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.
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: 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 29 1/2" tall.
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 all together.
Q: What if I am between sizes and cannot use one of the various methods to install?
A: CONTACT US! You can also 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.
Q. Do you have options for staircases wider than 52"?
A. Yes, custom sizes are available in a variety of fabric options.
Q: Can a Stair Barriers 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. 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, screw driver, 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.
Q: How do I access the stairs (open & close the gate) when a Wall to Banister or Banister to Banister Stair Barrier is installed? With a Wall to Wall?
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: Can I use the Stair Barrier at the top of the stairs?
A: Yes. Follow the directions in the install guides.
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) and 2 brackets. Additional spacers and longer screws are available for purchase for extra thick molding (thicker than ½ an inch).
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 up-right. The Wall to Wall Stair Barrier is a single panel that swings open in both directions.
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 make it more difficult to climb and helps prevents 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.
Q: Can Stair Barriers be converted from Wall to Banister to Banister to Banister?
A: No, Stair Barriers cannot be converted between configurations.
Q: Can Stair Barriers be used outdoors?
A: Yes, Banister to Banister gates are offered in two outdoor fabric options.
Q: Are Stair Barriers machine-washable?
A: DO NOT MACHINE WASH. Stair Barriers are made of Class 1 Upholstery grade fabric. Cleaning code is “S.” To clean, use a soft brush to loosen dirt and then vacuum TSB with an upholstery attachment. For tougher stains, use a mild, water-free solvent or dry cleaning product.
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.
Q. Where do Stair Barriers ship from?
A. Orders placed through our online store ship from Alpharetta, Georgia.