How to Build a Wooden Safety Gate: An Easy DIY With Pictures

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Easily block off a doorway or stairway with this guide

Co-authored by Wits End Parenting and Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.

Last Updated: March 28, 2025 Fact Checked

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Cutting the Wood

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Assembling the Gate

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Installing the Gate

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Video

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Things You'll Need

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.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cutting the Wood

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First, measure the width of the opening from wall to wall along both the top and bottom of the area. Make sure your gate is 2 inches (5.1 cm) less than the width measurement you take. This allows enough space for the latch and hinges to function properly. Then, measure the gate’s height, double-checking that the flooring surface is even. Measure in a few places to ensure a correct measurement.^{[1]
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2
Cut the wood boards for the gate according to your measurements. The following numbers are meant for a 37.5 inches (95 cm) wide, 30 inches (76 cm) tall gate; adjust your measurements according to your opening size. 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.^{[2]
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Research source} Adjust the number and lengths of your boards to fit your doorway or stairwell opening as needed.
- The opening should be 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wider than the gate itself to allow room for the hinges and for the gate to swing open.^{[3]
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- If you're attaching wall mounts to either side of the gate, measure the opening after installing them.^{[4]
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3
Measure, cut, and fit the wooden frames 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 frame board pieces so they fit flush with the horizontal boards at a 90-degree angle to frame the gate without overlapping.^{[5]
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- 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.
4
Fit and cut the cross-arm (“x”) wooden boards for the baby 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.^{[6]
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- 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.
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.^{[7]
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6
Cut the wooden boards that will act as 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.^{[8]
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- 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.^{[9]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Assembling the Gate

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1
Attach the wooden slats to the frame of the baby gate. 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.^{[10]
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- 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.^{[11]
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  Research source} Gaps that are too large or small can lead to babies getting an arm, head, or leg caught between the wood boards.
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.^{[12]
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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.^{[13]
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Use wood filler to fill the screw holes in the wood. This step is optional but results in a more seamless look.^{[14]
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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.^{[15]
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Research source} Once dry, you can follow up with a sealant to protect the wood.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Installing the Gate

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Drill the two wall mounts (if using) to the sides of the gate opening with drywall screws.^{[16]
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Attach a T-hinge set to the non-opening side of the baby gate and 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.^{[17]
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- 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.^{[18]
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Install the baby gate latch onto the assembled gate. 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.^{[19]
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