Stair gate fitting in Exeter
Professional stair gate fitting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
0.5-1 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Stair gate fitted securely to keep little ones safe. Whether it's wall-to-wall or wall-to-banister, it'll be solid, level, and working smoothly.
The Essential Child Safety Item
Toddlers and stairs don't mix. A proper stair gate buys you peace of mind - knowing they can't tumble down when your back's turned for two seconds.
💡 Pro tip: Top of stairs must always be screw-fix gates, never pressure-mounted. Kids can push hard enough to dislodge pressure gates. At the bottom of stairs, either type works.
Why Secure Fitting Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Screw-fix at top of stairs | Pressure gate at top (dangerous!) |
| Level across opening | Wonky, binds when opening |
| Firmly attached both sides | Loose, could pull out |
| Opens smoothly toward landing | Opens wrong way (trip hazard) |
Safety requirements:
- Top of stairs: MUST be screw-fix gate
- Bottom of stairs: Either screw-fix or pressure OK
- Direction: Should open away from stairs (toward landing/room)
- Height: Minimum 75cm high for safety
What You Get
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check | Measure opening, confirm gate type suitable |
| Fix | Mount brackets/frame securely to walls/banister |
| Test | Check gate operates smoothly, latches properly |
📦 You're Left With
- Secure safety gate
- Smooth operation
- Proper latching mechanism
- Child-safe, adult-convenient
Pricing Guide
| Gate Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-to-wall screw-fix | 30-40 mins | £60 |
| Wall-to-banister | 45 mins-1 hr | £60-£85 |
| Multiple gates | Added time | +£25-£50 each |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Top and bottom of stairs done together saves time.
Why Choose Us for Stair gate fitting in Exeter?
Securely mounted to walls/banisters
Tested to hold against pushing
Opens and closes smoothly
Multiple gates fitted together
What to Expect
Step 1: Position Check
I check the gate will fit your opening, work out the best mounting points, and make sure it'll open the right direction (away from stairs).
Step 2: Secure Mounting
Brackets get drilled and fixed firmly - to walls, door frames, or banister posts using appropriate fixings. This is safety-critical stuff.
Step 3: Hang & Test
Gate hangs on the brackets, I check it swings smoothly, latches properly, and can't be pushed through by a determined toddler.
🔧 DIY Tips
Stair gate fitting is straightforward but must be done properly:
🔧 Tools needed
- Drill with appropriate bits
- Spirit level
- Screwdrivers
- Pencil and tape measure
- The stair gate kit
📏 Getting it level
- Measure opening width
- Mark bracket positions level across
- Check gate will open the right direction
- Drill pilot holes before fitting
🔩 Mounting securely
- Use proper wall plugs, not just screws
- Find solid fixing points (studs/newel posts)
- Don't overtighten and crack the gate frame
- Test it's solid before trusting it with kids
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Pressure gate at top of stairs (dangerous!)
- Not level (gate binds and won't open)
- Inadequate wall plugs
- Opens toward stairs (trip hazard)
💡 Pro trick: For wall-to-banister gates, attach the banister side first (it's trickier), then you can adjust the wall side to get everything level. Much easier than trying to get both sides perfect simultaneously.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Top and bottom? If you need gates at both ends of the stairs, I'll fit them together - same visit, all done, kids are safe throughout.
Screw holes later: Yes, when you remove the gates in a few years there'll be screw holes. They fill and paint over easily - small price for keeping your kids safe now.
Banister adapters: These clamp around your newel post without drilling. Check your gate includes them if you need wall-to-banister fitting.
Wider openings: Most standard gates extend to about 70-90cm. Wider gaps need extra-wide gates (up to 120cm). Measure before buying.
Exeter's old houses: Wonky stairs and doorways are common. I fit the gate level and secure regardless of whether your walls are parallel - it's about the gate working properly, not following wonky walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit gates at the top and bottom of stairs?
Yes - that's the safest setup. Top of stairs absolutely needs a screw-fix gate (not pressure-mounted). Bottom of stairs can be either type. I'll fit both in one visit.
What's the difference between screw-fix and pressure gates?
Screw-fix gates bolt to the wall - much more secure, essential for top of stairs. Pressure gates wedge between walls - only suitable for bottom of stairs or doorways, never at the top.
Can you fit to my banister?
Usually yes - many stair gates come with banister adapters. I fit one side to the wall, other side to the banister newel post. Works well if you haven't got two walls to fix between.
What if my stairs are wider than standard?
You'll need an extra-wide gate with extension pieces. Measure your gap before ordering. Maximum width varies by gate model - most extend to about 1.2m.
How long does fitting take?
Usually 30-45 minutes per gate. Straightforward wall-to-wall gates are quickest. Banister fitting takes a bit longer getting the angle right.
Stair gate fitting Also Available In:
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