Cardinal Gates Stairway Special SS-30

The Cardinal Gates Stairway Special (SS-30) is a hardware-mounted swing gate built for the top of stairs. It screws to the wall, swings both ways, and comes with an optional stop bracket so it only opens away from the steps.

Who it suits

Homes that need a gate at the top of the stairs, and dogs big or strong enough to push on a gate. It is 29.5 inches tall, so a dog that jumps may need a taller gate.

Key facts

• Wall-mounted swing gate that opens both ways, with an optional one-way stop bracket to limit opening over stairs (Cardinal Gates)
• Aluminum model fits openings 27 to 42.5 inches wide, 29.5 inches tall, with 2.5 inch bar spacing; extensions available for wider openings (Cardinal Gates)
• Can be mounted at angles up to 30 degrees to line up with studs (Cardinal Gates)
• JPMA certified, per the maker (Cardinal Gates)

What reviewers say

Wirecutter made it its top dog gate. Sitting on it, hip-checking it, twisting it against its mounts and removing and reinstalling it had no effect, and it found the gate easy for people to open but impossible for pets to unlatch. The downsides: the metal latch and hinges are noisy, it does not close itself behind you, the latch could be hard for people with grip problems, and a baseboard taller than 5.5 inches needs a small wood spacer.

Reviewed named it the best baby gate overall, especially for stairs, and said installing and removing it left minimal damage. We did not test it ourselves.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Survived Wirecutter’s abuse tests without loosening, unlike many other gates
• Pro: Can be mounted at angles up to 30 degrees to reach studs, per the maker
• Pro: Optional stop bracket for the top of stairs
• Con: Metal latch and hinges are noisy (Wirecutter)
• Con: Does not close and lock itself behind you (Wirecutter)
• Con: The latch may be hard for people with limited hand mobility (Wirecutter); at 29.5 in it may be too low for jumpers

Cautions

• Screw hardware-mounted gates into solid wood or studs, never into drywall or plaster alone (North States, Wirecutter).
• At the top of stairs, set the gate so it cannot swing out over the steps.
• A gate is not a way to leave a dog shut away for long; Dogs Trust advises not leaving a dog alone for more than four hours.