Stair Gates Compared
Pressure-fit, wall-mount or configurable — the right gate for your stairs.
Stair gate: top and bottom
Consumer safety experts advise placing gates at both the top and bottom of stairs. At the top, a wall-mounted gate is mandatory (a pressure-fit gate can be pushed loose). At the bottom, a pressure-fit gate is fine. For steep Dutch stairs, this is especially important — 90% of Dutch homes have at least one steep staircase.
The three options
All stair gates meet the European EN 1930 standard. The choice depends on your mounting preferences and stair width.
+ Consumer Association Best Buy (pressure-fit)
+ No drilling — pressure fit between walls
+ One-hand open and close
- Only suitable for bottom of stairs
- Fits up to 80 cm (up to 110 cm with extensions)
+ Consumer Association Best Buy (wall-mount)
+ Suitable for top and bottom of stairs
+ Wide range: 62-102 cm without extensions
- Screws needed — not ideal for rental homes
+ Flexible: 90-223 cm — also works as room divider or fireplace guard
+ Multiple configurations (L, U, Z shapes)
+ Heavy metal construction — extra sturdy
- Significant investment, especially if you need multiples