they’re not quite as strong. For most residential applications, aluminum performs just as well as iron and costs 20-30% less.
Automated Gate Costs
Automated gates add convenience and security but come at a premium. The automation components (motor, controller, and remote access) often cost as much as the gate itself. Electrical work may be required if power isn’t already available at the gate location.
Automated swing gate (single): $3,000-6,000. Includes the gate, swing arm operator, controller, and basic remote access. Single-swing gates work well when you have clearance for the gate to open inward or outward. They’re the most common type of automated gate in Austin residential properties. Requires about 110V electrical service at the gate location.
Automated double swing gate: $4,500-8,000. Two gates with synchronized operators. More expensive because you need two motors and more complex controls. Looks impressive and allows wider vehicle access. The synchronization ensures that both gates open and close smoothly together.
Automated slide gate: $4,000- $ 8,000. Slides along the fence line instead of swinging open. Better for sloped driveways or tight spaces where a swing gate doesn’t have room to open. Requires a track and a more powerful motor. Popular in hilly areas of Austin, where driveway grades make swing gates impractical.
Access control additions: $300-1,500+. Keypads ($150-300), intercoms ($200-500), smartphone integration ($200-400), camera systems ($300-800), and vehicle sensors ($150-300) add to the base automation cost. Many homeowners start with basic remotes and add features over time as their budget allows.
What Affects Gate Costs
Size. Wider and taller gates cost more. A 6-foot-wide gate uses more material and needs heavier hardware than a 3-foot gate. Height also matters, especially for security applications where taller gates prevent climbing.
Material. Wood is the cheapest. Aluminum is mid-range. Wrought iron and steel are more expensive. Custom materials or composite options still cost more. The material affects both the gate price and the required strength of the post and hardware.
Design complexity. A flat-top rectangular gate is simple. Arches, decorative elements, custom patterns, and ornamental work add cost. The more detailed the design, the more fabrication time required.
Automation level. Manual gates are the cheapest. Basic automation with a remote adds a few thousand. Full smart home integration with cameras, intercoms, and app control adds more. You can always start manually and add automation later when the budget allows.
Installation complexity. Flat, accessible locations are straightforward. Sloped driveways, rocky soil (common throughout West Austin), or limited access increase labor time and cost. Electrical work for automated gates is also part of the installation if power isn’t already available at the gate location.
Gate Repair Costs
If your existing gate needs repair rather than replacement, here’s what to expect:
Hinge replacement: $100-250
Latch/lock replacement: $75-200
Sagging gate adjustment: $150-350
Gate motor repair: $200-500
Gate motor replacement: $500-1,500
Wood gate rebuild (same frame): $200-400
Sometimes repair makes sense; sometimes replacement is the better investment. If your gate is structurally compromised or the posts are rotted, a new gate on new posts will serve you better than repeatedly fixing an aging gate. Check our repair vs replacement guide for more on making this decision.
Get Your Gate Quote
Ready to add or upgrade a gate? Contact us or call (512) 900-5735 for a free estimate. We’ll help you find the right gate for your needs and budget, whether that’s a simple backyard gate or a fully automated driveway entrance.
Frequently Asked Questions
A basic wooden pedestrian gate costs $300-600 to install in Austin. This includes a standard 3-4-foot-wide gate with posts, hinges, and a latch, matching a typical privacy fence.
Automated driveway gates typically cost $3,000-8,000 installed, depending on whether it is a swing or slide gate, the material, and the level of access control features. Simple setups are on the lower end; full smart integration is on the higher end.
For many homeowners, yes. Electric gates add security, convenience, and property value. You never have to get out of your car in bad weather. They are especially valuable for long driveways or properties where security is a concern.
Often, yes, if the gate is in good condition and structurally sound. We can retrofit automation to many existing gates. The cost is typically lower than that of a completely new automated gate system. We would need to assess your specific gate to confirm.
Gates are moving parts that take daily abuse. They need stronger construction, heavier posts, quality hinges, and proper hardware to work reliably for years. A fence panel just stands there; a gate opens and closes thousands of times over its lifespan.
Wood gates last 10-20 years, depending on maintenance. Iron and aluminum gates can last 30-50+ years. Gate hardware often needs replacement before the gate itself. Automated components typically last 10-15 years before needing service or replacement.