Question: What to consider when purchasing a pet gate?
Answer: The main considerations when purchasing a gate is the opening width,
overall gate height, gate construction, bar spacing, installation style and
location of the gate installation. Below we will go into detail for each of
these considerations.
Gate Opening Width: The total width of the location you need to install
a gate may narrow your gate options down. Typically pressure mounted gates cannot
span as far as hardware mounted pet gates due to the decreased stability of
the pressure mounted gate. Hardware mounted gates provide more stability in
wide areas then what pressure mounted gates could provide. Pressure mounted
gates rely purely on pressure for stability, so as you add extensions the pressure
requires that much more force to keep the gate fixed in place. If you have a
wide area and cannot install a hardware mounted gate then a wide freestanding
gate may be the best choice for you.
Overall Gate Height: The breed type and size of your pet will factor
into the recommended overall gate height. Tall dogs and dogs that love to jump
will require a taller pet gate. You will be able to estimate the height of gate
your pet will require by observing objects the dog jumps on or over. Creating
a blockade to test your dogs jumping ability is recommended if you are unsure
of the required gate height. If you miscalculate the approximate gate height
needed both pressure mounted and hardware mounted gates can be raised off the
floor to be mounted at a taller height. It is best to overestimate the required
gate height then underestimating.
Gate Construction: Pet Gates are offered in wood, plastic,
mesh or metal construction. Freestanding pet gates are typically offered in
wood construction, while pressure mounted and hardware mounted gates are prominently
offered in either metal or plastic construction. Depending on the location the
gate will be installed (inside or outside) you will want to consider the type
of finish offered in each gate. If you purchase a wood gate for exterior use
ensure the finish is weather treated. If you purchase a metal gate ensure it's
either stainless steel or rust proof aluminum. All freestanding, pressure mounted
and hardware mounted pet gates can be utilized inside.
Bar Spacing: The gate bar, wire or spindle spacings vary from
gate to gate. The spacings will vary anywhere from 1/8" up to 3" possibly
allowing small teacup breeds and cats to pass between these slots. When determining
the ideal bar spacings for small teacup breeds and cats open a household door
to the width of the bar spacings on the gate you are interested in. If your
pet can pass through this opening a narrower bar, spindle or wire spacing is
required. Retractable pet gates and diamond mesh style constructions offer the
narrowest spacings offered in pet gates. The majority of pets on the market
will not be able to fit through even the widest bar, spindle or wire spacings
offered in pet gates, so this consideration isn't as vital as the other, but
it's still important to double check that the spacings will work for your pet
width.
Installation Style: Pet gates are available in three styles:
Pressure mounted, freestanding and hardware mounted. Hardware mounted are the
most rigid and stable of the three. Hardware mounted pet gates require mounting
brackets to be permanently installed on the mounting application and are offered
in the widest width ranges due to the stability they provide. Pressure mounted
pet gates are still very sturdy when installed and do not require any brackets
or hardware to be installed to operate the gate. Pressure mounted pet gates
are typically used in doorway or hallways due to the narrow span width required.
If you do not want to permanently install brackets or hardware then pressure
mounted gates are the best option for you as long as the pressure mounted gate
is offered in your opening width. Freestanding pet gates are convenient to move
from place to place and provide rubber soled feet to keep the gate stationary.
Freestanding gates are offered in a variety of lengths and heights.
Installation Location: Some pet gates can be installed at the
top or bottom of stairs, doorways or hallways, and either inside or outside.
Depending on the installation location there will be a number of models that
may work for you. Stairway approved gates open in one direction as a safety
feature. The majority of pet gates open in both directions, so choosing a one
way accessible stairway pet gate is vital in creating a safe environment for
pets and their owners. Doorway and hallway pet gates offer the most options
in pet gates. As long as the pressure mounted, hardware mounted or freestanding
pet gate can span to fit the opening width you have any one of these three styles
of gates will work. Like we mentioned before if you are installing a gate outside
ensure the gate is treated for outdoor use. If you purchase a wood gate for
outdoor use be sure the wood is weather treated. If you purchase a metal gate
ensure it's either stainless steel or rust proof aluminum.
With all of these considerations choosing a pet gate can become a conundrum.
Your pet gate width, height, location, and construction requirements in most
cases will eliminate a number of models for you to choose from. Expert representatives
are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have at 1-800-829-7876.
Originally Posted by Gates-USA.com
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