If you have a dog and live in a two-story home, it can be hard to keep your pets downstairs. Dogs are naturally curious and will want to explore everywhere in the house, including upstairs! Retractable dog gates for stairs are your best solution. They come in so many different varieties that anyone should find one that works for them, whether they need something extra wide or tall enough for larger breeds.
We will discuss five types of retractable dog gates specifically for stairs: Wood, extra-wide, mesh, tall, and metal. We’ll explain how and when each is best used for safety concerns with retractable gates. Finally, we’ll give tips on how to keep pets from going upstairs in the first place.
What are retractable dog gates, and how do they work?
Retractable gates are a type of gate that can be pushed in or pulled out into any location. They are generally easy for the user to move them around, and they also retract as needed, so they take up less space when not being used. These types of pet gates are different from other types because they are adjustable to fit any staircase, and they retract as needed to save space.
The gates come in many different shapes and sizes, but five specific types of these retractable dog gates are designed specifically for stairs: Wood, extra wide, mesh, tall, or metal. Each has its pros/cons depending on the situation it is being used in, so we will go over all five of them with specifics below.
The five types of retractable dog gates for stairs.
1-Extra-wide retractable dog gates are for people with large stairs that cannot fit any other types of pet gate because their width is too big; however, these will not work on narrow staircases or with tight corners. If your staircase does not have a base with walls that divide it, you may want to use this gate.
2-Mesh retractable dog gates are great for people with small dogs who don’t put up much of a fight about being confined (like most terriers might). They look just like regular baby/pet safety mesh screens, so it blends well with your furniture.
3-Tall retractable dog gates are perfect for people who want to keep their pets off the stairs but still have a gate that doesn’t require any installation because you can move it in and out of place. These are good for owners with small homes or apartments, as they don’t take up much space when not in use.
4-Metal retractable dog gates for stairs work more like traditional pet doors that you put on your doorframe; these will only really work if there is an opening at the top of your staircase (so make sure you measure). They look nice enough so no one would know they were designed specifically for dogs.
5-Wood retractable dog gates for stairs look like they would be heavy because of their hard, sturdy nature; however, many are designed with a retractable belt that makes them much easier to move. These can also be installed on an outside door for your home or apartment, so you won’t have to go through the trouble of finding a place inside your house where it won’t block anything.
Check out our blog on the types of dog gates that are available for a detailed overview.
When to use a retractable gate?
You can use retractable gates at the bottom of stairs to block off an area restricted to your dog, like the bedrooms or the basement. Or use them as a makeshift baby gate.
Retractable gates are great for pet parents who rent their homes because they’re easy to store when you don’t need them.
When deciding how wide your retractable gate should be, it will depend on where you want it installed. For example, if you plan on installing yours next to furniture at the foot of your staircase, make sure there’s enough space between your furniture and banister so that it doesn’t interfere with how the gate retracts.
How to choose the best one for your home?
When deciding on which retractable dog gate to purchase, there are a few things you’ll need to consider.
Do I want the one with the widest space between posts? Do I want to use it indoors or outdoors? Metal gates might be better for outdoor environments, and mesh ones would work well in enclosed spaces that your pets can’t get into, like basements.
A retractable dog gate is a great solution if you don’t want to block off your stairs with an actual barrier. If the only way for your pet to go upstairs is through these steps, they’ll be unable to get up there unless it’s wide enough for them.
Stairs are not hard to protect from your pup. Just make sure that there is no other way in or out of the stairs by ensuring there are no entrances into the stairwells besides the stairs themselves. This will keep pets from wandering around when you’re trying to run errands or work inside without having to worry about them getting on their own adventures.
Retractable Dog Gates For Stairs Reviews – Top Picks for 2021
Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate
The Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate is the perfect solution for containing your pet.
The gate features:
- Rubber feet to prevent sliding and protect floors.
- A side panel design that prevents tipping over
- Adjustable width to fit any doorway up to 33 inches
The gate is strong enough to contain even large dogs yet light enough for simple one-handed operation. For added convenience, you can fold the gate back 180 degrees for easy storage or transport.
Richell’s freestanding pet gates are designed with you and your dog in mind.
There’s even 1¼” space between wire slats, so you can easily see them! Best for small to medium dogs weighing 6.5 – 33 lbs. (3-15 kg).
Available in Medium (28″W x 21″H) and Large (32″W x 23″H).
BeterTeck Durable Mesh Retractable Gate
This retractable 54” Tough Durable Mesh Dog Gate is an excellent tool for keeping your pets away from any hazardous stairs and off-limits areas.
It can be easily moved and de-attached from the gate mount hardware to stow away or move to another location where you can install the gate mounting brackets.
The extension gate is an upgraded design, which is safer and more convenient to use.
The tough mesh fabric holds up well against rambunctious dogs while still providing visibility through the mesh for dog parents who want to monitor their pet’s activities.
Ideal for placing at the bottom of the stairs.
Decorative Wood & Metal Pressure Mounted Gate
The Summer Infant Decorative Wood & Metal 5 Foot Pressure Mounted Gate is the perfect solution for keeping your pet safe and contained in a room or hallway.
This pressure-mounted gate expands to fit openings between 29 and 60 inches wide, so it’s ideal for use at the top of stairs, landing, or between rooms.
The 32-inch tall gate features an extra-wide swinging door that opens easily with one hand and swings both ways.
It comes with a built-in hardware that mounts directly to wood or drywall without any tools required making installation quick and easy.
Carlson Home Design Extra Tall Pet Gate
Carlson Home Design dog gate is your ideal pet gate for large pets.
This extra wide pet gate expands to fit openings from 30 to 41.5 inches wide and stands 30 inches tall, making it a great choice for larger dogs or even a combination of small and large pets.
The small pet door is 10 x 7 inches, letting your smaller pets pass through while keeping everyone else out! The locking feature on the gate keeps it securely closed when you need it to be.
Perfect for the bottom of the stairs, hallways, and doorways.
Regalo Extra Tall Metal Stairway Gate
Regalo 2-In-1 Stairway and Hallway Wall Mounted Gate combine the convenience of a pressure-mounted gate with the added security of a wall mount.
It easily adjusts to fit openings between 29-43 inches (74-109 cm) wide and expands from 32.5 to 54 inches (82 to 137 cm).
This versatile gate is perfect for a doorway, hallway, and top or bottom of stair use. The all-steel design is durable and convenient with a walk-through door.
It can quickly be removed out of the opening for easy storage when not in use.
FAQs Retractable Dog Gates For Stairs
Why Does my dog want to go upstairs?
It might be a case of curiosity. Dogs are curious creatures. If you’ve ever left the door to your bedroom open with something that they shouldn’t touch, they’ll likely head up there on their little adventure. In addition to this, dogs like going upstairs because it feels more private than downstairs.
If your dog is escaping upstairs often, make sure he can get his fix for privacy without getting himself into trouble or hurting themselves by installing retractable gates right at every one of your home’s stairwells!
Does a retractable dog gate work on the carpet?
Yes. You need to adjust the height of the tension rod when installing it so that there is enough slack in the gate for your pet to get through while still being tall enough to keep him or her from climbing over.
Is it safe to use retractable dog gates for stairs?
Retractable gates are great for pets of all ages and sizes. They have a clear safety rating monitored by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Just make sure your dog can’t climb over it.
Is it ok to lock a dog in a room?
Yes, locking a dog in a room for short periods of time is ok. When you leave the house, it’s not possible to always take your pet with you- especially if they’re too big or hyperactive. In these cases, locking them up in a safe place in the house until you return can be helpful.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best retractable dog gates for stairs. The benefits of using a retractable dog gate over other types of gates should make it an easy decision. There is still plenty to think about before making your final choice. It all depends on the space you have available, what type of dog you’re looking to contain, your home decor, among other factors.
Whatever you choose, we hope that this article has helped clear up any questions and concerns you may have had about how they work or which one will be the right fit for your needs! We also wanted to mention some great brands with top-rated customer reviews on Amazon so that you can easily find what’s best for you without having to spend hours searching online.
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