Gates and Gate Repair in Bend, Oregon

The gate is the hardest-working part of any fence. It swings open and closed thousands of times a year, it carries its whole weight on two or three hinges, and it hangs from a single post that takes all the strain. So it's no surprise that gates are usually the first part of a fence to give out. A gate that drags on the ground, won't latch, or has to be lifted to close isn't just annoying. It's a gate that lets the dog out. We fix and build gates across Bend, Tumalo, and Terrebonne, from a small walk gate on a city lot to a wide double gate for trailers and RVs on acreage.

Below we cover why gates sag, how we fix them, the kinds of gates we build, and the hardware that keeps a gate working for years. If the fence around the gate is leaning or damaged too, our fence repair crew can fix both in the same visit. Quotes are free and come in writing.

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Why Gates Sag and Stop Latching

Most gate problems start at the hinge-side post. That post carries the full weight of the gate, and every time the gate swings it gets pulled a little. If it wasn't set deep enough, or if it's rotting at the ground, it starts to lean, and the gate drops with it. Central Oregon's freeze and thaw makes this worse, because frost heave can shift a post a little more each winter until the latch no longer lines up. The gate itself can also sag if it was built without a diagonal brace, or if the wood has dried and shrunk in the sun. Worn hinges, loose screws, and latches knocked out of line round out the list.

How We Repair a Gate

We start by finding out why the gate is failing, because a new hinge won't help if the post is the real problem. If the hinge post is leaning or rotting, we reset or replace it and set it in concrete. If the gate frame has sagged, we square it back up and add a brace or an anti-sag cable so it stays that way. Worn hinges get swapped for heavier ones, and latches get realigned or replaced so the gate closes on its own. Most gate repairs are done in a single visit. If a gate is too far gone to fix, we'll tell you and quote a replacement built to match the fence.

New Gates We Build

We build walk gates for side yards and backyards, wider single gates for wheelbarrows and mowers, and double drive gates for driveways, trailers, boats, and RVs. Gates can match the fence they're in, whether that's cedar, vinyl, chain link, or ornamental metal, or they can be a different style as a focal point. Larger gates often use a steel frame with wood or metal infill, which keeps them light and stops them from sagging over time. On acreage, we install pipe and tube gates for pastures and driveways, and we can add cattle guards where you'd rather not open a gate at all. For more on rural fencing, see our ranch and acreage fencing page.

Hardware That Lasts

A well-built gate is only as good as its hardware. We use heavy-duty hinges sized to the weight and width of the gate, and gate posts that are thicker than the posts in the rest of the fence. Self-closing hinges and latches are a good idea anywhere you want the gate to shut on its own, such as around a pool or hot tub, or with a dog that knows how to nudge a gate open. Drop rods hold double gates in place and keep the wind from banging them around. Lockable latches are an easy add for side yards. Ask about hardware when we quote, and we'll walk you through the options for your gate.

Building a whole new fence around the gate? See our fence installation page for cedar, metal, and vinyl options.