Question 1

How much does a custom gate cost?

Accepted Answer

Most Heartwood Gates projects range from $8,000 for a single pedestrian gate to $35,000+ for fully automated driveway gates. We provide fixed-price proposals after your design consultation.

Question 2

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

Typical projects take 6–12 weeks from approved design to install. Pedestrian gates can ship in 4–6 weeks; automated estate gates may take 10–12 weeks.

Question 3

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

We don't finance directly, but we work with clients using HELOC and home-improvement loans. We're happy to coordinate the paperwork.

Question 4

How much deposit do you require?

Accepted Answer

Standard terms are 50% to begin design and fabrication, with the balance due at install. Larger projects can be staged across three payments.

Question 5

What materials do you use?

Accepted Answer

Sapele hardwood frames and panels (also white oak, teak, ipe, redwood, and western red cedar by request), hot-rolled or powder-coated steel, brass and bronze hardware, stainless fasteners, and a premium finish system chosen for the project.

Question 6

What stain or finish do you use?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the wood species and microclimate. Penofin Verde Marine Oil is our default for Sapele, white oak, and teak. We use Armstrong Clark non-drying conditioning oil on western red cedar and redwood, Cabot Australian Timber Oil when a richer amber tone is wanted, Sikkens Cetol for protected coastal pedestrian doors, Messmer's UV Plus for ipe and garapa, and TWP 100 for Sierra foothill mildew zones. Every spec is documented in your maintenance binder.

Question 7

Why Sapele hardwood?

Accepted Answer

Sapele is a sustainable West African mahogany that outperforms cedar and redwood for stability, ages to a warm brown rather than silver-gray, and takes any of our finish systems beautifully.

Question 8

Can I see renderings before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every project gets 3D renderings and elevation drawings before fabrication begins.

Question 9

Can you match my existing front door or fence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bring a sample and we'll match stain color, finish brand, sheen, and hardware metal.

Question 10

Do you build automatic gates?

Accepted Answer

Yes — automatic driveway gates are a core specialty. We use FAAC, LiftMaster, and Viking operators with keypads, intercoms, smartphone access, and full UL325 safety hardware.

Question 11

Can you motorize my existing gate?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. We evaluate weight, structural integrity, hinges, and post setup. Many older gates need reinforcement or replacement before automation.

Question 12

What happens during a power outage?

Accepted Answer

All our automatic installs include battery backup. For extended outages, every operator has a manual release.

Question 13

How do guests get in?

Accepted Answer

Curbside keypads with rotating codes, video intercoms that call your phone, RFID, and smartphone unlock — we configure what fits your routine.

Question 14

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Headquartered in Concord, CA. We install across Walnut Creek, the East Bay, Marin, the Bay Area, and the Sacramento region — and crate-ship gates nationwide.

Question 15

Do you handle permits?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we pull required permits for driveway gates and pool-enclosure gates. Most pedestrian gates under 6 feet don't require a permit.

Question 16

Do you service gates you didn't build?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We refinish, repair, and service most custom wood and metal gates throughout the Bay Area.

Question 17

How often does a hardwood gate need refinishing?

Accepted Answer

Every 2–4 years for full sun, every 4–6 years for shaded gates. We offer annual maintenance plans.

Questions we hear most.

Cost & timeline

Design & materials

Automation & access control

Installation & service

Let's design a gate that belongs to your home.