Baby gate advice

Bollo2019

We are trying to work out the best way to fit a baby gate at the top of the stairs. As it's the top step we've ruled out a pressure fit and are looking for the screw fit types. The only thing is, we've just paid for our bannister to be repainted and I'm concerned with how drilling holes will leave the newel post once we eventually take the gate down. Is it pretty noticeable once you've filled the holes or should I not be concerned and go for it?

Otherwise we're considering a piece of wood cabled tied to the newel but the price for the product (Fred stair post fitting kit at John Lewis) is more than what we need to pay for the gate!

FreeBear

Once you are done with the gate and remove it, a spot of wood filler and touch up with a fine brush. Use an artist brush, and you'll be hard pushed to notice a couple of small holes. That said, if you used a modern white gloss, it will turn yellow, and then you would notice the repair.

sn1987a

Did you consider installing the gate at the child's door? Then you can use a pressure fit one. The child will also not have access to the toilet (water, bin, cleaning products etc), assuming there is a toilet upstairs, when you are sleeping.

rach_k

Just fit it properly to the post. As FreeBear said, once you fill it and paint it once it's removed, you'll barely notice. This will probably be in at least a year or two so your newly painted stairs won't be so shiny and new then anyway. You have a child, right? So it's all going to get bashed at some point.

It's not worth messing around. Potentially being able to see where you've touched up the paint versus potentially being able to see where your child was patched up in A&E.

Bollo2019

Thanks all for your input - I'm going for the screw fit gates, saving some money and peace of mind on safety.