I installed this gate at the top of my stairs for sleepover visits with my toddler granddaughter. I rejected a previous gate because it was a tripping hazard. This gate doesn’t have the trip hazard of a stationary cross piece at the bottom, but it did require some minor carpentry to install. A doorway already has a wood mounting surface on each side, but stairs can be a bit trickier. (Please see my pictures to make sense of my words.) Step 1 was screwing a long, 2.5” wide piece of wood to the flat sections at top and bottom of the newel post, 2 screws each. (A length of 1x2 or 1x3 will work.) To avoid cracking the wood, be sure to pre-drill for the screws. I could have installed brackets directly to the post, but if I make a mistake it’s much easier to replace a damaged board than an existing stair post. Step 2: I installed the brackets and mounted the gate, which pivots on the brackets. The gate is easily lifted out and stored elsewhere when we don’t need it. A little tricky to get the top and bottom lined up to reinstall it, but this is easier with time, especially with another pair of hands. (If I can do it alone, so can you!) Next step 3: I assessed the opposite side for installing the catch. Where the gate met the drywall at 90 degrees, of course there was no conveniently located wall stud, so I had to locate enough studs to securely mount a pre-painted horizontal board to hold the latch. At the baseboard I mounted a triangular piece tall enough to accept the eyebolt that holds the bottom hook to the wall. All of this was relatively easy for me, but I think even a newbie DIYer can manage it. Without the added wood reinforcements, I don’t see how you can install it securely on typical stairs like mine. Although the product page strongly suggests it’s well suited for stairs, I recall no directions for stair mounting, so I had to improvise. Even with the stair gate in place, I like to add a removable gate to the bedroom door as backup, figuring my girl will make noise enough to wake me if she tries to get out. Of course, an alternative to a stair gate is to install enough doorway gates to prevent your toddler from getting anywhere near the stairs. It is a fact that toddlers are drawn to staircases. It’s hard to keep them away when they are determined. My 17-month-old grandson is very keen on climbing now, dashing over to the stairs every chance he gets. I trained all 3 of my kids to get up and down from a very young age. They need practice to climb safely. My granddaughter is now 3 yrs. 4 months, and goes up and down safely by herself. Finally, I can also recommend a product like the link below if you have bare wood stairs. (The set I bought seems to be unavailable now.) My daughter has some too. Easy to apply, they add significant safety for people of all ages, for little cost. This Grandma feels safer on stairs with some traction. Honestly, I find carpeted stairs more slippery, especially at the front edge of each step. (I’m sorry I don’t have advice for carpet or runners.) If you look closely at my pics you might be able to see my topmost traction strip under my gate location. Not invisible, but they aren’t an eyesore either. Good luck setting up your own gate land. A rather inconvenient time, but it doesn’t last too long, and you will soon get used to climbing over the stationary gates.:) https://www.amazon.com/Non-Slip-Indoors-Prevent-SlipperySurfaces/dp/B083TJJ753/ref=psdc_110761011_t3_B0791JS4FB
