Fence gates & repairs

Fence gates and repairs in Menlo Park and the Bay Area.

A leaning fence or a sagging gate doesn't always mean a whole new fence. We fix what can be fixed and build gates that swing right.

New gates Post repair Board replacement

Get a free estimate

Tell us what you want built and we'll call you back. No pressure, just straight answers.

Prefer to talk? Call or text (650) 334-6529

Fix it, do not replace it

Most fence problems start at the post.

A fence leans, a gate drags on the ground or a few boards go soft. Often the boards are fine and the post is the problem. When the posts are solid, most other fixes are small jobs.

We look at what is wrong, tell you whether it is a repair or a replacement, and do the repair when that is the sensible choice. If a gate is what you need, we build one to match your fence and hang it so it swings and latches properly.

  • New gates that match your fence
  • Post repair and replacement
  • Board and rail replacement
  • Leaning fences straightened
  • Gate adjustments and rehanging
Dark wood fence with a gate and brick pillar
Fence Gates & RepairsMenlo Park, CA · Bay Area wide

How it is built

How we repair a fence or gate.

Diagnose first, then fix the cause, not just the symptom.

  1. Step 1

    Find the cause

    We check the posts, rails, boards and hardware to see why it leans, sags or sticks. A fence that has moved usually has a post that has loosened or rotted.

  2. Step 2

    Decide repair or replace

    If the posts and most boards are sound, we repair. If the posts are failing along a long run, replacement can be the better value. We tell you either way.

  3. Step 3

    Reset or replace posts

    We reset a loose post, or replace a rotted one and set it so it stays put.

  4. Step 4

    Replace boards and rails

    Damaged boards and rails come out and new ones go in, matched to the old as closely as we can.

  5. Step 5

    Hang or adjust the gate

    A gate that sags or sticks gets a stronger post or frame and sturdy hinges, and the latch is set so it closes cleanly.

The details

Gate and fence trouble signs.

What it usually means, and the usual fix. We confirm on site.

SymptomWhat it usually meansUsual fix
A leaning fenceA post has loosened, rotted or shifted in wet ground.Reset or replace the post. Keep the boards if they are sound.
A sagging gateThe gate post has moved, or the gate frame has racked out of square.Reset the post, square or brace the frame, and use sturdier hinges.
A gate that sticks or will not latchThe gate has dropped, or the latch and hinges have shifted.Adjust or replace the hardware, and fix the post if it has moved.
Soft or broken boardsRot or damage to individual boards.Replace just those boards.
Gaps along the bottomThe ground has shifted, or boards have shrunk or warped.Reset boards, or add a rot board along the bottom.
Sharing the repair with a neighbor

If the fence is on the property line, California Civil Code 841 presumes you and your neighbor share the reasonable cost of repair equally, and a landowner planning to incur costs must give 30 days written notice. If it's a dispute, ask an attorney.

New gates

A gate that swings right.

Walk gates

A gate for the side yard, wide enough for what you roll through, like a mower or a wheelbarrow.

Matched to your fence

We build the gate to match your fence style and height, so it looks like it belongs.

Hardware that lasts

Strong hinges and a good latch make the difference between a gate that works for years and one that sags in months.

Photos

Fence gates and repairs, for ideas.

Stock photos for inspiration. Tap one to see it larger, then ask us what is possible in your yard.

Dark wood fence with a gate and brick pillar
Dark wood fence with a gate
New wood fence and gate beside a patio
Fence and gate beside a patio
Backyard wood fence
Backyard fence
New wood fence
New wood fence

Afterward

Keeping gates and fences working.

Check the latch and hinges

Tighten loose hardware before it pulls the screws out of the wood.

Keep the base dry

Moisture at the base of posts and boards is where rot starts. Keep soil, mulch and plants off the wood.

Act early

A small lean is a small fix. A fence left to fall over can take sound boards with it.

Questions

Fence gates and repairs: questions, answered.

Can you fix a leaning fence without replacing it?

Often, yes. If the boards and rails are sound, we can reset or replace the posts that moved and keep the rest.

Why does my gate sag?

Usually the gate post has shifted, or the gate frame has racked out of square. Hinges that are too light for the gate can also be part of it. We look at the cause and fix that, instead of just lifting the gate back up.

Can you match my existing fence?

We match the style and height as closely as we can. Boards that have weathered will look different from new ones at first.

How much does a gate cost?

It depends on the size, style and hardware. A free estimate gives you a number for your gate.

Who pays if the fence is shared with my neighbor?

California Civil Code 841 presumes neighbors share the reasonable cost of a dividing fence equally unless they agree otherwise in writing, and a landowner who plans to incur costs must give 30 days written notice. For disputes, ask an attorney.

Let's talk

Ready for a yard you'll love?

Call, text, email or send a request. Tell us what you want to build and we'll set up a free estimate.

Free estimates for pavers, concrete and fences, from Menlo Park to the whole Bay Area.

Call or text today(650) 334-6529
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Menlo Park, CA · Serving the whole Bay Area · Estimates are free

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