Gate is ok.

First off, this product shipped from Target and they shipped the wrong color. Amazon handled the exchange well but it was an inconvenience. Second the installation instructions are not that clear. I had to use the spacers thinking that they should be directly across from one another. This is not the case as the latch catches are not on center, so when the gate is closed it is not parallel with the wall. Its not that noticable, but if you install it yourself, you are reminded of it every time you see it. The other thing is that I had to cut a board to mount the hinge side to my stair railing. The height of the gate is a lot shorter than a normal railing, so if you don't have square ballisters, plan on an additional piece you will need to make for a good installation. Overall the gate seems sturdy and my daughter loves to pull herslef up on it and look through especially if someone is on the otherside. I trust it, and I guess that is what is important.

[Wednesday, November 19, 2008]

Nice gate, terrible directions, perfect gate for a DiY'er

For these "Decore" gates, the colors are darker than pictured (on every monitor I have). "Natural" is more medium oak, closer the the "Auburn" gate picture, just a touch lighter. The construction is typically mass produced, staples instead of screws or dowels. Alignment of parts is adequate for the price. Quality is maybe 3/5 stars if you look close, but 4/5 for a normal view.

The mechanism to upen the gate requries the user to push in, then slide up, which is nice but not locking. Since the slide is not spring loaded, you might have to slide it down, then push in, then slide up. I bought one as a trial, but I like it enough to buy two more rather than build my own.

One thing to note, there is a gap between the two sections of the gate, the woman's hand in the picture hides it. Don't expect that the gate sections are flush against each other, they are not. The directions give little indication of how to orient the metal plates which hold the gate sections together. They are individual pieces which you align and join.

Do this:
Screw in the eye hooks as far as possible, position and extend the gate as far as needed, clamp the gate together. flip it upside down, and figure out which holes line up best with the mounting plates (the plates have slotted holes on one side to allow for some movement). If you measured the opening, and followed their suggestion for a spacer, one set of holes will line up, but note that the plates face alternating directions from one side to the other. As far as I can tell, the only reason for the spacer is to use the pre-drilled holes. If you can use a drill, tap your own, use better screws and eliminate the wall spacer. (While you're at it, tap the plates and mount the gate sections flush.) From there, the install is straight forward and the mounting template works well. Make sure to take into account the gap between the gate sections since the mounted side and the latch on the other side will need to be offset if you want the gate to line up with stairs, or a door threshold. Rough fit it before you start putting screws into the wall.

The mounting hardware is plastic, but it's fine, unless you use sloppy tolerances and extend the eye-hooks too far, or a infant swings on the gate while it's open (which I would do at that age). Keep everything snug, screwed into solid wood, and it's a safe gate that looks fantastic if you have wood floors or banisters you're trying to match.
If you are a DIY'er, you could easily mount this using standard door or gate hinges since the frame is solid wood. For the DiY'er, you can make this look really nice in your home. For the rest, it's easy enough to work around the poorly written directions.

[Friday, September 05, 2008]

Good Product But Could Have Better Installation Instructions

Overall I am happy with this gate with a few issues. One, many of the nail holes are not filled in and while easy to do, it should have come that way from the factory. Secondly, the instructions should show you to offset the two sides if you want the gate to be parallel to the wall. The gate is in two sections and the hanger is on one section and the latch is on the other. The sections are offset by about an inch. Not a big deal but should have been suggested. Lastly, the mount did not allow me to fully extend the gate (I needed about another inch). I could have drilled my own holes but I just increased the gap on the left to fit. Once installed it looks good and is kid-proof as you have to push in on the release before lifting it. Had it for over six months and holding up well.

[Tuesday, June 24, 2008]

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