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Easily block off a doorway or stairway with this guide
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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
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Cut the boards for the gate. 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. [1] X Research source Adjust the number and lengths of your boards to fit your doorway or stairwell opening as needed. -
Cut the frame 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 frameboard pieces so they fit flush with the horizontal boards at a 90-degree angle to frame the gate without overlapping. [4] 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.
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Cut the cross-arm boards for the 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. [5] 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.
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Cut the top trim 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. [6] X Research source -
Cut the 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. [7] 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. [8] X Research source
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Attach the boards to the frame. 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. [9] 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. [10] 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.
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Attach the cross-arm 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. [11] X Research source -
Attach the top trim 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. [12] X Research source -
Use wood filler to fill the screw holes. This step is optional but results in a more seamless look. [13] X Research source -
Sand and stain the gate. 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. [14] X Research source Once dry, you can follow up with a sealant to protect the wood.
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Install the wall mounts. Drill the two wall mounts (if using) to the sides of the gate opening with drywall screws. [15] X Research source -
Attach a T-hinge set to the gate and the 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. [16] 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. [17] X Research source
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Install the gate latch . 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. [18] X Research source
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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://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
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