Wood Gate Repair — Single & Double Gates
A sagging or non-latching gate is more than an annoyance — it's a security issue. We diagnose and fix the root cause so your gate swings freely and latches every time.
Get a Free EstimateCommon Wood Gate Problems & How We Fix Them
Gate Sags or Drags
Cause
The diagonal brace runs bottom-latch to top-hinge — if it runs the other way or is missing, gravity wins.
Our Fix
Re-brace with a steel tension rod or new wood diagonal. Tighten or replace hinge lag screws.
Gate Won't Latch
Cause
Frame racking, post lean, or a worn strike plate. Double gates also suffer when the drop-rod shifts.
Our Fix
Adjust hinge positions to re-square the frame. Replace strike plate or latch assembly.
Frame Is Racked / Out of Square
Cause
Moisture causes wood to expand and contract; cheap construction nails fail over time.
Our Fix
Disassemble, square with a framing square, reassemble with structural screws, re-brace.
Post Is Leaning
Cause
Rot at ground level or inadequate concrete footings.
Our Fix
Post replacement with new concrete footing. See Rotten Post Replacement page.
Double Gate Has a Gap in the Middle
Cause
One or both gates have racked or the posts have shifted.
Our Fix
Re-hang both leaves, adjust hinges, install a center drop rod to anchor the inactive leaf.
Single Gate Repair
Walk gates (typically 3–4 ft wide) are the most common. Issues are almost always hinge failure, brace rot, or a shifted post. Most single gate repairs are completed in under 2 hours.
- Replace hinge hardware
- Add/replace diagonal tension rod
- Re-hang on existing post
- Adjust or replace latch
Double Gate Repair
Drive-through double gates (10–16 ft wide) have more variables: two independent leaves, a center drop rod, and two gate posts that must stay plumb. We repair or rehang both leaves in a coordinated visit.
- Re-square both gate frames
- Install or replace center drop rod
- Replace heavy-duty hinges
- Align for consistent gap
- Install cane bolt/foot bolt
FAQs
Can you fix a gate without replacing it entirely?
Often yes. Sagging and latch problems are usually mechanical — new hinges, tightened lag screws, and a diagonal brace fix 80% of gate issues without replacing any boards.
How long does a wood gate repair take?
Most single gate repairs take 1–3 hours on-site. Double gate repairs or frame rebuilds may take 3–5 hours. Post replacement adds another 1–2 hours plus concrete cure time.
My double gate post is leaning — can the gate still be repaired?
The post must be addressed first; a leaning post will cause any gate repair to fail quickly. We can combine the post replacement and gate re-hang in a single visit.