Whether you’ve just adopted a new pooch from your local pound or you’re searching for ways to boost the safety of your home and make it more pet-friendly, dog gates for stairs are vital for your furry friend’s containment and protection. Choosing a dog gate for stairs can also provide a calming environment for your dog while you’re away.

Below, we’ve listed our top 6 picks for some of the best dog gates for stairs currently available in the market.

So, let’s get right into it!

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#1 Overall Best Dog Gate For Stairs: Internet’s Best Pet Gate With Arched Top

Overall Best Dog Gate For Stairs: Internet’s Best Pet Gate With Arched Top

This free-standing dog gate for stairs is made from a durable MDF — medium-density fiberboard — material and features an elegant espresso finish that is able to match any decor.

What makes this product an excellent dog gate for stairs is its z-pattern fold-out design which is perfect for blocking playful pups from the staircase without needing to permanently affix the gate.

This product comes in two different height options: 24 inches and 36 inches and three to four-panel options.

This gate also has a decent weight to it as well, making it harder to tip over. However, large dogs will likely be able to anyway.

Lastly, another great feature about this product is that when it’s not in use, it comes down to a slender 2.25 inches in height.

Paws Up
  • Rich espresso finish
  • Sturdy and portable
  • Collapsible design for easier storage
  • Budget-friendly
  • Available in different panel sizes and heights
Paws Down
  • Step-over design
  • Can’t permanently affix
  • Larger breeds may be able to tip it over or jump across

#2 Best Value For Money Dog Gate For Stairs: Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Gate 

Best Value For Money Dog Gate For Stairs: Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Gate 

This free-standing dog gate is both versatile and sturdy with hinges that swing in both directions.

Each panel feels solid, and measures 24 inches tall and 23.5 inches wide, with an extra 2-inch space between each slat. It can easily fit openings up to 72 inches in length.

Generally, these gates are only good for smaller dog breeds. However, with a bit of training, it can be used for larger dogs as well.

All in all, this dog gate for stairs offers both convenience and value for a relatively cheap price.

Paws Up
  • Step-over design
  • Can’t permanently affix
  • Larger breeds may be able to tip it over or jump across
Paws Down
  • Not ideal for larger dogs

#3 Best Dog Gate For Small Dogs: Babepai’s Retractable Baby And Pet Gate

Best Dog Gate For Small Dogs: Babepai’s Retractable Baby And Pet Gate

The Babepai’s Retractable Baby and Pet Gate is made from tough nylon and polyester fabric which can fit an area up to 54 inches wide. 

Plus, the opening in the meshwork measures only 1.3 inches wide, so your furry little friend won’t be able to push its head through the pattern.

To install this retractable dog gate, you’ll need to drill 6 holes and then set the hook nails to hang the gate from.

But if you would prefer not to drill into your banister, then simply use the “Command Hooks” to affix the unit. These work remarkably well and are also easy to remove.

However, it’s important to remember that this dog gate for stairs is only recommended for medium to small-sized breeds, or for large pups that have been properly trained to not force through it.

Lastly, we also loved the fact that the black meshing measures 34 inches high and doesn’t look as intrusive as some other wooden or metal dog gates.

Paws Up
  • Portable and easy to install
  • Can be fixed with screws or “Command Hooks”
  • Expands up to 54 inches and measures 34 inches high
  • Durable mesh material allows greater flexibility for placement
Paws Down
  • Not suitable for larger dogs

#4 Best Dog Gate For Large Dogs: Lemon Tree’s Baby Gates For Stairs 

Best Dog Gate For Large Dogs: Lemon Tree’s Baby Gates For Stairs 

If you’re in the market for something permanent and super strong, then this metal dog gate from Lemon Tree might be right up your alley! 

It can easily hold its own against the pressures of up to a 200-pound pooch pushing against it. 

One reason why it’s so strong is that its metal frame can be securely affixed to walls between 30 inches to 40.2 inches wide. 

However, if your space requirement is larger, you can purchase additional extensions up to 51.5 inches wide.

This dog gate for stairs also features an intuitive locking mechanism and is significantly tall at 30 inches high. 

Additionally, the gate also self-closes if left open at less than 90 degrees (it remains open if wider) and it opens both ways!

All of this, plus its use with larger dogs is what makes this product one of the best dog gates for stairs.

Paws Up
  • Made from quality metal with a white finish
  • Relatively expensive
  • Self-closing feature
  • Opens both ways
  • Includes safety locking feature
  • Extensions available
  • Easy to install and includes wall cups for stair-mounting
Cons
  • Relatively expensive

#5 Best Outdoor Dog Gate For Stairs: North States’ Easy Swing And Lock Gate 

Best Outdoor Dog Gate For Stairs: North States’ Easy Swing And Lock Gate 

This outdoor gate from North State is designed for larger spaces, anywhere from 28.68 inches to 47.85 inches wide. And the bronze finish solid metal frame is taller than many other dog gates at 31 inches high.

But, the biggest drawback with this product is that it’s only recommended to be affixed to materials like metal and wood. It doesn’t sit well when it’s mounted to sheetrock or plaster surfaces. 

However, it does have other useful features like a full-swing door and an intuitive one-hand opening mechanism. It also swings both ways and is an excellent choice for outdoor use because of its sturdy build quality.

Paws Up
  • Durable steel design
  • Full-swing doors that open both ways
  • Easy-to-use locking mechanism
  • Great for outdoor use
Paws Down
  • Can only be affixed to metal or wood surfaces
  • Uses cheap plastic in the vertical stop piece

#6 Honorable Mention: Safety 1st’s Easy Install Metal Dog Gate For Stairs

Honorable Mention: Safety 1st’s Easy Install Metal Dog Gate For Stairs

This is a surprisingly easy dog gate to install and doesn’t require you to drill any holes.

A unique and useful feature of this dog gate is that it has an indicator light on top of the frame which lets you know when the gate is secure (the light will change from red to green). The light also changes color when the gate has loosened and needs re-tightening.

This product is available in two sizes: 29-38 inches wide and 28 inches tall, and 29-47 inches wide and 36 inches high.

It also features a two-action handle that is easy to use with one hand and the gate swings both ways for extra convenience.

However, it’s important to note that the rungs of this dog gate for stairs measure 2.5 inches wide which may be a problem if you own smaller pets or dogs. 

Paws Up
  • Easy to install and requires no drilling
  • Can swing either way
  • Includes a light which indicates when the gate isn’t securely in place
  • Chew resistant
Paws Down
  • Not self-closing
  • Relatively expensive

The Takeaway: Best Dog Gate For Stairs

Best dog gate for stairs

At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with any of the products reviewed in this post. They’re all excellent choices for your furry little loved one.

However, before you buy, you should consider a few things such as the size of your pup, and whether or not they’re aggressive chewers.

If your pooch is on the larger side, consider getting one of the larger and sturdier pet gates (with strong fixtures) on this list that your pet won’t be able to climb up or tip over. 

And if your dog is an aggressive chewer, go for a dog gate for stairs that are made out of sturdy metal instead of plastic, wood, or mesh materials.

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