Driveway, Entry & Garden Gates

I specialize in creating fine custom and high end wood gates that reflect the architectural style of your home and garden. Below is more information about the type, style and pricing for the structures I design and build.

           Design Guide         Pricing Information         Related Links        Portfolio Photos

Note: Follow these related links if you need a gate repaired, want a simple gate built, or are looking for a builder of automatic gates.

Design Guide For Custom Wooden Driveway, Entry & Garden Gates

This design guide provides gate design ideas and information on how to develop a great design, select the best location and create a budget for your gate.

Design Elements For Wood Gates

The style of your gate is influenced by material and construction details such as:

• post size (width, height and thickness)
• railing and fence boards
• wood patterning and cut outs
• post caps and finials
• hardware (hinges, latches, locks)
• joinery techniques
• wood texture, color and finish

Harmonizing Your Gates With Your Garden & Home

Your gate should harmonize with the style of your garden landscaping, as well as the look and feel of your home:

• Open structures like picket and lattice gates for more casual gardens and cottage style homes
• Rustic gates for haciendas and pueblos
• Bamboo and half moon gates for Asian style homes and Zen gardens
• More formal and detailed solid gates for California and Craftsman bungalows

If your home has a distinctive architectural or artistic style, you may want to have your gate match it. For example:

• Mediterranean, Southwestern, Spanish & Mission Gates ~ Start with natural wood posts and natural boards. Add in period looking post caps and rustic metalwork hinges to achieve this style.
  
  
• Arts & Crafts, Craftsman & Greene & Greene Inspired Gates ~ At the heart of this style is smooth planed wood assembled using simple, sometimes pegged joints and wooden latches. Additionally, beams with rounded edges, "japanese" style joinery and the "cloud lift" motif are a mark of the Greene & Greene style. Complete the look by using simple board patterns, trim accents, and copper post caps.
  
  
• Cottage, Colonial & Ranch Gates ~ One of the most popular gate styles is cottage -- which is a simple looking gate that I like to give a sophisticated feel with vertical accents and arches. The style can be adapted to work well for English farm houses, Queen Annes, Victorians and English Colonials by echoing distinctive details in the house architecture -- such as porch railings, eave grillwork or fence details.
  
  
• Modern & Asian / Zen Gates ~ Modern and Asian style homes can offer more of a style challenge because the architectural style is so strong that an ordinary looking gate would look out of place. For modern gates, I like to use simple designs which highlight the natural characteristics of the wood along with sleek hardware. For Asian and Japanese Zen gardens, traditional designs like a half moon gate can create an important focal point and transition into the garden.
  

The overall dimensions should also fit with the proportions of the garden. If your gate arbor is intended to support plants, the size and proportions should be matched to the size, weight and density of the plant.

The final color should compliment the colors used in your landscaping and home. If you want to blend into the landscaping, the natural color of the wood or browns and greens work well. If you want the structure to stand out or highlight nearby plants, strong colors like white or black can be used. Using the same color and trim details on the gate as on your home will make it look like an integral part of your home.

Design Criteria & Location Considerations For Wood Gates

• Use ~ The most important design factor is how the gate will be used. The type of use, and how much it will have to withstand, determines the strength requirements. Privacy and security are also important design factors. Large posts and a heavier framework can provide more strength. High solid paneling and a self closing mechanism provide more privacy. Usage issues for gates will also impact the:
  
  
  • size (height, width, thickness)
  • pass through clearance (height, width, ease of modification)
  • opening direction (inward or outward)
  • hinged side (from the left or right)
  • gate panels (single or double)
  • ease of access (remote, manual)
  • access methods (for children, pets)
  • multiple entrance methods (use of a postern gates which is a smaller door set within the gate itself or a pet door/window)
  • closing method (manual or self closing)
  • latching method (manual or self latching)
  • locking method (key or bolt and from which side)
  • visibility (peep holes, viewing windows)
    
    
• Placement ~ Gates should be placed to work with the natural flow of traffic and the type of pathway or driveway leading to and from it. For garden gates, the placement of the gate and the view upon entry should also be considered.
  
  
• Size & Shape ~ The gate and its arbor should be proportioned and styled to fit its surrounding environment of house, landscaping, and fencing. Clearance requirements are determined by what needs to pass through the gate or arch, as well as how often. Consider the size and shape of cars, people, gardening equipment, trash barrels, toys, and lawn furniture. The overall width and height may be determined by existing structures and landscaping. Together, these factors impact the overall design, number of gate panels and construction technique.
  
  
• Wind & Water ~ In areas that experience high winds, a more open design, extra bracing, and heavy duty hardware may be needed. Where excessive moisture (from rain, sprinklers and deep shade) are factors, the gate or arch should be designed to shed rain and dew readily. Ideally, the project should also be placed to dry out well after raining or watering plants. Good drainage away from post bottoms should also be created.

Material & Design Options For Wood Gates

• Materials ~ To maximize the life of your gate, the gate frame should be made of appropriate, long life materials. The gate posts should be set in steel column bases. The posts, frame and facing can be made of Redwood, Mangaris™ ( Red Balau), Ironwood (Ipe), Cedar, or other woods.
  
  
• Finishes ~ Heat and light contribute to weathering, so a UV protective finish is very important. If the gate arbor will be covered with hard to remove plants or vines, it is very important to also apply a thorough coating beforehand. Stains (clear, tinted, or solid) and paint are popular finish choices.
  
  
• Hardware ~ False hinges and ornamental iron (such as straps, bolts, and decorative studs) may be added to enhance the appearance and style. Locks and latches are chosen for use, durability and style. These can range from custom made wooden latches and medieval ironwork to modern house knobs and dead bolts.
  
  
• Decorative Design ~ To enhance the design, gates can be curved and decorative gate posts and filler panels added. Trim, moldings, lattice, strapping, post caps, and finials add to the uniqueness of your gate.
  
  
• Lighting ~ Light fixtures can add to the style and functionality of your gate to create mood and night lighting. Or to turn it into temporary focal point in the evenings.

Prices For A Custom Wood Gate

There are three price ranges for wood gates: basic, custom and high end.

• The basic range gate is a simple wood gate and starts at $400. For this type of gate, please see my related links.
  
  
• In the custom price range, which is much of what I build, the price starts at $800 for entry and garden gates and $1,600 for driveway gates. One thing to note is you can reduce the cost of an individual gate if you have it built in conjunction with other projects (such as part of a fence). Since I am already on site and the tools are set up -- you save money.
  
  
• A high end gate, which I am happy to build for my clients if their budget permits, starts at $2,000 for an entry or garden gate and $4,000 for a driveway gate.

If you are purchasing a pre-made gate, remember to include the cost of on-site installation and additional materials (posts, concrete and often hardware) in your budget.

Additional Resources and Related Links

If you need more ideas or inspiration for your design, check out these resources:

• A Portfolio of Fence & Gate Ideas
  This book is an excellent source of ideas and offers over a hundred photos of a vast array of fences and gates.   LA Public Library book
  
  
• Fences, Gates & Walls by Scott Atkinson / Sunset
  This book offers over 100 sketches and photos of fences and gates in a variety of styles.    LA Public Library book
  
  
• Fences & Gates by Sunset
  This book illustrates different fence styles and gate hardware to help you decide what you prefer.     LA Public Library book  
  
  
• Image Search
  You can search the image archives at Google Images, Yahoo Images, MSN or your favorite search engine to find inspiration from architectural showcase homes, historical buildings and DIY projects.
  
  

If you live outside of the Los Angeles area and want to find a local builder or are looking for a pre-made gate, check out these online sites:

• Charles Prowell Woodwork
  Fine high end wood architectural fence panels and gates pre-made and installed by a local craftsman in major cities, including Los Angeles. Site features an extensive photo catalog. (Remember to factor in the cost of local installation into your budget.)
  
  
• PacificGatesWorks.com of Sherwood, OR
  This firm makes and ships pre-made mission style gates. (Remember to factor the cost of local installation into your budget.)
  
  
• FenceScenes.com of Mount Vernon, WA
  This small firm designs and builds artistic fences and gates in the Pacific Northwest and ships overseas. If you are looking for something "outside of the box", check out their 30+ photos.

If you need an automatic residential wood driveway or entry gate in Los Angeles, you might try these two sources. I haven't had a chance to work with them, so let me know what you think of them.

• Star Steel.com of Chatsworth, CA
  These electrical gate specialists build and service all types of custom residential gates.
  
  
• Elite Gates.net of Los Angeles, CA
  This company designs and manufactures custom automatic gates.

Portfolio of Wood Driveway, Entry & Garden Gates

My online portfolio features project photos so you can get an idea of the variety of driveway, garden and entry gates I can build. I specialize in creating client inspired designs -- so if you see an example of exactly what you want (or something close), we can use that as a starting point for your design. Or you can let me create a custom design that matches your home's architectural style.

If you need ideas and inspiration, check out the resources above, clip magazine pictures, look through your vacation photos and keep an eye out for what you like in the neighborhood. The more you know about what you like and don't the easier it is to create and build something you will be delighted with for years to come.

Mediterranean, Southwestern, Spanish & Mission Style Gates

Mediterranean Villa Arched Entry Gates Los Angeles, California 2006 All redwood construction 6 feet by 8 feet Budget: Starting at $6,000 Enlarge photo

Southwestern Driveway Gate Hollywood, California 2006 All redwood construction 8 feet by 6.5 feet Budget: Starting at $5,500 includes companion side gate Enlarge photo Side Entry Gate

Southwestern Hacienda Driveway Gate Los Angeles, California 2006 Redwood frame and trim over cedar panels 8 feet by 7 feet tall Budget: Starting at $3,500 Enlarge photo

Southwestern Entry Gate with Privacy Screening West Los Angeles, California 2005 Redwood double sided 12 feet by 6 feet tall Budget: Starting at $2,500 depending on size Enlarge photo Arbor and fence featured in HGTV's Landscapers' Challenge

Medieval Spanish Style Wood Driveway Gates Pasadena, California 1994 Clear Vertical Grain Douglas Fir 12 feet by 6 feet Budget: Starting at $4,500 (does not include distressing and faux finishing) Enlarge photo Pre-stained photo More information

Spanish Bungalow Curved Driveway Gate Los Angeles, California 2006 All Redwood construction with spaced panels for client's dog to see out 9 feet by 7 feet Budget: Starting at $6,000 Enlarge photo

Mission Garden Gate with Carved Accent South Pasadena, California 2001 Mahogany 36 inches by 68 inches Budget: Starting at $600 as part of a fence or $900 if built alone (carved art extra) Fence photo Carved art photo

Craftsman Style Gates

Craftsman Inspired Driveway Gate Santa Monica, California 2005 Redwood 11 feet wide by 9 feet tall Budget: Starting at $5,000 Enlarge photo Notched beam detail

Greene & Greene Inspired Arbored Side Entry Gate with Front Fence South Pasadena, California 2001 Redwood posts, beams, panels & trim 15 feet by 9 feet (Portal) Budget: Starting at $3,000 Fence photo

Entry Gate with Arbor & Fence Los Angeles, California 2002 All redwood construction 36 inches by 80 inches Budget: Starting at $1,500 as part of a fence or $2,300 alone Enlarge photo

Cottage Style Gates

Curved Wooden Garden Gate Pasadena, California 2002 Redwood frame and panels 5 feet by 7 feet Budget: Starting at $2,500 Enlarge photo

Cottage Entry Gate Hancock Park, California 2004 Redwood 56 inches by 70 inches tall Budget: Starting at $1,500 if built alone

Modern & Asian Style Gates

Modern Entry Gate Pasadena, California 2006 Mangaris™ on top of steel frame 4 feet by 8 feet This gate was designed to match the built-in bench and pool equipment enclosure and I had built the year before. Budget: Starting at $5,000 (includes $1,100 steel frame) Enlarge photo