How to Block Off Stairs or Gate Them Off

Pressure Mounted Gates

• 1

  Insert the bumpers into the ends of each gate, where the gate connects with the wall. Push the bumpers in completely.

• 2

  Line the gate inside the door frame so it's straight and perpendicular to the floor. Recheck this alignment as you finish setting up the gate.

• 3

  Turn the bumpers until they fit snugly against the wall. Turn the top two bumpers first, and then the bottom two.

• 4

  Open and close the gate to make sure it opens smoothly.

Permanent Gate

• 5

  Drill two holes in the wall where the hinge bar will go. Use a 9/64 drill bit. Make each hole 2 inches deep. The hinge bar has to be straight on the wall, so line up the holes straight on top of each other. Use the hinge bar as a guide.

• 6

  Attach the hinge to the wall using the provided screws. If screws don't come with the gate, use screw appropriate for the medium you are working with, such as drywall screws for drywall.

• 7

  Attach the latch bar in the same manner as the hinge bar. Drill two holes into the wall directly across from the hinge bar and screw it in place. The two bars must line up evenly with each other.

• 8

  Install the gate onto the hinge bar by snapping it in place. Put the hinge cap onto the metal post to cover it.

• 9

  Slide the swing control onto the bottom of the gate on the opening side. The swing control keeps the gate from swinging out onto the stairs when it's at the top of the stairs. This will keep children from falling down the stairs when they lean on the gate.

• 10

  Adjust the width of the gate by moving the adjustment knobs inward. Turn these counterclockwise to loosen the gate. Align it so it's 1/8 inch from the latch and tighten the knobs again.