FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to commonly asked questions are included below. If you do not see the answer to your question, please contact us. We're happy to help.
Configuration
Q: How do I determine what configuration I need?
A: Answer the question below: Do you have...? If yes, you need...
- Banisters on both sides of your stairs? (BB) Banister to Banister
- Wall on one side and a banister on the other? (WB) Wall to Banister
- Walls/flat surfaces on both sides? (WW) Wall to Wall
Q: Can Stair Barriers be converted from one configuration to another?
A: No. Stair Barriers cannot be converted between configurations. Please ensure you select the correct configuration for your staircase before ordering.
Sizing
Q: How do I determine what size I need?
A: Please refer to the size charts by configuration below or visit our How to Measure page.
Q: What is the height of a Stair Barrier?
A: Banister to Banister and Wall to Banister gates are 32" tall. Wall to Wall gates are 29½" tall.
Q: Do you have options for staircases wider than 52"?
A: Yes, custom sizes are available in a variety of fabric options.
Q: What if I am between sizes and cannot use one of the various methods to install?
A: Contact us! You can share an image of your staircase through this online form and we'll help you ensure that you order the correct size.
Also, please note a small gap (1") on either side of the fabric may offer the tightest fit especially if you have metal or narrow banisters, or your spindles are horizontal (and can't attach to vertical spindles) as shown in the first image above. We also offer CUSTOM BUILDS and are happy to help. Our custom made gate options work well for extra narrow staircases, extra wide staircases, staircases with narrow banisters/unique widths and also high risers where it makes it difficult to attach the bottom buckle.
Installation
Q: What are the various methods to install to get the tightest fit on BB and WB configurations?
A: The key to the best fit is to be able to pull TSB fabric as tightly across your staircase opening as possible and to use either the banisters alone or in combination with the spindles. In some cases, you may bypass the banister altogether.
Installation Tip: With the many variations in stairs, there is not one process for installation that applies to all homes. With the Stair Barrier you can use the banisters, spindles, multiple spindles and combination of both to install the product. The key is to try multiple options and find the tightest fit that works for your stairs.
Q: What tools are required to install a Stair Barrier?
A: Banister to Banister Stair Barriers do not require tools or drilling for installation. Wall to Banister and Wall to Wall gates require the following tools: hammer, screwdriver, stud finder and a level.
Q: Do I need to purchase additional installation kits for the Wall to Banister gate?
A: No. The installation kit is included with the gate and includes the following: 8 screws, 8 anchors, 2 spacers (spacers are used if you have molding on the bottom of the wall side), 2 brackets and a rod. The brackets and rod are made of steel and are black. Additional spacers and longer screws are available for purchase for extra thick molding (thicker than ½ an inch).
Q: Can a Stair Barrier be installed on an angle?
A: Yes, all our gates can easily be installed on an angle.
Q: Are the Stair Barrier's straps long enough to fit wide banisters or columns?
A: The straps on the banister side of a Stair Barrier are 28" long and safely wrap around 27" circumferences. Extension straps to accommodate thicker banisters and columns can be purchased in sets of 3.
Q: Can I use the Stair Barrier at the top of the stairs?
A: Yes. The Stair Barrier is a hardware-mounted gate suitable for top-of-stair use. Unlike pressure-mounted gates — which are not recommended at the top of stairs — The Stair Barrier anchors directly to your staircase structure for reliable, secure containment at the most critical location in your home. Follow the directions in the install guides.
Q: How do I access the stairs (open & close the gate) when a Wall to Banister or Banister to Banister Stair Barrier is installed?
A: Our banister gates attach to staircase banisters with three dual sided release buckles. To access the stairs, these buckles need to be undone and then the product rolls to the side. Most of our customers have told us that it takes them less than 5 seconds with practice, but it varies.
Watch the demo video here. Remember, safety gates are intended to make passage more difficult — we don't want 2 year olds to be able to do it! With all gates it takes a little practice. We've made every effort to provide parents a stair gate that's safe, simple to use, and works where many gates do not.
Q: How do I access the stairs (open & close the gate) when a Wall to Wall is installed?
A: Watch demo video here. The Wall to Wall Stair Barrier opens and closes using an easy-to-use latch system that baffles toddlers yet allows one hand operation for adults.
Q: Are Stair Barriers retractable?
A: Banister to Banister and Wall to Banister Stair Barriers roll neatly to one side and out of the way like a retractable gate, but they do not "retract" like a window shade. When rolled to the side The Stair Barrier will remain rolled and upright. The Wall to Wall Stair Barrier is a single panel that swings open in both directions.
Q: Can Stair Barriers be used outdoors?
A: Yes, Banister to Banister gates are offered in two outdoor fabric options.
Safety & Certification
Q: Is The Stair Barrier safety certified?
A: Yes. Every Stair Barrier meets ASTM F1004 — the voluntary safety standard for expansion gates and expandable enclosures published by ASTM International. This is the recognized industry benchmark for stair gates in the United States, covering structural integrity, latch security, component spacing, and performance under load. When you purchase The Stair Barrier, you're making a verified safety decision.
Q: What does ASTM F1004 cover?
A: ASTM F1004 establishes performance requirements including:
- Structural integrity under force
- Latch and opening mechanism security
- Safe spacing between components to prevent entrapment
- Hardware reliability over repeated use
Q: What is an appropriate age for the Stair Barrier to work with?
A: All gates on the market are designed for ages 6 to 24 months of age.
Q: Can a child or pet lift a Stair Barrier or pull it down?
A: No, not if our gates are installed properly. Our banister gates are reinforced internally with rigid plastic vertical struts and heavy-duty horizontal webbing that keep our gates from being pulled down or lifted up. The Wall to Wall gate is constructed with vertical aluminum bars. The lack of horizontal bars on all of our gates makes it more difficult to climb and helps prevent common injuries caused when children attempt to climb gates. Additionally, these bars are not visible to children because of The Stair Barrier's signature upholstery grade fabric covers.
Care & Cleaning
Q: Are Stair Barriers machine washable?
A: Yes — the fabric panel is machine washable. This is one of the biggest practical advantages of The Stair Barrier over plastic or metal gates.
- Wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water
- Do not use bleach
- Tumble dry on low or air dry flat
- Hardware and frame components should be wiped clean with a damp cloth — do not machine wash
Q: How often should I wash it?
A: As often as needed. Most families wash the fabric panel every few weeks or after spills and pet incidents. The fabric is designed to hold up well to repeated washing without fading or losing its shape.
Colors
Q: What colors is The Stair Barrier available in?
A: The Stair Barrier is currently available in 4 color options chosen to complement modern home palettes and blend naturally with your existing décor. Color availability may vary by configuration and size — visit the product pages for the most current selection. More colors are planned for future release.
Q: Will the color fade over time?
A: Our fabric is selected for durability and color retention. Following the recommended care instructions — cold wash, gentle cycle, low heat dry — will preserve the color and integrity of the fabric over time.
Pet Safety
Q: Is The Stair Barrier safe for dogs?
A: Yes. The Stair Barrier is widely used by dog owners — particularly those with medium to large breeds that easily overwhelm pressure-mounted gates. The hardware-anchored system provides a reliable barrier, and the soft fabric is far kinder on paws and noses than hard plastic or metal alternatives.
Q: My dog leans and pushes against gates. Will this hold?
A: Yes. Because the gate is hardware-mounted rather than pressure-mounted, it is anchored directly to the structure of your staircase. The fabric design also distributes force across the panel rather than concentrating it at a single point, making it more resilient under persistent pressure. Ensure all mounting hardware is fully tightened and check periodically for any loosening.
Q: Can I use The Stair Barrier for both babies and pets at the same time?
A: Yes. Many customers use The Stair Barrier to protect both young children and pets simultaneously. The gate is ASTM F1004 certified for child safety and built to withstand the physical demands of large breed dogs.
Travel & Portability
Q: Are Stair Barriers easy to travel with?
A: Yes, our Banister to Banister Stair Barriers weigh less than 6 pounds and roll neatly for easy travel.
Orders & Shipping
Q: Where do you ship?
A: We currently ship within the United States only.
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Please see our Return & Warranty Policy page for full details.
Q: I still have a question not answered here.
A: We'd love to help. Email us at afernandez@stairwaysolutions.us and a real member of our team will respond within 1 business day.