Privacy Fence Gate Ideas
Design inspiration for privacy fence gates — arched tops, decorative hardware, pergola entries, and custom gate styles for wood and cedar fences.
Material Cost
$15 – $50/linear ft
Recommended Materials
3 materials
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Recommended Materials
Your privacy fence gate doesn't have to be a plain slab of boards. A well-designed gate becomes a focal point that adds curb appeal and character to your fence line.
Arched-top gates are the most popular upgrade. Instead of a flat top rail, the gate frame curves upward in the center, creating an elegant arch. This works beautifully with board-on-board and tongue-and-groove fence styles. The arch can be subtle (2–3 inch rise) or dramatic (6–8 inch rise). Arched gates cost $50–$150 more than flat-top gates.
Pergola gate entries frame the gate with an overhead structure — two posts with a crossbeam or small arbor above the gate. This creates a dramatic entrance and provides a structure for climbing plants. Pergola entries cost $200–$600 depending on size and material.
Decorative hardware transforms a basic gate. Iron strap hinges with scrollwork, hand-forged gate latches, ring pulls, and clavos (decorative nail heads) give a rustic or Old World look. A set of decorative hardware adds $50–$200 to gate cost.
Window inserts add visual interest while maintaining privacy at fence height. A small window (12x12 or 12x18 inches) with decorative iron grillwork, frosted glass, or lattice lets light through without sacrificing privacy. Window inserts cost $30–$100.
Contrasting materials make a gate stand out. A cedar gate in a pressure-treated pine fence, a gate with horizontal boards in a vertical fence, or a gate with a different stain color all create visual interest at minimal additional cost.
For the most polished look, match your gate style to your fence style — board-on-board fence gets a board-on-board gate, shadow-box fence gets a shadow-box gate — but use one distinguishing element (arch, hardware, color) to make the gate a feature rather than just a gap in the fence.
Published February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Maintain a Wood Fence
Annual Maintenance Checklist
A well-maintained wood fence can last 15-20 years. Follow this annual routine:
- Inspect for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot — especially at ground level
- Clean with a garden hose or light pressure wash (1,500-2,000 PSI max)
- Trim vegetation, vines, and tree branches away from the fence
- Repair damaged boards, tighten hardware, and re-secure loose rails
Staining and Sealing
Apply a quality wood stain or sealant every 2-3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend your fence's life. Wait for a dry period with temperatures between 50-90°F. New pressure-treated wood should weather for 2-3 months before the first stain application.
Preventing Rot
The most common failure point is where posts meet the ground. Ensure posts are set in concrete (not bare soil) and that water drains away from the base. Keeping the bottom of fence boards 1-2 inches above ground prevents moisture wicking.
What Is the Cheapest Fence to Build?
Most Affordable Privacy Fence Options
If budget is your primary concern, here are your best options from cheapest to most expensive:
- Bamboo: $10–$25/ft — cheapest eco-friendly privacy option
- Wood privacy: $15–$35/ft — cheapest durable privacy fence
- Cedar: $20–$45/ft — premium wood with natural rot resistance
- Vinyl: $20–$40/ft — cheapest long-term when factoring in zero maintenance
How to Save Money
- DIY installation saves 40-50% on labor costs
- Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood (vs. cedar or redwood)
- Standard 6-foot height costs less than 8-foot
- Straight runs cost less than lots of corners and angles
- Off-season installation (late fall/winter) may get better contractor rates
Cheapest vs. Best Value
The cheapest fence upfront isn't always the best value. A $15/ft wood fence lasting 12 years costs $1.25/ft per year. A $30/ft vinyl fence lasting 25 years costs $1.20/ft per year — actually cheaper over time.