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6 Best Hardware-Mounted Baby Gates 2024

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If you’re searching for the best hardware-mounted baby gate, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top five gates that are easy to install and will keep your little one safe. Whether you’re looking for a traditional gate or something more modern, we have you covered. Keep reading to learn more about each option and find the perfect one for your home!

Being a baby-safety-first blog, we are big fans of hardware-mounted gates as they guarantee a strong and sturdy barrier to keep your little ones safe from harm. Their installation ensures that they are not prone to hazards such as falling over, tripping, or being pulled down. It also meets all the 10 baby gates safety standards.

Among the most critical spaces in your home that you can rely on for this type of gate is at the top and bottom of stairs, where accidents are most likely to happen. Additionally, hardware-mounted gates can also be used in other areas of the house, such as doorways and entryways, to prevent your little ones from accessing restricted areas or leaving the safety of your home.

What is a hardware-mounted baby gate?

Hardware-mounted baby gates are typically made of metal, wooden, or plastic materials. They consist of two pieces that are attached to the top and bottom of the doorframes using screws on either side. A hardware-mounted baby gate can span across an opening between 26″ – 52″ inches in width. Statistics have shown that a kid in the US is treated for an injury related to a stairs accident every 6 minutes. That, among other things, is what makes hardware-mounted baby gates an ideal choice for your home, especially if you have an active little one.

Here is a list of features to look for when picking a hardware-mounted baby gate:

1. Ease of Installation
There is nothing more frustrating than having to spend hours installing a product! The best hardware-mounted baby gates shouldn’t take much time or effort when it comes to attaching the pieces into place. Most products come with installation tools, but if you would rather not use them, make sure the process is straightforward.
2. Pressure Mounted vs Hardware Mounted
Pressure-mounted baby gates are attached to your door frame with rubberized pads that apply the necessary pressure when installed properly against doors and door frames. They can be removed if you no longer require them in place, but they might not be as secure as a hardware-mounted baby gate.
3. Durability
Make sure that the product you’re investing your money into is made out of good quality materials. Plastic and wood tend to be the best options for durability, but metal can work just as well if crafted with high-quality material. Make sure it has a stable foundation and is not flimsy.
4. Style
Though functionality should always come first, there are times when you might want to match the color of your baby gate to something else in your house. Whether you’re looking for a traditional look or something more modern, we have covered all options! There’s sure to be one that matches your style.
5. Childproof Feature
It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Opt for a product that allows you the option to add a lock or has a childproof feature in place so your little one doesn’t try and test his or her climbing skills on it.

Read more of factors to consider when buying a baby gate here.

Our Top Picks & Quick Comparison Table

Reviews of the Best Hardware-mounted Baby Gates:

1. Munchkin Loft Hardware Mounted Baby Gate

Our best overall hardware-mounted baby gate is the LOFT Aluminum Gate from Munchkin. This baby gate features a sleek, modern, aluminum design that compliments your home décor while at the same time keeping your little one safe. The gate is designed to fit openings that are 26.5 to 40 inches wide and stand 30.5 inches high. It made to our list as one of the best hardware-mounted baby gates for stairs and like that you can install it on even uneven walls.

This baby gate has an indexed sizing system that adjusts for a perfect vertical fit even on walls that are not level. When installing your gate, you will love the integrated tuning system that enables you to adjust the width quickly and easily with pre-set index positions. Parents were impressed by this feature that allows them to remove the gate temporarily. We admired the extra-large walk-thru of this baby gate and how slides in and out easily making it ideal for heavy traffic areas.

The LOFT Aluminum Gate features a double locking system on the in-built handle that is easy for you to use. It is, however, difficult for your little one. When you walk through, the door locks easily with a simple push. You can use it everywhere in your home, including at the top of stairs, the bottom of stairs, or between rooms. The gate is backed by a 1-year warranty.

A video illustration on how to install the Munchkin LOFT baby gate

2. KidCo Safeway Hardware Mounted Baby Gate

KidCo was the first company to introduce metal safety gates in the US in 1994 and has since been most parents’ favorite brand. Its Safeway is among the most cherished KidCo hardware-mounted baby gates in the industry that is specifically designed for the top of stairs use. This gate features a hinge side hardware that can be mounted on an angle even on tricky stairs.

All the gates by the KidCo brand are made using heavy-duty tubular steel with robotic welding and form-fitting. As such, they are strong enough to withstand your child’s banging and durable. We liked how easy it is to operate with one hand plus the quick-release hardware that lets you remove the gate easily when not needed.

Available in black or white colors, this baby gate from KidCo is ideal for openings that are 24.75 to 42.5 inches wide and have a height of 42.5 inches. You will like the stay open feature as well as the directional stop feature that prevents this baby gate from swinging over the stairs.


3. Munchkin Extending XL Tall and Wide Baby Gate

If you are looking for a tall hardware-mounted baby gate, you will love the Extending XL baby gate from Munchkin. It is one of the greatest choices on the market today and currently ranks in the top 100 in the Door & Stair Baby Gate category on Amazon. It is suitable for kids aged 6 to 24 months old.

This Munchkin baby gate is meant to be hardware mounted on openings that measure 33 to 56 inches wide and have a height of 36 inches. We liked the high-quality steel, sleek, modern design in a white color that complements your home décor perfectly. The in-built hinge mechanism features a unique structure that reduces stress on your walls when opening and closing. So, you can be sure that no significant damage will be made.

What we liked most about this Munchkin baby gate is its versatility and customization. When using it on the stairs, it opens on one side which prevents trip hazards. But if you install it on your doorways, it offers a two-way opening option. In addition, it has a handle with a locking mechanism that is easy to operate with one hand for you.


4. Toddleroo by North States 103″ Wide Extra Wide Swing Baby Gate

Are you on the hunt for extra-wide hardware-mounted baby gates? Toddleroo by the North States is a great choice! This baby gate is designed for oversized openings and spaces that are 60 to 103 inches wide and stand 27 inches tall. It is safe for babies 6 to 24 months old and is in the top 100 in the Door & Stair Baby Gate category on Amazon.

This safe baby gate is easy to hardware mount which improves its stability while in use and comes with all mounting brackets and hardware. Although the gate swings on both sides for convenience, it does not swing fully which prevents trip hazards and has no threshold bar either. That plus being JPMA certified guarantees baby safety. The baby gate comes with an easy, one-hand operation latch that makes it easy for you to get in and out of the blocked area easily.

This safety baby gate is made in the USA using sustainably sourced wood comes in a natural wood finish that matches well with any home décor. If you have a wide stairwell or doorway, this baby gate is a champ and is currently priced under $50 on Amazon.


5. Regalo 2-in-1 Stairway and Hallway Wall Mounted Baby Gate

Do you need a hardware-mounted baby gate for the top of the stairs? You will love this baby gate from Regalo! Thanks to its universal top-of-stairs design, this robust gate is compatible with 99% of all stairway openings. The gate is ideal for protecting your 6 to 24-month-old kiddos from potentially unsafe stairways.

This wall-mounted safety baby gate is designed to fit openings that expand between 29 to 43 inches wide. It stands 30.5 inches high and features a durable steel build that keeps your little one safe when they are not within your arm’s reach. We liked the convenient walk-thru door that allows you to walk hassle-free with a simple squeeze of the latch handle. The door opens smoothly using the Smooth Glide tech and features a safety lock that is easy for adults to operate.

For reliability, this baby gate has an in-built leveler that ensures an even installation across the stairway for optimal safety. If you want to install this Regalo baby gate without damaging your woodwork or banister, you can use the adapter kit that comes with the purchase.

If you need a hardware-mounted baby gate for the bottom of the stairs, we would recommend the Cardinal Gates Auto-Lock Gate. It has been highly rated by parents as effective for the purpose with an auto-lock feature and a white color that matches cutely with your house décor.


6. Summer Infant Deluxe Stairway Simple to Secure Wood Gate

Our review would be incomplete without mentioning this hardware-mounted wood baby gate from Summer Infant. Perfect for use with toddlers, the gate stands 32 inches tall and is designed to fit openings 30 to 48 inches wide. It is also in the top 100 in the Door & Stair Baby Gate category on Amazon.

This baby gate allows you to babyproof your home in style with a beautiful wood design in a golden oak cherry finish that complements all décor. The Summer Deluxe Stairway Simple to Secure Wood Baby Gate gives you all the peace of mind you need with your child at home. We loved the unique comfort grip handle that allows for easy one-handed release for ease of use. Although this baby gate does not auto-lock, it has no threshold that could cause tripping hazards.

The Deluxe Stairway Simple to Secure is fitted with a removable swing stop mechanism that prevents it from swinging over stairs which might cause injury. It is easy to install in between hallways, doorways, and stairways and comes with a unique Precision Fit Template kit.


Where to buy

Do you live in the US, Australia, Canada, or other regions and are looking for the best hardware-mounted baby gate? You can buy them on Amazon using the links we provided above. They are also available in other stores such as Walmart, Target, Wayfair, among others.

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