How to Build a Baby Gate: 10 Step Process

Welcome to the new year of 2020! I hope you all had a great New Years Day! I’m starting the New Year’s off by finishing the build of my second baby gate.

I was in desperate need of a gate since my little mister has successfully climbed over and through everything I’ve used to block his way; a chair,  a large basket filled with blankets, a large pillows, and even bean bag chairs. All were epic fails!

Honestly, I’ve been putting this off for a while now. With so much to do and so little time, things just haven’t been getting done. Now that the holiday season is over, I was finally able to build the gate and can’t wait to start my next project.

Mommy’s travel buddy and I took a ride to Home Depot to gather supplies. We gathered about 6 common boards, hinges, and a lock only to find out that I purchased the wrong boards and lock this time, (this is what happens when you’re short on time and in a rush.)

The lock is smaller than the one I purchased last time, while the boards are much wider and longer than the common boards I used in the previous build of my first  baby gate.

Sighs…No matter though!
I just improvise. 

Different boards mean different gate and I’m fine with that! 

Let’s build!

Materials used:

• 6- 1 x 5′ x 8′ Common boards
• Hand saw (suggest a mitre saw or circular saw)
• Nails & Hammer (Brad Nailer if desired)
• 2 Hinges
• 1 Lock
• Wood stain of your choice
• Polyethylene (if desired)

Tools used:

• Hand saw (suggest a mitre saw or circular saw)
• Sander
• Drill and/or screwdriver
• Paintbrush

Step 1: Measure the length between the wall of your stairway or wherever you choose to place your baby gate. Then subtract an inch or 2 off to compensate for the board(s) that you will be attaching to the walls to help hold up the gate. 

Note: This is where I made a mistake by not examining and remeasuring the area before I measured and cut. It wasn’t too much of a disaster,  but it would have saved me from cutting one less board.

Step 2: Measure and cut the boards as you need to equal the width. 

Note: I used the same measurements from my last baby gate diy, but this time with lesser boards and a different style gate.

My Measurements:

39″ width × 33″ height

Step 3: After cutting, sand each board before assembling. 

Note: You could wait to sand until after you assemble. It’s your choice, but I chose to sand everything now.

Step 4: Lay the backframe and spread each board out as equally as possible. Then lay the front frame across on top, making sure they’re aligned with the backframe. 

Note: For the front frame, one board at the top, while the other is at the bottom. See picture below for layout.

Step 5: Use wood glue and apply a small amount to one board on the back frame. Next, hammer 2 nails to secure the front frame to that board. Repeat the step for the remaining boards.

Step 6: Stain your wood if you dare. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and allowed it to dry 24 hours before applying polyethylene. 

Note: I used Rust-Oleum American gel stain.

Step 7: By following the instructions on the label, apply polyethylene. Also allow 24 hours to dry.

Step 8: Depending on the placement of your gate, you may need to screw one or two board to the wall using 3 drywall screws on each. 

Note: Based on the placement of my gate, I only needed to use one board.

Step 9: Use a drill or a screwdriver to attach the hinges.

Step 10: Last, but not least, use a drill or screw to attach the lock bolt. 

Note: Based on my placement of the gate, I only used one board for the wall to latch the gate onto. I then attached part of my lock to the gate and then the door frame of my kiddos playroom. (See picture below.)

It was definitely time for another baby gate. I am so thrilled to have finished this project and I’m ready to take on the next one. So with the New Year finally here, I hope to plan accordingly and finish projects one at a time. The bigger projects may occur once a month, while the smaller projects can vary from once a week to every two weeks. Stay humble, plan, and enjoy your year of 2020!

Copyright © 2020 Farmhouse Unique  | All Rights Reserved