baby gate under 20$

Posted 20 Oct 2017


Our toddler just started walking. Like others of his kind, he is super smart, adventureous like 2008 sub-prime lenders taking on super risky experimentation. To keep him from coming into kitchen when we cooking and keep an watchful eye on him like our government, we decided to build this baby gate. It has been 18 months now since we build the gate, he now knows how to open the latch without seeing it from the other side.

Super easy project can be done in an hour or two. Not sure where we got this plan from, but good thing it was instantly approved by AJ and work began an hour later.

Things needed

  1. Depending on gate size get - 1 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Furring Strip Board. Qtys: depends on your gate size
  2. Self locking gate latch Qtys: 1
  3. Wood glue - elmers or titebond
  4. Nail gun
  5. 1 1⁄2 inch brad nails 18 gauge
  6. Mini Hinges Qtys: 2


Step by step instructions


Step 1:
Measure the length of the gate, divide the length by 1.5 inch (2 inch furring strip is only 1.5 inch) My door width is 30 inch, so dividing 30 by 1.5 I get 20. with alternating between a strip and no strip.

Step 2:
Cut 1x2 furring strips to length. In my case it was 3 feet.

Step 3:
Cut supporting furring strip for top and bottom for 30 inches

Step 4:
Glue them together and for extra strength nail it with 1 1⁄2 inch brad nails.

Note: I bought the nail gun for building my round dining table. Slowly building my tool collection while flying under AJs radar.

Step 5:
Add a cross support to avoid sagging

Step 6:
Evenly place the hinges from top and bottom

Step 7:
Measure, mark location for latch and screw it in place