Need a gate for banister at top of stairs?

Question

I am looking for a baby gate that will go at the top of stairs but I have railing posts on each side so a gate that pushes against the sides will weaken my railings. I'd also like to avoid drilling into them if possible. Any ideas? These are standard railings that builders put in most homes going up stairs, etc.

Answer 1

1) Connect each side of the gate to a 2x4. Then use a lot of cable straps and strap each side of the 2x4 to the banisters.

Pressure mounting at the top of the stairs is dangerous.

Answer 2

You'll have to drill. You cant use a pressure mounted gate at the top of the stairs. We have the same thing, but Im curious why you're concerned about iit pushing against the sides, if you have quality rails, this shouldnt be an issue. Also make sure that the area of your posts you can drill on (flat areas), matches the measurements of gate hardware. We had a tough time finding one, and finally found the Summer Extra Tall one.

Answer 3

There are some stair gaurds that hook on to the railing of the stairs or maybe drill into the wall. You should try the local hardware store and see what they advise I am pretty sure they may have suggestions as far as re-enforcing the stairs and how to set them up with out drilling into anything.

Answer 4

My gate is by Kidco and is exactly like an earlier person suggested. Either it came with 1 x 2's or you buy the kit separately (more likely) and it comes with cable ties.

Pressure mounted gates are not recommended for stairs.

Answer 5

Try something like this:
http://www.kidstoychest.com/safety/baby-gates.htm

Also it depends on the walls near the top of your stairs and whether you want to alter them.