Quick Answer
Farm gate costs range from $20–$50 for a simple wire gate up to $400–$1,200 for a heavy-duty steel tube gate in a wide opening. The most common farm gate — a 12-foot steel tube gate — costs $80–$200. Gate installation adds $100–$300 per gate in posts and hardware. Budget $200–$600 total installed per standard farm gate.
Gate Types and Costs
| Gate Type | Width | Gate Cost | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire gate (DIY) | 8–16 ft | $15–$40 | $60–$150 |
| Steel tube gate (light) | 10–12 ft | $80–$150 | $200–$400 |
| Steel tube gate (heavy) | 12–16 ft | $150–$300 | $350–$700 |
| Hi-tensile wire gate | 10–20 ft | $30–$80 | $100–$250 |
| Wooden board gate | 10–14 ft | $200–$500 | $400–$900 |
| Aluminum livestock gate | 10–16 ft | $150–$400 | $350–$800 |
Gate Post Requirements
Gate posts bear both the gate's weight and the lateral force from animals pushing against closed gates. Minimum specifications: 6-inch diameter treated wood posts, set 4 feet deep, in concrete. For gates wider than 14 feet or in high-traffic livestock areas, use steel posts (4-inch square tubing) set in concrete. Gate sag is almost always caused by inadequate posts, not gate quality — invest in the post, not just the gate itself.
Electric Fence Gate Connections
Every gate on an electric fence requires a continuous circuit connection. Options: a buried insulated cable under the gate (permanent, best solution), a rope gate handle (removable), or a spring-loaded conducting wire gate handle. Buried cable connections at $15–$40 per crossing are the most reliable long-term solution. Rope gate handles work well for temporary gates.
Gate Placement Strategy
Place gates at: corners or ends of paddocks to simplify livestock movement, locations aligned with the barn or water source, and wherever equipment access is needed (wider gates for tractor width). A 16-foot gate allows a standard tractor and hay mower to pass; 12-foot gates accommodate most ATVs and utility vehicles. Never plan a fence without mapping all gate locations first.
Our Recommendation
For a working livestock operation, use 12-foot steel tube gates as the standard. They handle routine livestock management, cost $80–$150, and last 20–30 years with minimal maintenance. Add one 16-foot gate on any field used for equipment access. Budget $250–$500 per installed gate as a realistic all-in cost including posts, hardware, and labor.