- best buy
- great value
- Ease of installation
- Safety
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The key purpose of a stair gate is to keep your curious toddler away from anything that might cause them harm, including flights of stairs and busy kitchens.
To pass our testing, the stair gates we review must meet the requirements of the relevant safety standard. This ensures that they're sturdy, and can withstand the shakes and rattles of a determined child.
However, the very best stair gates won't just be secure and safe. They'll have simple instructions for a straightforward installation, and will be easy to open and close.
Keep scrolling to see the top five stair gates we recommend. If you're keen to learn more before investing in a stair gate, we also weigh up the pros and cons of different types, and answer common queries such as where and when to buy a stair gate, how tall it should be, and how to dispose of an old one.
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These are the stair gates which impressed in our tests and earned themselves a Best Buy.
We've split our recommendations into the different types of stair gate you can buy, so you can find one that's best suited for your house and needs.
You don't need to break the bank to get a reliable product either - one of our top models was among the cheapest we tested.
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Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time
Tables last checked December 2023.
Not seen the stair gate for you? See all of our stair gate reviews
The type of gate you choose will depend on its purpose and where you are putting it.
There's a wide range of different stair gates available. We run through the pros and cons of each to help you decide which would work best for you.
Pressure-fit gates sit within a fixed U-shaped frame that is held in place by pressure at four points. Extensions are often available if your doorway or stairway is wider than average. If the pressure is insufficient, then wall cups can be used to increase the security of the fixing.
They can be made of wood or metal.
See our pressure-fit stair gate reviews
Screw-fit gates are fixed to the wall with metal screws and can be made of wood or metal. You need to measure up carefully before buying as you may need extensions.
See our screw-fit stair gate reviews
These types of gate can be retracted when not in use so they're less obvious. They're usually either made of heavy-duty mesh which rolls up like a window blind, or hard plastic that folds in on itself like a concertina fan.
They need to be screwed into the wall.
Pros: No trip-risk, discreet when retracted, can be good for wide openings.
Cons: Sometimes tricky to install, can be as much as twice the price of wood or metal gates, some lack structural strength.
See our retractable stair gate reviews
Wooden stair gates can be either pressure-fit or screw-fit. You may decide to opt for a wooden stair gate if you have a particular style of decor in your house and you want the stair gate to match.
Pros: Can be more aesthetically-pleasing than other materials.
Cons: Might be harder to wipe clean than metal gates.
See our wooden stair gate reviews
Extendable stair gates give you more flexibility for fencing off wider spaces. Some models let you extend the gate by sliding it to the correct width, while others offer individual attachable extension bars to connect to the main stair gate.
Pros: Customisable stair-gate width.
Cons: May have to buy extensions separately, can be fiddly to construct.
These are made of mesh, don't sit in a frame and completely come away from the wall when you release the pressure. They act as fixed barriers rather than gates, and are designed to be more portable than other types.
Pros: Light and easy to fold up for travelling.
Cons: Not the best option for daily use, as they have to be taken down every time you go through them.
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This depends on what style you want and the width of the space you're closing off.
A simple, cheap stair gate can cost as little as £20 to £25, but if you want something more stylish, or one that fits an extra-wide or narrow space, it could cost up to £100.
We also now highlight Great Value stair gates – models have scored at least 60% in our testing, but are also at least 20% cheaper than the average price of comparable stair gates we've tested.
See our Great Value stair gates or compare all our stair gates reviews to find the best that suits your budget.
Screw-fit gates are the best type to use at the top of the stairs because they are the most secure and don’t cause a trip hazard.
Pressure-fit and retractable stair gates are not a good option for the top of stairs because their design incurs a trip hazard and they are not as sturdy.
Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.
Find the perfect screw-fit stair gate for your home.
A stair gate needs to be tall enough that your toddler can’t climb over it.
Ideally, you want your stair gate to be at least 75cm (30 inches) in height. Extra-tall models are available, and range in sizes from 1m (39 inches) and beyond.
Stair gates can be found at a variety of online and high street retailers. Be careful to buy from a reputable trader and always check the returns policy and warranty information.
We've listed the most-searched for stair gate retailers below, with information on stock, price range and delivery options.
Yes. For example, you could use it to keep a dog or other pet out of your kitchen.
You could also try selling it on an online marketplace. Just be sure to check there are no areas where the gate has weakened from one too many shoves or rattles by a determined child or pet. If possible, sell the gate with the original instructions and all fixings.
Stair gates are difficult to recycle because they're usually made from a mixture of metal railings and plastic fixings. If your local recycling centre won’t take it, it will need to go to your council waste centre to be properly disposed of.
Lots of people use safety gates as dog gates for stairs and to keep pets in or out of certain rooms.
Some stair gates also come with a small door inset into the gate, to let a smaller pet through while keeping large people and dogs out.
We put all stair gates through an impact test where they are hit three times with a 25kg weight (that's roughly the same weight as a small female labrador or a large springer spaniel), to see if the gate comes loose or breaks.
Some gates pass this test, but others come loose after a couple of further hits.
It’s worth bearing in mind that some dog gates are not appropriate for babies, as they have horizontal slats that your baby might use to climb up and over the gate, or small parts that can fall off and be a choking hazard.
If you're planning on getting a dog (but a baby could also be on the horizon), you're best off choosing a baby stair gate that holds up in our tests so you can be assured that it will be suitable for protecting both children and animals.
Keep your furry best friend safe and happy by using the best dog harnesses and feeding them one of the best dog food brands.