Download Article
Easily block off a doorway or stairway with this guide
Download Article
Baby-proofing your home is an essential step to keeping your little one safe. To keep your baby from getting into rooms they shouldn't or to block access to a stairwell, a baby gate is the perfect solution. We're here to walk you through how to build a baby gate that’s both safe and effective. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on making a DIY baby gate for any space.
Steps
-
Measure the opening to determine the size of your baby gate. First, measure the width of the opening from wall to wall along both the top and bottom of the area. Make sure your gate is 2 inches (5.1 cm) less than the width measurement you take. This allows enough space for the latch and hinges to function properly. Then, measure the gate’s height, double-checking that the flooring surface is even. Measure in a few places to ensure a correct measurement. [1] X Research source
-
Cut the wood boards for the gate according to your measurements. The following numbers are meant for a 37.5 inches (95 cm) wide, 30 inches (76 cm) tall gate; adjust your measurements according to your opening size. Cut 6 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) boards to 30 in (76 cm) long for a gate with a 35.5 in (90 cm) opening. You should end up with 15 30 in (76 cm) long 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) boards. [2] X Research source Adjust the number and lengths of your boards to fit your doorway or stairwell opening as needed.Advertisement
-
Measure, cut, and fit the wooden frames for the gate. Measure the top and bottom horizontal frames first and cut a 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) board to 37.5 in (95 cm) long. Repeat the process on another 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) board for the 2 vertical frame board pieces so they fit flush with the horizontal boards at a 90-degree angle to frame the gate without overlapping. [5] X Research source
- Lay out your boards during the cutting process, so you get a better idea of the final fit. Arrange the frame onto a flat surface and line the boards up next to each other.
-
Fit and cut the cross-arm (“x”) wooden boards for the baby gate. Place the remaining 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) boards in an “x” shape over the gate and mark where the angled cuts need to be made. Leave one arm of the “x” intact and cut the other arm into two pieces to fit. [6] X Research source
- Purchase some extra 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) boards so you don’t have to head back to the store if you make a mistake.
-
Measure and cut the top trim wooden board for the gate. Measure a 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) board and cut it to 37.5 in (95 cm) long. Set it aside. [7] X Research source
-
Cut the wooden boards that will act as wall mounts for the gate opening. Measure and cut a 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) board into 2 equal pieces. [8] X Research source
- The wall mounts are optional and can be affixed to either side of the gate in a doorway on a wall, or to the banister of a staircase. [9] X Research source
Advertisement
-
Attach the wooden slats to the frame of the baby gate. Lay out the frame on a flat surface and line up the boards directly next to each other over the frame. Apply wood glue to the frame and screw down the lined-up boards using 1 1 ⁄ 4 in (3.2 cm) drywall screws and a drill or nail them using brad nails and a nail gun. [10] X Research source
- If you want to be able to see through the gate, leave space between each of the wood boards. Space the pieces of wood under 2 3 ⁄ 8 in (6.0 cm) inches for children under 2 and under 3 1 ⁄ 2 in (8.9 cm) inches for children older than 2 years old. [11] X Research source Gaps that are too large or small can lead to babies getting an arm, head, or leg caught between the wood boards.
-
Attach the pre-cut cross-arm (“x”) wooden boards to the gate. Place the cross-arm boards into the pre-cut “x” shape, apply wood glue beneath them, and screw or nail the cross-arm boards down. [12] X Research source
-
Attach the pre-cut top trim wooden board to the gate. Place the cut 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) trim board directly onto the top of the gate to act as a piece of trim. Screw or nail the trim piece to the top of the gate after applying wood glue. [13] X Research source
-
Use wood filler to fill the screw holes in the wood. This step is optional but results in a more seamless look. [14] X Research source
-
Sand and stain the wooden baby gate once assembled. Use a professional sander or sand by hand using both medium and fine-grit sandpaper . Use a 4 in (10 cm) foam brush to stain the wood and a rag to blend it in completely. [15] X Research source Once dry, you can follow up with a sealant to protect the wood.
Advertisement
-
Install the wall mounts on either side of the baby gate opening. Drill the two wall mounts (if using) to the sides of the gate opening with drywall screws. [16] X Research source
-
Attach a T-hinge set to the non-opening side of the baby gate and wall mount. Mark where the hinges will be affixed to the wall mount. Screw the hinges to the wall mount on the non-opening side of the gate. Then, attach the other side of each hinge to the gate itself. [17] X Research source
- The number of hinges you use depends on the height of your baby gate; a taller gate may require 3 hinges, whereas a medium-sized gate may only need 2.
- Use a spacer for the area beneath the gate so it remains straight or use a level to ensure a straight edge during installation. [18] X Research source
-
Install the baby gate latch onto the assembled gate. Affix the gate lock pieces onto the opening side of the gate and the opposite wall mount. Place the lock behind the gate so it remains out of reach for little hands. [19] X Research source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Video
Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Things You’ll Need
- (6) 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) wood boards
- (2) 1 in × 4 in (2.5 cm × 10.2 cm) wood boards
- (1) 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) wood board
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Power drill or nail gun
- 1 box of 1 1 ⁄ 4 in (3.2 cm) drywall screws or brad nails (and brad nail gun)
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
- T-hinge set
- Gate latch
- Framing square
- Tape measure
- Medium and fine-grit sandpaper (or a sander)
- Carpenter’s pencil
- Level
- Wood stain
- Sealant
- 4 in (10 cm) foam brush
- Cloth
References
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://catzinthekitchen.com/2018/11/diy-farmhouse-baby-gate.html
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/wqw6qgfjD7E?si=jXLPcnckEhqPyN7X&t=333
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://factualfairytale.com/home-decor/diy-barn-door-baby-gate-pet-door/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/smGUad-s0S8?si=PV1Nm-1CVodLu_fG&t=385
- ↑ https://farmhouseishblog.com/barn-door-baby-gate/
- ↑ https://factualfairytale.com/home-decor/diy-barn-door-baby-gate-pet-door/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/uQapHN_hR6o?si=jpXCrQ9g6GW08XKr&t=682
- ↑ https://youtu.be/wqw6qgfjD7E?si=WiKE3J9rbGUCmhCL&t=502
About This Article
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 839 times.
Advertisement
