CUSTOM WOOD GATES
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Built to Stay Square
Arched Wood Entry Gates in Metro Detroit
A curved-top cedar gate turns a plain fence opening into the front door of your yard. We build arched walk and double gates on rigid frames, hang them on heavy hinges and set the posts below the frost line so they still swing true years from now.
Western Red Cedar Builds
Rigid Framed Construction
Steel-Stiffened Gate Posts
Free On-Site Measure
DIRECT DISPATCH PHONE
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WHAT SEPARATES A GOOD WOOD GATE
An Arch Looks Great Only If the Gate Stays Square
Wood gates sag because they are heavy, hung on a single post and soaked and frozen every year. Every arched gate we build is designed around that.
Framed, Not Just Z-Braced
Each gate gets a full perimeter frame with a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner up to the top latch corner, so the weight is carried in compression.
Brace runs the right way
Arch Cut Into Solid Rails
The curve is cut from the top rail and pickets as a unit, not tacked on later, so the line stays smooth and joints do not open up.
One continuous curve
Heavy Hinges, Through-Bolted
Heavy strap or adjustable hinges are through-bolted to the frame. Short screws into end grain are the first thing to fail on a wood gate.
Bolted, not just screwed
Posts That Do Not Move
Hinge posts are 6x6 cedar or steel-stiffened and set 42 inches deep in concrete, below the Michigan frost line, so frost heave cannot tip the gate.
42″ frost-line footing
ARCH STYLES & BUILD SPEC
Choosing the Arch, Width and Wood
A convex arch rises in the middle and suits Craftsman, Tudor and colonial homes common in Royal Oak, Birmingham and the Grosse Pointes. A concave or dip arch drops in the middle and frames a view into the yard. An overhead arbor arch sits on top of the posts and turns the gate into an entry feature. We match the picket style to your existing fence, whether that is solid board privacy, shadowbox or classic picket.
Width drives weight, and weight drives sag. Walk gates of 3 to 4 feet hang easily from one post. Five-foot and wider openings for mowers and wheelbarrows get stronger frames, and double drive gates get a center drop rod and heavier posts. For more on posts, see heavy-duty structural gate posts; for metal options, ornamental aluminum driveway gates. All gate types are on the gates page.
ARCHED GATE OPTIONS
Walk Gate
Double Drive Gate
Common Widths
Finished opening
3–5 ft
8–16 ft
Frame
Resists racking
Cedar frame + brace
Steel or heavy frame
Hinge Post
Carries the weight
6x6 or stiffened
Steel-stiffened
Latch
Security and use
Lockable, two-sided
Drop rod + latch
Typical Range
Installed, cedar
$700–$1,600
$2,000–$4,500
HOW AN ARCHED GATE GETS BUILT
Measure, Build, Hang and Tune
A new arched gate can go into an existing fence or be part of a full new wood fence. Either way the steps are the same.
01
Step 1
Measure & Design
We measure the opening and swing path, check grade under the gate, and agree on arch style, height at the crown and shoulders, picket pattern and hardware.
Swing clears grade and walks
Arch height drawn to scale
Itemized written quote
FRAME FIRST
02
Step 2
Posts & Build
If the existing posts are undersized or loose, we replace them with 42-inch frost-line footings. The gate is framed, braced and the arch cut as one unit.
Miss Dig ticket before digging
Hinge post plumbed and set
Frame braced bottom to top
03
Step 3
Hang, Tune & Finish
The gate is hung with through-bolted hardware, gaps are set evenly, the latch is aligned and we test the swing before we leave.
Even gaps both sides
Latch catches cleanly
Stain or seal option offered
Gate Already Sagging?
See our gate realignment and hinge repair service, or call (734) 977-0554.
DESIGN DETAILS
Ways to Customize an Arched Wood Gate
Small choices make the gate look like it belongs to the house.
Convex Arch
Rises 6 to 12 inches at the center. The classic garden gate look, strongest on privacy and semi-privacy fences.
Concave Dip Arch
Drops at the center to open the view. Popular on picket fences and front-yard gates where height limits apply.
Overhead Arbor
An arched header across the top of extended posts. Good for climbing roses or clematis, and it helps hold the posts in line.
Lattice or Spindle Top
A lighter top band under the arch lets light through and softens a tall privacy gate.
Black Hardware
Strap hinges, ring pulls and thumb latches in powder-coated black give a carriage-house look that suits brick homes.
Stain and Seal
Cedar can weather to gray or be sealed to hold its color. A sealed gate absorbs less water and moves less season to season.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Arched Wood Gate Questions
Cost, sag and wood choice, answered plainly.
How much does an arched wood gate cost?
Most custom cedar arched walk gates land between about $700 and $1,600 installed, including hardware. Double drive gates usually run $2,000 to $4,500. New posts, overhead arbors and premium hardware add to the price.
Why do wood gates sag, and how do you prevent it?
Usually the hinge post leans or the frame racks. We set hinge posts 42 inches deep in concrete, stiffen them where needed, and brace the frame from the bottom hinge corner to the top latch corner so the weight is held in compression.
Cedar or pressure-treated pine for a gate?
Cedar is lighter, more stable and resists warping, which matters on a gate that has to stay square. Pressure-treated pine is stronger for posts but heavier and more prone to twisting as it dries.
Can you add an arched gate to my existing fence?
Yes. We match picket style and height as closely as possible and usually replace the gate posts so the new gate hangs on solid footings.
How wide should a backyard gate be?
Four feet fits most mowers and wheelbarrows. Five feet helps with riding mowers and wide equipment. Wider than that, a double gate is usually better than one heavy leaf.
Do I need a permit for a new gate?
Replacing a gate in an existing fence usually does not need one, but a new fence line with a gate, or a front-yard gate, often does. Many Metro Detroit cities limit front-yard fences to about 3 to 4 feet. We confirm your lot's rules and file the permit when it is required.
FREE GATE QUOTE
Request Your Free Arched Gate Estimate
Send a photo of the opening if you have one. We will measure, sketch the arch and give you a written price.
PREFER TO CALL DIRECTLY?
Speak directly with our estimating desk for quick questions or emergency repairs.
Itemized price for gate, posts and hardware
Frost-line posts that keep the gate square
Workmanship warranty on every gate
Get Your Free Estimate
Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
Online Booking Open
🔒 Your contact info is strictly confidential. We never sell your data or spam you.