gate ideas

[pitterwoo]

Our property is house-yard-garage and we live on a corner, so the side of the yard is also along the sidewalk and street.  You go out the back door to a small porch, then there is a gate out to the sidewalk, a tall privet hedge and then another gate that is next to where the garage starts.  The gates are just chainlink about waist high.  

I want to get rid of the first gate and extend the hedge.  I think extending the hedge will help make the yard feel more private, especially right there coming off the steps from the back porch.

My issue right now besides the gates just being ugly chainlink is that people will stop a lot more than is welcome.  I'm okay with some neighborly conversations, but I've had lots of people stop with their dogs and have their dogs "greet" mine (which ends up being rabid barking until they finally move on), and just a lot more conversation than I want to get into when I'm out in my yard for some other purpose.  Now that I have a kid, I really don't want to have people striking up conversation with us all the time when we're outside.  And I want a gate that can be better secured.

I really like a gate like this that's solid on the bottom and has some visibility on the top.  Besides my own budget anyway, I shouldn't get this custom because it's all chainlink and stock fencing in my neighborhood.  I think since my property has so much street exposure it would be worth it to do something a little nicer though.  I don't know, I haven't even contacted any fence companies yet.  

The second picture was a DIY, so maybe I can build something to get a similar look.  

What would you do with this situation?

[mrs.jacinthe]

I like the look of the top one better, but that may be because of the hedge and not the gate proper.

[lilac05]

I also prefer the look of the top one. Given a budget and the look of the rest of the neighborhood, I don't think there's anything wrong with the style of the second. (But don't use their plans! That curve at the top of the gate is not right!)

[dr.girlfriend]

Home Depot has this one for $129:

www.homedepot.com/p/Signature-Development-3-ft-H-W-x-6-ft-H-H-Western-Red-Cedar-Arch-Top-Horizontal-Lattice-Fence-Gate-36x70x1-5AHGAT/205849259

ETA:  Actually, that style seems to be the norm rather than the exception! 

www.homedepot.com/b/Lumber-Composites-Fencing-Wood-Fencing-Wood-Fence-Gates/N-5yc1vZc3m2

[pitterwoo]

Oh thanks for doing that research dr.girlfriend. I can live with one of those! I like them better than the diy one for sure.

[downtoearth]

I like your ideas and the other picture posted, but if you wanted to see if you could do it more inexpensive, you could look for an older door without the windows and use outdoor stain/paint to make your own. There is one in our neighborhood that is super cute and it's just an old door used as a gate. Like these:

[pitterwoo]

That is a really cool idea, downtoearth. I wouldn't have thought of that, but I like the look in the pictures you posted. I wonder if it would look cute or just broken down if we did that. I feel like there is always this line with things that are cottage/rustic/shabby chic...or just garbage depending on how it all comes together. lol. Anyway, I wouldn't want it to be too narrow, but 36" is still a standard door size, right? I could definitely check out the salvage place near me.