Need to install baby gate

[BostonMike]

I need to put up a baby gate at the top of my stairs...the hinge side will be on the wall but not sure where or how to place the opposite side...thinking of removing the balluster and putting in a 2x4

Photo with the gate is at the bottom, I will be putting the same type of gate at top of stairs

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

 

[SMJoinery]

Hi

I wouldn't remove the balustrade just apply 4 pieces of timber around it to form a square box. When you no longer need the gate you can remove the overclad.

 

[rst]

When my granddaughter was born I installed two.  One at the bottom and one at the top of the stairs.  I used poplar 1" X 2" stock out build out the wall and at the post and then attached the hinging and latch on those.  She is six now and I removed the one at the bottom but they retained the top ones to contain their dogs while they are at work.  It will be much easier to do a little patching after they are no longer needed than to remove your existing wood work.

 

[Klamp]

You can use U-bolts to attach a board to the baluster or use T-nuts like I did.  It's pretty ugly but equally functional.