It seems some people have installed this at the top of stairs to good effect, but some buyers suggest that this is imprudent. Consensus/thoughts?
872594
We have had ours at the top of the stairs since our son was walking around 10 months he is currently 27 months and we still use it. We have really wide stairs and this was the only gate that anchored to the wall well and didn't seem flimsy. I think if you don't have it installed properly, don't lock the screen, or don't watch then it can be a problem. We always taught our son to not go near the stairs or push on the gate. It has helped to give us a piece of mind if he is playing up stairs, or wakes up in the middle of the night. I don't have to worry about him sleepily falling down the stairs. It has held him too when he's slipped on the floor and couldn't catch himself. Out of a lot of things I have bought for our son, this is one of the top 3 purchases for me!
332916
I have one installed. I never thought about stepping on it until this question, so off I went into the area of the basement that nobody goes into to give it a test. In my installation, it's not particularly easy to step on due to the pipe placement, but I did manage it. It flexed as I did so and doesn't feel particularly safe, I wouldn't advise it for more than an accidental step while working on other equipment in the area. I wouldn't ever install it in a place where I would step on normally or with any frequency.
1221597
We use it at the top of our stairs. However, I would only suggest it if you screw it to the wall.
121172
You got lot of answers here, some of them pretty good. All I can add to the discussion is: If you have high ceiling that pushes the installation to the outer edge of (alleged) capacity.... forget it... it will not be stable even with screws. Old houses with high ceilings may have mortar instead of wooden beams and sheet-rock... in that case answer is the same - forget it. Otherwise I agree, a tension supplied by adjusting the pole and some care in how you push on it when you use it (MOSTLY DOWN) makes it practical, ingenious workable solution.
1147325
Yes it is perfect for the top of the stairs b/c its wall mounted not pressure mounted ie: no bottom bar to trip over.
1829144
This is a wall mount gate, so it is possible to use it at the top or bottom of stairs, provided you have a wall and/or sturdy post to mount it to. I would not recommend trying to attach it to a carved or decorative bannister post, however.
563680
Yes, like others the main reason I bought it too. I initially installed one downstairs and added one to the upstairs as well. The instructions are a little hard to understand but after reading a couple times it made sense.
1367763
From the bottom, I would answer yes. From the top, I am not sure and would think it would not work as well. The sensor has a cone-shaped field of view looking down out of the light. So the top of your stairs is going to be a blind spot, until someone starts walking down the stairs for a bit.
1564534
Interesting idea. Because it is an installation that should likely involve a talented and experienced do-it-yourselfer or carpenter/handyman, I would get in touch with a friend or good handyman to assess the challenges. Unless the opening is accessed by a door, the hardware might be less attractive than you want. It is an interesting approach.
1230718
I have one mounted at the top of my stairs on the white glossy baseboard. It seems to work fine. Sometimes there is a delay, but I think that is more a factor of the stairs blocking it a little.
298564
From a dimension perspective it should work. Having said that, I would NOT put this gate at the top of a staircase. The fabric that slides across is very easy for baby/toddler to push and get under. It is more of a deterrent, not a full proof safety gate, especially for a staircase. We love the gate to shut off a section of rooms on the ground floor.
893696
Susan, I think there's always going to be a little movement especially if it's on carpet. It's isn't a design to be solid. A four let design would be solid. Those little metal things are only to limit the rocking motion. I don't know how you have those installed, but if they are installed as instructed, that may be as good as it gets. Mine wobbles a little. Sorry I couldn't help more.
262425
In my experience, yes. When I first purchased it, I was on the top floor of an apartment and had no problems.
1051566
Hi, yes it works great. I live on the second floor but I use the elevator. I put kitty litter and pilled to the top. I cannot say about stairs but its pretty sturdy.
992258
It might work on stairs that have a wall to lean on at the top. It's not going to work on all stairs. There are ladders that cost more that might do a better job.
1752158
Try making one of your own. Home depot screw 2x4 together REALLY well by sandwiching a bunch together with the strong side up, you can add risers as you go. Primitive yes, a bit heavy, but if the need is there and you can handle it you can find someone to make if for you. Line the top with stick on abrasive stair tread tape. should cost all of $30. if a friend does it.
1578723
I installed ours on the ceiling near the door. I'm a consumer just like you, so I'm not an expert. If it's a concern, I would call my local Fire Dept. and ask for their imput.Take care!