Gates
Fence Gate Repair in Walnut Creek
A gate that drags or won’t latch has one of three problems: the frame has racked out of square, the hinge post is leaning, or the hardware has worn or shifted. Bracing or a steel frame kit fixes racking; a leaning hinge post needs resetting. Most gate repairs run $50–$400+ (HomeGuide).
Diagnose it by what the gate does
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Latch side drops; wedge-shaped gap at the top | Frame racked out of square | Re-square and add a diagonal brace running up from the bottom hinge, or a steel frame kit |
| Whole gate tilts, hinge side included | Hinge post leaning or rotted at grade | Reset or replace the hinge post, often in steel |
| Latch misses the strike | Post movement, swollen wood, worn hardware | Re-align or replace the latch; check both posts |
| Double gates don’t meet in the middle | One leaf sagging; worn drop rod or missing center stop | Re-hang and brace the leaves; new drop rod and keeper |
| Gate won’t swing shut on its own | Spring hinges weak or mis-set | Adjust or replace self-closing hinges |
The brace has to run the right way
On a wood gate the diagonal brace should run from the bottom of the hinge side up to the top of the latch side, so it pushes weight back into the hinges. A brace installed the other way is a common reason a newer gate sags. Wide gates, such as double driveway gates, often do better with a welded steel frame faced in wood.
Wood or steel-frame gates
Wood gates match the fence and are easy to re-face, but they rack over time, especially past 4 feet wide. Steel-frame gates (wood boards on a galvanized frame) stay square and suit wide openings and heavy, tall gates. Ornamental steel or aluminum gates are an option where the gate meets the house in a fire zone; see fire-resistant fencing.
Pool gates
Automatic gate openers and motors are a separate trade and aren’t covered here.
Questions
How much does gate repair cost?
Why does my gate sag?
Do pool gates have to self-close?
Sources
- HomeGuide, fence repair cost
- Angi, fence repair cost (updated Sept. 18, 2026)
- Health and Safety Code §115923
- City of Walnut Creek, “Fences in residential areas”
Checked October 4, 2026. Rules and prices change; confirm anything that affects your project with the city or a licensed contractor.
Next step
Gate dragging or not latching?
Call to describe the fence, or send the details and a local fence contractor can call you back.
Call (925) 477-4533- Posts, sections, gates and full replacements
- Shared fences, deer fences and fire-zone fencing
- Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Orinda, Danville and nearby