With a dizzying array of gates on the market, choosing the right gate can be confusing. The four common gate types include the following: Pressure Mount Gates, Hardware Mount Gates, Hardware Mount Walk-Through Gates, and Installed Pressure Gates. Below is an example of each of these gate types, and a list of features.

Pressure Mount - Pressure rather than screws hold these gates in place.

North States Super Gate III

Pressure Gates

• Pressure gates install without tools between two solid surfaces such as door frames or solid walls.
• They do not need screws in walls or woodwork, so no holes.
• Pressure gates are portable. You can take it with you to another room or to another house when visiting.
• This gate type is not for use at the top of stairs.
• Pressure gates need to be removed each time someone goes through the doorway, so are less convenient than hardware mounted gates in high-traffic areas.

Hardware Mount - Screws hold these in place.

North States Wide Swing Gate

Hardware mounted gates swing open and closed for passing. No need to remove the gate.

• They require permanent hardware attached to solid surface such as a door-frame or solid wall.
• Some touch-up of wall or woodwork will be required when the gate is permanently removed. A little spackle or putty, with a touch of paint or stain will usually do the trick.
• Many, but not all, hardware mounted gates can be used at the top of the stairs. Be sure that the gate you choose for the top of the stairs is designed for this use.
• Hardware mounted gates need tools, such as a drill, for installation.
• The entire gate swings open and closed.

Hardware Mount Walk-Through

North States Auto-Close Gate

With hardware mounted walk-through gates, a section of the gate, rather than the entire gate, swings open and closed. This offers added convenience.

Installed Pressure Gates

North States Auto-Close Gate

Certain gates, such as the North States Auto-Close Gate and the Cardinal Pressure Gate, combine Velcro or adhesive with pressure. These allow you to install a gate without putting holes into walls or woodwork, but to have the walk-through feature.

• Some touch-up of the wall or woodwork may be needed when Velcro or adhesive is removed.
• As with all gates, be sure the Installed Pressure Gate you choose is designed for the use at the top of the stairs. Screws are added for top-of-stair installation.

Please note: This guide is intended as a first step in choosing your gate. The second step is a 1-2-3 process outlined in my next guide: Baby and Pet Gates How to Choose a Gate, 1-2-3 Buying Guide. 

How to Choose a Gate

Please see items shown above in our store, Punkin Products, and contact us if you have gate buying questions.

Thank you!