Cardinal Gates Outdoor Safety Gate, Black, 29.5″ tall

Product Information

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.

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. 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. Dog gates generally come in three materials – wood, metal or plastic – or a combination of plastic and mesh. If your dog is prone to chewing or scratching, it's best to avoid wood, plastic or plastic and mesh gates, and opt for a metal gate instead. If you travel or will be adjusting the gate to different rooms in the house, the best option is a portable, free-standing gate.

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. Ways to keep your family living costs down, and kids of all ages happy Get our Family newsletter – it's free monthly. Ensure that the gate opens towards the landing, not outwards towards the stairs, or you could fall forward while opening it.

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.

Space A retracting or concertina stair gate is ideal for areas with restricted space or if you want the gate out of sight when it’s not in use. You can buy wide gates or extensions if the opening you want to cover is particularly big. 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.

Location Stair gates at the top of the stairs should open towards the landing, not towards the flight of stairs, to avoid falling forwards while opening the gate. You should only use screw-fit gates at the top of the stairs.