How to install a hardware-mounted baby gate

• Cordless drill and bits
• Cross-head screwdriver
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Cable and pipe detector

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Gate panel
• Hinge-side and latch-side wall brackets
• Screws and wall plugs for your wall
• Banister adaptor kit, if needed
• Extension pieces, if needed

1. 1

   Step 1: Measure the opening and check the gate, with any extensions, fits the width. At the top of stairs, choose a gate the maker says is suitable for that position.

2. 2

   Step 2: Scan the wall or post for pipes and cables, and find solid timber or masonry to fix into; use a banister kit rather than screwing into a round spindle.

3. 3

   Step 3: Hold the hinge-side bracket at the height the manual gives, level it, mark the holes, drill and fix it with screws suited to the wall.

4. 4

   Step 4: Hang the gate on its hinges and set it so it will swing away from the stairs, never out over them, and block it from opening that way if the gate allows.

5. 5

   Step 5: Close the gate, level it, mark and fix the latch-side bracket so the latch engages fully.

6. 6

   Step 6: Adjust the hinges until the gate closes and latches every time, and the gap under it is within the manual's limit.

7. 7

   Step 7: Push and pull hard on the closed gate at the top to check that the brackets and screws do not move.

• Using a pressure-fit gate at the top of stairs.
• Fitting the gate so it swings out over the stairs.
• Fixing screws only into plasterboard, which can pull out.