Help me build a baby gate

[spotco2]

The steps on our front porch are very wide and our son is just starting to walk, so I've got to build a gate so he can't take the tumble.

The post for the rails (4x4) are 64-1/4" apart. The existing rails are built from 2x4's with 2x2 spindles and 4" off the floor. I want a single gate that I can attach to the right side only and have it swing in against a wall when not needed. I also want to build it to match the existing rails.

One concern is what kind of hinges will hold up to the weight of a gate this wide? I'm considering standard door hinges instead of gate or piano hinges. Any better options?

I am also considering a caster under the latching edge that will roll across the deck when it opens and closes as well as holding the weight of the gate up to keep it from sagging.

Another question is which of the following designs would be stronger to keep the gate from sagging? I would think the top design (look at the corners) and possibly use a diagonal tensioner (think screen door) to help prevent sagging by distributing the weight to the upper hinge area.

The last question would be about fasteners. I would love to just pop it together with ring shank nails with a nail gun, but would screws hold it together better? It is on the North side of the house with an overhang so it will not get much full sun exposure.

Any questions, comments or recommendation are welcome.

 

[robertlynk]

Make it a rolling gate if possible

 

[jjkrjh]

I would think it would be easiest to make it roll side to side, kinda like a pocket door. Nylon wheels on the bottom would support the weight. Aluminum "L" channel 1/2 to help on any rigidity issues that can be hidden or painted. Screw stops on the decking and posts. It could be made to resemble existing railing and could be easily removed as the child ages.


Rereading the op's post would lead me to believe that this might no be an option. Any pictures of porch available?

 

[charlie v]

This is what I did for a customer. Gates match the railings/posts within the home. 2 door hinges per gate.

 

[srmofo]

The issue with a roller at the end is that your porch is probably not level meaning that while the wheel might be perfectly positioned when closed but then either bind or float when when opened up.

The issue with a 65" gate is not going to be what kind of hinges but whether or not the post you attach it to can properly support a gate that wide hanging off of it. Im guessing it cant.

How about some pictures of what you are working with so we can give better suggestions.

Personally without seeing it, I wouldn't even consider making it one large gate, especially if you are trying to match the existing style. Instead I would bring the opening in smaller from both sides and then build a gate that has a smaller span. I know it isn't ideal but its probably the best solution for a trouble free gate that you will be dealing with for a few years.

 

[fivespdcat]

Why not just make it two doors?

 

[theoldwizard1]

This gate is only 47" wide, but it is well built, looks nice and has held up against twin 2 years olds !

Summer Infant Multi-Use Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate, White

My gut says you can modify it for your wider opening and have a much more functional design than something you can build.


EDIT :

This version can be expanded to a max of 73" !

Summer Infant Metal Expansion Gate

 

[404]

Make sure the space between the uprights is small enough. Don't want little heads going through.

 

[srmofo]

EDIT :

This version can be expanded to a max of 73" !

Summer Infant Metal Expansion Gate

I have this gate inside my home and it works well, but I don't think it would last too long outside on a porch. Between the UV deteriorating the plastic parts and the weather doing its thing on the metal bits it would probably be unusable within a few months. Now if he used it as a starting point to build and improve upon, yes it would be a good start. However the biggest issue I see with it is that in order to accommodate the many different widths, you have to angle the 2 wings so the total gate looks like a U shape. This does add strength to the design. Obviously it couldn't be shaped outward but if he could shape it inward (i.e. No clearance issue with other doors), it might suffice.

 

[spotco2]

Sorry about not posting pics of the porch.

As you can see, it is very narrow and the column (6x6?) on what would be the latch side of the gate is larger than the 4x4 on the other side. That was one reason I did not want a sliding gate. The other reason is the porch is so narrow now that it's hard to even walk past the chairs and I think it would be in the way.

 

[srmofo]

is that 4x4 on the house side anchored into the ground or is it just bolted to the porch to act as a place for the hand rail?

To me that screams sliding gate. You can make it match the existing style of railing without using full 2x4s. I would use 1.5 x 1.5 material for the top and bottom and make the balusters out of 1.5 x .75 'slates'. Make all the forward facing visible angles show the 1.5 side. The gate will weigh half as much. Now the down side to that approach.You will have to use good joints if you want it to be durable, I would be tempted to use a mortise and tenon, but man the would be tedious. So I would probably end up with .75 wide rabbet down the center of the top and bottom rails. Fill the spots in between the balusters with more wood to get equally spaced and faux "mortise and tenon". Apply lots of glue to every piece, pre-drill and counter sink every hole, and you would have a very sturdy and light weight gate.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have this gate inside my home and it works well, but I don't think it would last too long outside on a porch. Between the UV deteriorating the plastic parts and the weather doing its thing on the metal bits it would probably be unusable within a few months.

While it won't likely last 6 years like mine, I think you are a bit pessimistic. I would give it at least a year, maybe 2. Clean up any rust and give it a shot of Rustoleum spray.

Now if he used it as a starting point to build and improve upon, yes it would be a good start. However the biggest issue I see with it is that in order to accommodate the many different widths, you have to angle the 2 wings so the total gate looks like a U shape.

I'll disagree again. The current design uses tension on both the top a bottom rail. The "bumpers" on the end fir into pockets that are attached to the side of the port (wall). You may need something stronger for a rambunctious 2 year old !

The way it is designed, the whole gate can quickly and easily remove the whole gate and store it behind the chairs on your porch.


Most good baby stores have these in stock (although not all styles and sizes). Go check them out !

 

[NorthernVA]

This is what i did. Obviousely mine was for an interior application. I also need the ability for an overweigt cat to get downstairs. I used maple and walnut and finished it with tung oil.

 

[Kaizen]

100percent sliding gate. should only loose a couple inches. couple of wheels to hold it up so no scratching and some wood for it to slide into. plus you can replicate that railing exactly so when open it would look like the existing railing. that long of a self supporting gate is just gonna be a pain. besides do you even have room for a swinging gate that big? remember toys and chairs and all need to be out of the way. adding a few things you can make a simple self closing slider too

 

[spotco2]

The 4x4 on the house side is only attached to the porch and does not extend down to the ground.

Y'all are about to convince me to do a slider. I'll have to admit I've never done anything sliding other than large barn doors and some stuff using trolleys and Unistrut.

Pretty factor does come into play almost as much as functionality. What the best way to do a slider?

 

[theoldwizard1]

This is what i did. Obviousely mine was for an interior application. I also need the ability for an overweigt cat to get downstairs. I used maple and walnut and finished it with tung oil.

Very nice !

Tung oil is very "old school" ! What steps did you take and how long did it take to dry ?

 

[Kaizen]

The 4x4 on the house side is only attached to the porch and does not extend down to the ground.

Y'all are about to convince me to do a slider. I'll have to admit I've never done anything sliding other than large barn doors and some stuff using trolleys and Unistrut.

Pretty factor does come into play almost as much as functionality. What the best way to do a slider?

recreate the existing failing to the right of the stairway. just 2x4 on ends and top with those same pickets with same spacing. two of these wheels on the bottom. http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-polyurethane-heavy-duty-rigid-caster-61757.html
some of these but nicer to receive it at the locking post like a motise and tennon and use two on the top rail and bottom to hold it close to the railing. will have to be near other post as the wheel will hit it.
also will need something like this if you want it to last for a few years.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-...g-Gate-Kit-CD1273-ANTI-SAG-GATE-KIT/203623364
it will keep it from racking. the only important thing really is having it sturdy when locked closed.

 

[rslaback]

Before you start it as a slider, is there any reason the opening has to stay that wide? I ask because a single swinging gate that size is going to be a pain in the *** since you can't walk around it. If I were you I would look into a temporary railing from the left about halfway across and then a swinging gate from the right.

Have you considered a laser fence?

 

[spotco2]

Have you considered a laser fence?

My dog has an invisible fence but not sure Mommy would let me put the collar on the kid.

 

[srmofo]

While it won't likely last 6 years like mine, I think you are a bit pessimistic. I would give it at least a year, maybe 2. Clean up any rust and give it a shot of Rustoleum spray.


I'll disagree again. The current design uses tension on both the top a bottom rail. The "bumpers" on the end fir into pockets that are attached to the side of the port (wall). You may need something stronger for a rambunctious 2 year old !

The way it is designed, the whole gate can quickly and easily remove the whole gate and store it behind the chairs on your porch.


Most good baby stores have these in stock (although not all styles and sizes). Go check them out !

You're right I'm pessimistic. When I am relying on something to protect my child, I wouldn't trust the plastic bits after a few months in the sun. They're cheap enough to begin with.

I have that exact gate. It is not held in by tension. It has brackets it clips to

 

[rieferman]

We owned a couple of the gates like Wizard linked above (like this one) and had one on our covered porch (similar conditions to what the OP shows in his pics) for a couple of years without any deterioration at all. Then our kids learned not to fall down steps and we sold the gate on CL. I wouldn't overcomplicate this for a situation that only lasts a year or so.

 

[spotco2]

I wouldn't overcomplicate this for a situation that only lasts a year or so.

That's not how my brain works though!

 

[mytimeyet]

Something like this may do the trick.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0044B4I04/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Kaizen]

My dog has an invisible fence but not sure Mommy would let me put the collar on the kid.

just use a small dog one like for a Chihuahua

 

[NorthernVA]

Very nice !

Tung oil is very "old school" ! What steps did you take and how long did it take to dry ?

I waited 24 hrs between coats, and I did a total of 4 coats. I usually lay the rag I used outside and when the rag is stiff its time for the next coat. Once the final coat was dried for a week, I finished it off with some clear wax. I love tung oil, its hard to screw up.

 

[volleyball]

I am thinking locking the front door would be enough to keep the tyke in. If you are on the porch just make sure he is on the other side of you from the stairs.

 

[darwyn]

I am thinking locking the front door would be enough to keep the tyke in. If you are on the porch just make sure he is on the other side of you from the stairs.

Whew, glad I'm not the only one!

 

[spotco2]

I am thinking locking the front door would be enough to keep the tyke in. If you are on the porch just make sure he is on the other side of you from the stairs.

Whew, glad I'm not the only one!

LOL....Have y'all raised kids? Those little suckers are FAST and hard to catch when you're old!

Seriously, he loves being outside playing or swinging. We want to be able to enjoy sitting on the porch with him while he plays. Yes it's very easy to say "just don't let him get close to the steps" but in reality that can be very difficult sometimes.

 

[Playwme]

Put the gate from the right side of the steps to the house then. That way you don't have to open it every time you use the front door. That could grow to be a pain pretty quickly, especially when it's raining or you're trying to carry stuff up the stairs.

 

[volleyball]

I raised me some kids and I learned a trick, I keep an eye on them. Mine had a way less tumbles than I did as a kid. Learned that from my parents who had lots of kids and didn't keep as good of track of.
Don't be like the people on tv or movies who ALWAYS turn their back on whoever they are watching to answer a phone call.
Me, I'd just sit on the chair by the end of the porch and there would be no way the kid can get by. Now the next project is to make sure the spindles are no more than 4" apart.

 

[t-spec]

This is what i did. Obviousely mine was for an interior application. I also need the ability for an overweigt cat to get downstairs. I used maple and walnut and finished it with tung oil.

Really is nice craftsmanship but does the kid not get stuck trying to get through the cat access?

 

[rick carpenter]

You could narrow the gate width by placing 4x4s floor to ceiling about 1' in from the posts and fill the sides with rails and spindles to match your existing fence. A narrower gate would give you less of an engineering headache than a wide gate.

If you made the gate out of welded metal with dimensions to match or match close enough or faced with wood, the sagging issue would be solved. A little less rigid but maybe more aesthetically pleasing would be black tension wires running from the top hinge corner of a wooden gate to the opposite corner.

Another thought, black pipe/square tube instead of the temporary 4x4s and black welded wire fencing and gate system would probably nearly disappear from view at the curb.

 

[NorthernVA]

Really is nice craftsmanship but does the kid not get stuck trying to get through the cat access?

Actually my baby is only 6 months old and we arn't there yet. When she starts crawling, i may have to adjust the size of the openng using wood and some zip ties. My fingers are crossed, I think I could take about 3 inches out of the width of the openng without putting the cat on a diet.