Why is my new wooden gate already sagging?
FENCING · OCTOBER 6, 2026 · SLATE & SPAN
If a new gate needs lifting to latch, call the installer before changing it yourself. Ask them to check the hinges, gate frame and supporting post, and review any installation warranty. Moving the latch alone may leave the cause untouched.
Planning a project?
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What should be checked?
A recent Reddit question described a gate sagging three months after installation. The useful distinction is whether the gate frame has dropped or the supporting post has moved. Photos of both sides, the hinges and the post base help the installer assess it.
If replacement is on the table, check a free wooden gate estimate before deciding what to do next.
Ready to discuss the details?
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Repair it or replace it?
A sound frame may need a hardware adjustment or suitable bracing. National Hardware makes an adjustable anti-sag kit, but the right fix depends on the gate and its supports. Ask the professional to explain what failed and follow the hardware manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Before accepting the work, have the installer open, close and latch the gate with you. Ask them to check clearance throughout its swing, especially on a slope. Keep people away from a loose or unstable gate; do not remove hinges while it is unsupported.
For a new standard wooden gate, use our fence and gate estimator. It assumes a gate six feet high and four feet wide. Repairs, unusual openings and site conditions need a separate review before the final scope is agreed.