Custom Fence Gates That Swing True for Years

Most people choose a fence by how it looks from across the yard. Most people judge a fence by how its gate works every day. A gate that drags on the patio, won’t latch without a shoulder push or sags a little more every winter is a daily annoyance. At 76 FENCE Main Line, we treat gates as the most important part of the fence, and we build them to swing true and close cleanly for years.

Types of Gates We Install

Why Gates Sag, and How We Prevent It

A gate hangs off one post, so all its weight pulls on that post and on the diagonal of the frame. Over time, a weak post leans, hinges loosen and the latch side drops. Freeze-thaw cycles and the clay-heavy soil common on the Main Line make it worse.

We set gate posts with extra care, typically 30″–36″ deep in our area to stay below the frost line (local code governs), and we choose heavier posts for wider or heavier gates. Wood gates get properly braced frames, and metal gates use welded or reinforced frames. We use hinges and latches rated for the gate’s size and weight, and we leave enough ground clearance for the gate’s swing path, including slopes and patios.

Gates by Material

• Wood: cedar and pressure-treated gates can match any wood fence and be customized with arches, lattice and decorative hardware. See wood fencing.
• Vinyl: matching vinyl gates with internal reinforcement for long-term stiffness. See vinyl fencing.
• Aluminum: lightweight, rust-resistant and ideal for pool gates. See aluminum fencing.
• Steel and ornamental: strong, formal and well-suited to driveway and security gates. See steel and ornamental.
• Chain link: practical walk and drive gates for utility areas, dog runs and commercial yards. See chain link.
• Composite: gates that match composite fences, typically with a metal frame for strength. See composite fencing.

Hardware That Fits the Job

Hardware choices depend on who uses the gate. Pool gates need self-closing hinges and self-latching hardware, and they open outward away from the pool; see our pool fence page. Pet gates benefit from self-closing hinges and latches a dog can’t nudge open; see pet fences. Security gates need locks and sturdy latches; see security fences. And for any gate kids use, we set the latch where it’s easy for adults and harder for little hands.

Driveway Gates and Automation

A driveway gate adds privacy and control at the edge of your property, and many Main Line estates and larger lots are designed around one. Swing gates suit wide, level drives; slide gates work well on slopes or where space is tight. Either can be motorized with remotes, keypads and other access options. See our automatic gates page for details.

Gate Placement Tips

Think about how you actually move around your property: from the driveway to the backyard, from the back door to the garden, where the trash cans live and where equipment needs to come in. Consider which way the gate should swing so it doesn’t hit steps, planters or the side of the house. Also consider adding a second gate, since a yard with only one exit can be inconvenient. We’ll walk through all of this with you during the estimate.

New Gate, Replacement or Repair

We build gates as part of new fences, replace worn-out gates on existing fences and repair sagging or misaligned gates when the fence itself is still in good shape. If your gate is the problem, see our fence repair page.

Andrew Taylor, our General Manager, meets most customers on site. Estimates are free with no dispatch fees, and we offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install. Call or text 484-779-6307 or book your free estimate.