Need some design ideas

[Steven in Iowa]

I'm going to build a child safety gate for some friends that are about to have twins.  I want to attach it to the railing on the right in the photo without damaging the post as this is a new home they just moved into and the gate will go away when the twins are old enough to be safe around the stairs.

I have some fragmented ideas and need some help or suggestions to build this thing.  I'm thinking a piece of oak milled to mate to the right side of the post, hinged similar to a chain link fence gate so it could be removed and stored in the closet if they entertain friends.  I may make the top and bottom similar to the rails along the stairway with mortise and tenon to match, and have the same white and oak scheme.

I'm having a tough time trying to figure out how to securely attach it to the post without screws, or permanent damage (thinking some kind of clamping devices).  Please help with some ideas.  You guys have such a collective talent, which is why I'm posting this.  Thanks

 

[nickao]

I have no idea which product or if you are making it by hand but I attached with 3 small eye hooks on the right post. I have 6 kids and have had one on the Bannister for both levels for what it seems like 20 years. I finally took it off and puttied in the 3 - 1/8" holes and you can not see anything.

Those 3 eye hooks held for at least 8 years that I can remember off hand so it may not seem strong, but if hooked to the Bannister properly they will hold indefinitely. Mine did. The problem was it only takes until they are about 3 tpo climb over which makes it even more dangerous.

I bought a store unit and after trying a bunch the cheaper real wood style that came woth eye hooks worked the best. I just upgraded the install hardware using better hooks on the gate and Bannister.

 

[Red Lion]

My two cents:

Its worth it to bolt some flange mount bearing hinges right through the baluster and when they are ready to remove the gate develop some kind of hole peg cover out of a contrasting wood. If they sell the house to another family they can use the gate attachment as an extra design feature. I think your on the right track mimicking the style of the existing supports. I dislike those cheapo plastic safety baby gates.

Try researching "crib design criteria" or "baby design standards" - this may give you an idea about proper spindle spacing and rules of thumb for baby safety design.

Hope this helped you out.

 

[Chris Hughes]

I built a half door to replace the baby gate at the top of the stairs. My oldest daughter would put her legs under the gate and shake it like crazy.  I thought she'ld break it.  I'll post a picture of it later tonight.