Best Pressure Mounted Baby Gates (2021): For Standard & Wide Spaces

You don’t have to worry about screw holes, you can section off different portions of the house, if necessary, or you can throw it in the car and take it to Grandma’s house.

The disadvantages, however, are that they are not recommended for use at the top of stairs, they can (if installed incorrectly or pushed against too hard) slip and fall over, and they also have the potential for marring your walls or door jambs.

If you want to avoid damage, look into purchasing a set of Wall Savers, which are great little additions made of molded rubber that are designed to hold the “feet” that push against the wall, thus protecting the surface from wear and tear.

Just slide them into position, as there is no need to mount them because the surface tension holds them in place.

Wondering which pressure-mounted baby gates are the best on the market? Take a peek at this list to ind out!

In this article:

• BabyGatesExpert’s Best Pressure Mounted Baby Gates Picks
• Things to Consider Before Buying Pressure Mounted Baby Gates
• Product Comparison Table
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Things to Consider Before Buying Pressure-Mounted Baby Gates

The great thing about pressure-mounted baby gates is that not only do they come in standard sizes for everyone with regular doorways, but they also come in “wide” sizes for unconventional openings.

The fact that these gates can be a solution for both standard and wide areas is a real bonus, but keep in mind that, any one gate cannot do both as they are not versatile between these needs.

It is important that you carefully measure the width that you are needing, because most pressure-mounted gates can only be extended a few inches with special extension rods, so you need to buy a gate as close to the correct size as possible. 

For extra-wide spaces, keep in mind that a pressure-mounted gate, even if it “technically” fits, may not be a great choice, because it may be too short to hold the proper amount of pressure and may be prone to buckling or being wobbly.

Also, keep in mind that pressure-mounted gates must have two solid surfaces to push against, so if you have uneven surface heights, round dowels or banisters, or walls or jambs that are at even a slight angle to each other, then this is not a feasible option for you.

When picking out a pressure-mounted gate, ask yourself these questions:

1.  What features do you want?

• An auto-closing walk-thru door
• One-handed operation
• A stay-open walk-thru door
• Bi-directional walk-thru door
• Optional door stop
• Extra-wide walk-thru door
• Extensions either included or can be purchased separately

2.  Where can pressure-mounted gates safely be installed?

• Bottom of stairs
• Doorways
• Kitchen and laundry openings
• But NOT at the top of stairs

Remember, as a safety precaution, to only choose a gate that is certified by CPSC or JPMA.

Here are the Best Pressure Mounted Baby Gates of 2021

Pressure-mounted safety gates are the most common type of gate found in homes, because of their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. 

In order to bring you some of the best options on the market today, we have gathered information from different brands and various websites so that you can compare and contrast what features are available.

We also took into account the ratings and reviews that different gates have received from consumers, eliminating the ones with low scores, as flimsy, cheaply-made gates are a waste of everyone’s time and money.

Our Pick for Standard Spaces: Toddleroo by North States Supergate Easy Close Metal Gate

Height: 29”

Fits: 28” – 31.5” (Expands to a maximum 38.5” wide with two extensions included). Additional extensions available separately that can expand your gate to 62.25″.

This is one of the best pressure-mounted gates on the market! It is constructed with heavy-duty steel and has a crisp white finish.

It has a door wide enough to easily walk through (18.5″ – 19″) and only requires one hand to open and close. Plus, since the door swings both ways and can be locked into an open position, it is extra handy when you need your doorway to be functional instead of locked up to keep the baby safe. This is perfect for when you need to carry several loads of groceries or laundry through in either direction!

It has a triple-locking latch system for safety and can be opened and closed easily with one hand. We also love that the basic gate takes no assembly. Just pop it into place, adjust the four tension knobs, and get on with your life!

The Bottom Line

If We had to pick one overall best pressure-mounted gate, this would be the one. It has all the basic functions and extra-mile features that we could want. It is cost-effective and simple to use. Having a gate that at toddler can’t escape through, but that you can easily walk through when needed is very important.

Need a Taller Gate? Toddleroo by North States 38.5” Wide Extra Tall Easy Close Baby Gate

Need a wider gate? Take a look at this Toddleroo by North States 46.8” wide Wide Portico Arch Baby Gate

It is a soft white (slightly off-white) color, plus, has a small “arch” design for a bit more style.

Do keep in mind that the walk-thru door is slightly narrower (16.5-18” depending on where you measure), in case that is important to you.

Our Second Pick: Safety 1st Easy Install Metal Baby Gate with Pressure Mount Fastening

Height: 28”

Fits: 29″- 38″

Certified: JPMA and ASTM certified

It also has 2 directional stops so that you quickly adjust it to only open in one direction.

Installation is especially easy with the SecureTech red/green pressure check indicator, which tells you when you have the gate at exactly the right tension. It requires no tools to install this gate, but be aware that if you are installing it with the optional extensions that are a few extra steps with small parts to install.

Overall it is fairly intuitive, but my recommendation is to lay it all out and follow the instructions carefully. Also, don’t forget to leave the zip tie on the gate opening until after installation is complete.

The Bottom Line

This is a very nice gate with a unique installation feature that takes the frustration out of getting it secure and straight with the proper amount of tension. It works smoothly and can open in both or either direction, making it not only an attractive addition to your home but a functional one as well. It doesn’t have loads of features, but is still a favorite of consumers.

Need an Auto-Close feature? Safety 1st Easy Install Auto-Close Baby Gate

Need an Extra Tall and Wide one? Safety 1st Easy Install Extra Tall and Wide Baby Gate

Another Best Pick for Standard Spaces: Summer Infant Multi-Use Deco Extra Tall Walk-Thru Gate

Height: 36”

Fits: 28.5″ – 48″ (door opening: 19”)

Additional Features: Auto-close and Hold-open

Certified: Unknown

This gate comes with extensions so that it can be adjusted to fit in various-sized openings. Please consider that the arched door may not be centered when installed depending on which extensions you use. Also, the walk-thru door is a bit narrow (approximately only 17”), so keep that in mind when choosing this gate.

Though this gate is a pressure-mounted, it actually comes with the ability to transform into a permanently-mounted gate. It may not necessarily be the best choice for someone who needs that particular feature, but if you like the idea of having that option then this is definitely a plus.

The Bottom Line

This is definitely a very close second choice for a standard-size, pressure-mounted baby gate. If it had a wider walk-thru door then it would be every bit as great as the North States Supergate. It is only slightly more expensive, but it is definitely well worth the small difference if you want a fancier-looking gate that will compliment your decor.

Need a Wider Gate? Summer West End Extra Wide Safety Pet and Baby Gate (Our Top Pick for Extra Wide Spaces)

Because it is made of metal and wood it has a unique look, as well as being sturdy and strong.

Keep in mind that any gate that spans this kind of distance has the potential for being less stable than a gate spanning a smaller distance. You will need to utilize the three included extension pieces (4”, 7”, and 10”) to get it to the fullest possible length.

The Bottom Line

There are not a lot of quality pressure-mounted baby gates on the market that are this wide, so for those that have this need, it is really great that this one is available! I don’t hesitate to recommend this particular gate if you can afford it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Need an Extra Tall and Extra Wide Gate? Summer Extra Tall & Wide Safety Baby Gate

Wooden and Metal Gate: Summer Anywhere Decorative Walk-Thru Baby Gate, Walnut Wood and a Metal Charcoal Accent Finish

It has a comfort grip handle and a dual-locking feature that is easy for adults, but impossible for little children to figure out.

The 19” wide bi-directional walk-thru door has a hold-open feature so that you can keep it open when desired. Please note that even though the description states that it “auto-closes,” it is not actually designed to do this, so don’t expect that feature.

Though this is marketed as a pressure-mounted gate, it does come with the option to mount permanently with hardware (which would be needed if you chose to use it at the top of a stairway).

The Bottom Line

A beautiful gate at a rock-bottom price, we love how easy this gate is to install as a pressure-mount, but also are delighted that it comes with the option of being permanently-installed, when needed. This gate is well-loved by many consumers and gets consistently positive reviews. We recommend it whole-heartedly if the dimensions fit the space that you need to cover.

Munchkin Easy Close Pressure Mounted Baby Gate

This “Easy-Close” gate will stay open unless you specifically close it and you must grasp the handle in order to latch it, so do not expect it to auto-close. Older children (not toddlers) may find this gate fairly easy to open, so that can be a good thing if you want them to be able to operate it.

My favorite part about this gate is that even though it is a pressure-mounted gate, it comes with “wall cups” that can be screwed into the wall, allowing you to safely install the gate at the top of the stairs. This feature gives this gate a lot of flexibility in usage around your home.

If you have a wider opening, you can purchase various extensions for this gate to get a maximum width of up to 54 inches.

The Bottom Line

This gate is simple, with minimal features, but very adequate and nice looking. The fact that it can be used in multiple applications (due to the optional wall cups that transform it to be almost permanently mounted) makes it unique and quite unlike most other gates. Overall, this is definitely a gate to consider, especially if you like the idea of being able to quickly move it from the top of the stairs to other areas of the house as needed.

Need an Auto Close Feature? Munchkin Auto Close Modern Pressure Mounted Baby Gate for Stairs, Hallways and Doors

Need a wider gate? Munchkin Easy Close XL Metal Baby Gate

It has a dual-locking system with one-handed operation and has two directional-stops along the bottom so that you can choose for it to swing in either direction or only one way.

This gate will stay open unless you specifically close it and you must grasp the handle in order to latch it, so do not expect it to auto-close.

This gate also features an extra-wide walk-thru gate that is 22 inches wide!

The Bottom Line

This gate is perfect if you need an extra-wide pressure-mounted gate. It is easy to operate, has a stylish, but simple look, and has excellent reviews from consumers. We especially like that it can accommodate wide openings and even wider openings with the extra extensions that are available for purchase.

Easy Walk-Thru Pressure-Mounted Pass-Through Gate

Easy to install, this gate needs no tools and can be put into place within a matter of minutes. When you are ready to close this gate, it just requires a gentle push and the “slam-latch” feature takes over. Even though it doesn’t “auto-close” it also doesn’t require you to re-latch it yourself.

The one caveat to this gate is that if your opening is 33-35” (give or take a half-inch either way) this gate probably will not work for you. It is not infinitely adjustable, so this gap represents a gap in which the basic gate is not wide enough for, but with the extension is too wide for. The specifications do not make this problem super obvious, so make sure that you measure carefully and avoid this gate if your opening is close to those inches.

The Bottom Line

This is a basic gate that gets the job done as long as you are careful to note the size of your opening and determine that this gate will fit properly. It doesn’t have any particular “extra” features, but is sturdy and adequate for most pressure-mount needs. Please note that there are reports of it being “loud and clang-y” when closing, so may not be the quietest option.

Evenflo Barn Door Walk-Thru Gate (Farmhouse Collection)

The door swings open with one hand, has an optional door stop and has a quiet auto-close hinge that won’t wake a sleeping baby. The red and green indicator lets you know if it is properly latched.

The Bottom Line

The real appeal of this gate is its unique appearance. It simply doesn’t look like an average baby gate. If you are wanting something that looks great and you have similar decor in your house, this gate will probably get your attention. It is well-liked by the majority of consumers, but a few have complained that it isn’t as sturdy as it looks. Overall, it has more pros than cons, however.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a pressure-mounted baby gate?

It is a gate that is installed with a spring-loaded tension rod with rubber “feet” that press against your door jamb or wall-opening. You will be able to tighten it during installation so that it stands firmly in place. It is great to use in general areas around the house, but is not recommended for use at the top of stairs.

2. What is the difference between pressure and hardware-mounted gates?

A pressure-mounted gate can be installed without screwing into your door jamb or wall-opening, whereas a hardware-mounted gate is permanently installed with screws. For this reason, pressure-mounted gates are generally seen as, at least somewhat, portable. A permanently-mounted gate, however, is the only type of gate that is safe to use at the top of stairs.

3. Are pressure-mounted baby gates safe?

Yes, if properly installed with a proper amount of tension, a pressure-mount gate is safe for any area in your home except for at the top of stairs. Use them in confidence at the bottom of stairs or in any doorway. Please double-check them periodically to make sure that they are still tight and won’t give way under a bit of pressure.

4. Are pressure mounted baby gates safe for top of stairs?

No, a pressure-mounted gate relies on tension to hold it in place. Because of this, it is possible to lean on or push too hard on this kind of gate, causing it to dislodge from its position. Furthermore, over time, a pressure-mount gate can simply loosen during normal usage. For this reason, it is important to never install this type of gate at the top of stairs, due to the risk of accident and fall. Only use a permanently mounted gate at the top of your stairway.

5. How do I install a pressure-mounted gate at the bottom of my stairs?

You will need to measure the opening, adjust the width of the gate, including any extensions, if necessary, and tighten it into position. If your stairs have a newel post or banister (or any other round or square post), you will first need to install a stairway gate installation or mounting kit.

6. Why are there no pressure-mounted gates with a width exceeding 72 inches?

This is because a pressure-mounted gate wider than that becomes too wobbly and unstable to be safe. If you have an opening wider than 72” then you will need to explore gates that can be permanently-mounted.

Tips to install, use and care for your pressure-mounted baby gates properly

Before attempting to install your pressure-mounted baby gate, make sure that you have measured the opening and have all the pieces handy and laid out. Also, make sure that you have read any instructions that came with your gate. Most of these types of gates do not need tools for installation, but if yours does, have them laid out and ready.

Most pressure-mounted gates are a bit tricky to install, especially if you are using any extension pieces, so we suggest having a helper to hold everything in place as you measure, align, and tighten everything into place. Sometimes a second set of hands just makes the whole process simpler!

If you are installing a gate at the bottom of your stairs and have balusters, newel posts, spindles, or other round or square posts at the top or bottom of your stairs, be prepared to install a mounting adaptor kit as discussed earlier on this page to give yourself a proper surface to install your gate onto.

 Keep in mind that these types of mounting kits use up several inches of the opening, so install them before pulling the measurement of the opening and deciding what size of gate you will need. Most gates are adjustable somewhat, but it is best to know ahead of time what size you will need so that you don’t order a gate that won’t fit!

If the gates you use at the top and bottom of your stairs become dirty over time, simply use a washcloth to wipe it down with mild soap and water.

Final Words

Deciding on the perfect baby gate is never easy, but I hope this guide has helped you in your decision-making process. If purchasing a pressure-mounted gate is in your near future, may you have more confidence knowing what is available and what to look for. Whether you need a standard size or a wide gate, you are sure to find a workable solution that you can use while on the go!

Happy Baby-Gate Shopping!