October 26, 2026

How to Choose the Right Fence Gate for Your Property

When planning a new fence, it’s easy to focus on the fence itself and forget about one important detail: the gate.

Your gate is how you’ll enter and exit your fenced-in space, so choosing the right type and location is an important part of planning your project.

The best gate setup depends on how you use your property, what you need to move through the gate, and whether you have pets or other specific needs.

Walkthrough Gates

For many homeowners, privacy is the biggest reason for choosing a taller fence.

A shorter fence may provide some separation between properties while still keeping the yard visually open. A taller privacy fence, on the other hand, can create a more secluded outdoor space by blocking views into your yard.

If you’re creating a private backyard area for relaxing, entertaining, or spending time with your family, a taller fence may be the better choice.

Aesthetics

A walkthrough gate is designed for everyday foot traffic.

Our walkthrough gates are typically 4 or 5 feet wide, making them convenient for entering and exiting your backyard on foot.

If you primarily need access to your backyard for yourself, your family, or your pets, a standard walkthrough gate may be all you need.

Think about where you naturally enter and exit your yard. Placing your walk gate in a convenient location can make your fence much more functional.

Double Gates

If you need to move larger items through your fence, a double gate may be a better option.

Our double gates are typically 8 or 10 feet wide, providing a wider opening for larger equipment and access.

Double gates provide a wider opening and can be useful for:

Lawn equipment
Trailers
Large outdoor items
Landscaping equipment
Vehicle access

Even if you don’t need a larger opening right now, consider how you may use your yard in the future.

Where Should Your Gate Go?

Gate placement should be based on how you use your property.

Consider where you’ll most often enter the backyard and whether you’ll need access from a driveway, side yard, or another part of the property.

You should also think about your landscaping, structures, and the overall layout of your fence.

How Many Gates Do You Need?

Some properties only need one gate, while others benefit from multiple access points.

Think about how you’ll use each area of your yard and whether you’ll need separate pedestrian and larger-access gates.

It’s usually easier to plan for the access you need during the initial fence installation than to realize later that you wish you’d added another gate.

Choose a Gate That Works With Your Fence

Your gate doesn’t have to be an afterthought. It should work with the style, material, and overall design of your fence.

At Hawk Fences, we can help you determine the appropriate gate type, size, and placement based on your property and how you plan to use your fenced-in space.

Planning a new fence? Contact Hawk Fences to discuss your gate and access needs.