How to block stairs without baby gate

Due to reasons that range from expenses, personal preference, and other reasons, there are needs for other means to guide babies and pets from staircases without baby gates. Through the years, a couple of ideas have been brought up. Praises are given to some while some suffer criticism, but they will all be discussed in this article, and the readers can choose the ones that satisfy their wants.

Stair barriers

These are upholstery fabric fastened by professionally crafted inner components like rigid plastic vertical, durable and strong horizontal pieces of webbing and knots to pull up a barrier to block the stairs. They are strong because the fabrics are pulled to a very high level of tightness to be pulled over easily.

It can be installed in stairs with cases of the banister to the banister, wall to the railing, and in rare instances, wall to wall. They are installed so that it will be easy for the parents or guardians to open them when they need to, even though it tightens and spreads through very well.

There is also a subtype of stair barrier that is less expensive and can be made at home. It’s called the simple fabric gate.

To create this, the following will be needed:

1. Some quilting fabric
2. Iron seams
3. Four cord bundles (eight if available in an easier reach)
4. Some bias fabric (will be preferable if they are sewn into a tape-like structure)

Steps to create a simple fabric gate

The parent or constructor has to first measure the length and breadth of the stairs he/she wishes to cover with a tape rule or any other means. Then the fabric will be cut out to match the obtained measurements.

P.S.: some centimeters should be added to the measurements so the fabric will be enough after being folded at the edges, preferably up to 15 centimeters.

The iron seams are to be cut to the same length and breadth the fabric has been cut to. The iron will then be used to press the iron seams to the edges of the fabric so they can thicken at the points. It can be enforced by sewing it around.

Put the bias fabric through the edges and iron again. This step should be taken before seeing it round for cases where there are means to sew the fabric. Stick the cord bundlers to the four different positions that will hold the whole fabric being designed. The number of cord bundlers can be more than four, maybe eight. Here, three will hold it by the left and right, and the remaining will hold it downwards. Either way, the number of bias fabrics will be the same as this.

Pull the bias to stay in position with the cord bundlers, and the simple fabric gate is ready to serve its users.

The best alternative to block stairs with baby gates is the stair barrier by statistics and research.

Plexiglass glass door

These are made from petroleum-based thermoplastic and are made to be non-toxic. These are used in place of popular baby gates because of their easy maintenance, strength, and weather resistance.

In addition, they don’t shatter like normal glasses — they remain together without a single bit falling off, therefore, reducing the risk of serious injuries 6 to 17 times greater impact efforts to break normal glasses. This is even if they are stuck hard.

Plexi glasses are even used in big transparent aquarium tanks, and they withstand water pressure, thereby ensuring parents and guardians there is minimal risk of shattering. Unfortunately, the Plexiglass door requires a professional to install. Although the cost might be a bit costly, it can serve more than any other means of blocking stairs.

Stair blockers

These are boards shaped to fit in the stairs so that they are born inclined planes and impossible for the child to climb up. However, it is the best option for open stairs, and it is easy to put on and remove as opposed to others that will take time when an adult wants to pass.

They are made resistant to moisture, chemical attacks, and environmental conditions, but this resistivity depends on the quality of the materials used by the maker. It is less obstructive and will not affect the house decoration. It’s even less obvious until one looks well, but it’s effective. It stands after the stair fabric barrier as some adults might fall by stepping on its steep part.

PVC Pipe gates or barriers

These are less expensive plastic forms of barriers to block stairs. They are non-toxic and maintenance-free. The cost of preventing insect or termite infestation is eliminated as they are termite-proof. Though they are lightweight, they can endure many forces. They are resistant to chemical attacks and not affected by moisture.

They are available in a series of colors to match the house’s decoration (for people who hate the coordination in colors of materials in the house.) To lessen the cost of installing and purchasing, there are means to produce PVC barriers by parents or guardians. It differs from the simple fabric gate’s processes; it needs more detailed information and a video explanation.

PVC pipe gates or barriers are affected by weather conditions. Therefore, in places of harsh environmental conditions or unfavorable situations, they crack or suffer destruction faster.

Barn doors

Rather than purchasing a baby gate, some people resolve to create a barn door to block the stairs. It is the short form of the standard barn door. A simple combination can make them of pieces of planks of wood. Although moisture can affect them, correct treatment and application of paint will protect them.

They are usually with any means of automation. They swing when opened, and if by mistake they hit someone, the spot might suffer pain. This is because they are made from local woods. They might also be noisy when opened. Either way, it ranks before many options.

Half door

They are referred to as Dutch doors, split or double-hung doors in some regions. Each half door is a typical standard door divided into two, but the two still swing differently. They are exquisite to sight and are good artefacts to those who appreciate home settings. If the house is susceptible to insect infestation, it is not advised. They can also serve as the main door up the stairs and prevent even adults if there’s a need to restrict adults.

Half doors are more reliable to crack or break over time and might be noisy if the space between the two parts isn’t enough. But, on the other hand, half doors take up more expenses when it comes to purchasing special hardware that is not present in some barriers of blocking stairs with baby gates.

Net barrier

Just like the fabric material, the net barrier works in the same principle. There are different types of nets, and the thickness depends on the age of the child. Net barriers are susceptible to being pulled off if the holes between them have more space. Therefore, a more closely packed net is advised.

To have thick edges might not be as easy as in the simple fabric barrier. It requires sewing at the ends or glueing together folded parts of the edges. It usually lasts more than the fabric barrier, but it might trap the child if the child can successfully pull it over. This will cause stress for the child as he/she will try to pull it off themselves. It can be produced in the house and might not need the attention of a professional. If the child is noticed to have characters pulling things, avoid it because there can be chances the above mentioned can occur.

Sliding mini doors

These are doors cut into the size of the stairway and put on a track so they can slide right or less if needed to be opened and can still prevent babies and pets from going up stairways. The design is mainly aimed to provide a much easier means of controlling the opening and closure.

They can be automated and good if there is limited space for other barriers to swing. Steel beams are required to make the tracks, and they are available in various colors to match the house’s setting. For couples who love home decoration and design, the sliding mini doors are a sight to behold when one watches them in action.

Plywood barriers

Plywoods are materials produced by an industrial combination of different layers of thin woods to form a single sheet. They are lightweight. They are less expensive, and injuries that exist if woods are used are reduced. These injuries include pinched fingers and splinters, cuts, or getting a sliver stuck in the child.

Plywood barriers will destroy if hit too much with force but are cheap and available in most markets. There are also limited color textures of plywoods if the house owner cares about color coordination.

Parental controls are important in the proper upbringing of children. However, the best option isn’t always the best unless it has been thought over and compared with others.