Choosing the right stairgate is an important part of making your home safer for a growing baby. With a wide range of designs available, most options fall into two main categories: screw fit gates and pressure fit gates. While both aim to create a secure barrier, they differ in how they are installed and where they are best suited for use.
Your choice will depend on your home's layout, your lifestyle, and where you plan to position the gate. Here, we explore the key differences, advantages, and things to consider when choosing between screw fit and pressure fit stair gates.
Pressure Fit Stairgates
Pressure fit stairgates use tension rather than permanent fixings to stay in place. Rubber pads or pressure cups press against the surrounding walls or frames, keeping the gate secure without the need for drilling or screws.
The Fred Safety Pressure Fit Stairgate combines strong safety features with everyday practicality. It can be operated easily with one hand, helping busy parents move around the home without difficulty. The gate can open both ways and can also be set to open in only one direction for added safety. A visual colour indicator shows clearly when the gate is not properly locked, offering extra peace of mind.
Top 4 Benefits of Pressure Fit Stairgates
Pressure fit stairgates are a popular choice for several reasons:
- They do not require drilling, making them ideal for rented properties or anyone who wants to avoid marking walls.
- They are quick to install and can be easily repositioned if your needs change.
- They offer flexibility for use around different areas of the home, such as doorways and hallways.
- They are suitable for locations where a strong, yet non-permanent, barrier is needed.
However, because they rely on tension, it is important to check that they remain secure over time. Pressure fit gates also have a bar running across the bottom, which could present a slight trip hazard, making them unsuitable for the top of the stairs. To help address this, Fred Safety Stairgates include a glow-in-the-dark strip on the bottom rail of their gates, making it easier to see at night.
Screw Fit Stairgates
Screw fit stairgates are attached directly to walls, doorframes, or banisters using screws, creating a strong and permanent fixture. They are recommended for high-risk areas such as the top of staircases where maximum security is essential.
The Fred Safety Screw Fit Stairgate is designed for safety and ease of use. It can be opened with one hand and swings both ways, with an option to restrict it to a one-way opening where needed, such as at the top of stairs. Like the pressure fit model, it also features a visual colour alert that indicates whether the gate is securely closed.
Top 4 Benefits of Screw Fit Stairgates
- Choosing a screw fit stairgate comes with a number of important advantages:
- They offer the highest level of security, especially in high-risk areas like staircases.
- Screw fit gates have no bottom bar, eliminating tripping risks for both adults and children.
- They are sturdy enough to withstand more force, ideal for homes with energetic toddlers or pets.
- Once installed, they require little maintenance and provide a long-term safety solution.
Screw fit stairgates do involve drilling into the wall, which may not be ideal for everyone. They are fixed in place, so cannot be easily moved, and installation typically takes a little longer than pressure fit models. However, the increased level of security they offer makes them the safest choice for staircases.
Can I use a Stairgate if I have Skirting Boards?
Installing stairgates when skirting boards are present can sometimes make fitting more complicated. Fortunately, there are simple solutions available. Fred offers the Safety Universal Wall and Skirting Kit, which makes it easy to install both screw fit and pressure fit gates securely over skirting boards without the need for major adjustments. This ensures your stairgate stays stable and your home remains safely childproofed.
Which Stairgate is Right for You?
The decision between a screw fit and a pressure fit stairgate will depend on your home's design and how you intend to use the gate.
If you are installing a gate at the top of the stairs, a screw fit model offers the highest level of protection and eliminates trip hazards. For more general use around the home, such as in doorways or hallways, a pressure fit gate provides flexibility without the need for drilling or permanent fixings.
Whatever your needs, Fred Safety Stairgates are designed with smart safety features and ease of use in mind, giving you added reassurance as your baby starts to explore their world.