How to Build Your Own DIY Baby Gate for the Stairs

Nov 19, 2020

While expecting a baby, my wife was hesitant about stairs. I said, "oh, the baby will be fine." Now that she's crawling around and climbing on everything, I'm the one worrying. So here's the baby gate I built to keep my little one from tumbling down the stairs with step-by-step guidance so you can build your own.

Irwin quick-grip clamps	×	2
Dewalt miter saw	×	1
Ryobi drill	×	1
white paint	×	1
gate latch	×	1
gate hinges	×	2
8 x 3" interior wood screws	×	1 box

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First, the complete project.

I made a trip to the hardware store and bought the materials. For this project I used a 1 x 3 for the top and bottom and 2 x 2's for the balusters. I also picked up the smallest gate hinges and latch I could find. To secure the balusters to the top and bottom rails, I used 3" wood nails.

Then I took my measurements. The goal was to mount a 2 x 2 to the wall and secure the hinges to it. Then the gate should be wide enough to reach the other post. The latch will be mounted on the post. After taking measurements, I made the initial cuts for the frame and laid it out.