By Gene and Katie Hamilton

Nothing beats a wooden fence to add security enclosing a yard for a sense of privacy. But there’s nothing more annoying than a fence gate that droops and won’t open or close properly. After continued use and weather abuse the gate can become a nuisance when it sags on its hinges or pulls away from its support post, making it difficult to open and close securely.

Here's how much it costs: A contractor will charge $297 to remove the old gate, and install a new good quality 48-in. high-by 44-in.wide vinyl picket gate and hardware, which includes the labor and material. You can do the job for $145, the cost of the gate and hardware and save 51 percent. Don't want to do this job yourself? To find a fence contractor who has the skills and tools to do it right, click here to get to Home Advisor, a free referral service that connects homeowners with local contractors.

The job involves truing up the gate posts so they are square; if that’s not done the gate will not swing correctly. In some cases new hinges require a new set of pilot holes in the posts. If the holes line up you’re good to go.

That sums it up. Knowing the average cost to replace a fence gate lets you compare doing it yourself with what you can expect to pay a contractor. To customize the cost to where you live add your ZIP Code in the cost box.

Improvement and Repair Cost Updated 2019