Top 15 Pet Gate Questions (FAQs) When Buying a Pet Gate

Everyone in the market for a pet door quickly begins to accumulate a list of questions about the different types of doors. Sometimes the questions can be too much. So here’s a list of those questions and some answers to help you decide what you should do.

1. What are the measurements of each door style?

Although similar in dimensions, each style’s door measurements will vary by manufacturer by up to several inches in width and height. The Product detail sheet will have that information.

2. Are there doors that open more than 72 inches?

No. The maximum opening for which most gates will provide a barrier is 72 inches, which is wider than most security gates on the market. For larger openings, 2 doors would be appropriate.

3. Can any style of gate be used at the top of a stair and mounted to the spindles? They all seem like they can.

The only doors that are to be used at the top of a stairway are designated as a “Stairway Door”. These doors have special hardware or mounting cups for proper installation. This will often include special hinges so it can only open one way. The door should never be allowed to open on the stairs!

4. Do all door styles come in multiple styles and colors?

Most pet door styles come in black and white. If a particular style comes in a wood configuration, it may come in cherry, oak, light oak, natural, maple, or others.

5. My dog ​​chews everything. What pet gate should I buy?

At first impulse a metal door comes to mind. But dogs can still chew on this type of door and hurt or break their teeth. So when looking for a metal gate, get one that has slats rather than a tight mesh. It is much more difficult for them to chew. Stay away from plastic doors in this situation. Not only will they chew it up, but they can also swallow the pieces and cause problems that you don’t even realize after doing so.

6. What if there is a socket in the way?

If you are mounting the door in an area where there is a skirting, take a small piece of wood (I paint it for wood to match the wall, the same thickness as the skirting, and place it behind the top trim or mounting screw) . support you are using. Remember to keep the door parallel to the ground so that the door operation is as smooth as possible.

7. Can I mount a door in drywall without wood trim?

You can, but it’s important that you find a wood stud located behind the drywall so you have a good mounting surface for any support screws you need to use.

8. There is a slight angle where I intend to install the door. What do I do now?

Using a gate that has or can use an “angle mount” hardware kit is just what you need. This kit is specifically designed for this purpose.

9. What does “JPMA certified” mean?

This stands for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. If you see this certification seal, it means the gate has also been tested and approved for use around children according to this organization’s standards.

10. I have a large and a small pet. Do any gates have a gate for the little one to get through?

Yes, Carlson Mfg. is the only pet door manufacturer to have a built-in pet door that allows smaller pets through while others stay in place.

11. I want to use my doors in multiple rooms but the door frames have different widths. Do I need special size doors for each one?

No, you don’t. An extension gate, a freestanding gate pressure mounted gate can be adjusted for each individual entrance or the freestanding gate can be made to close the widest opening and can be used for any width.

12. I am almost all thumbs. Are these doors easy to install in my house?

No matter which door you buy, they are all very easy to install. The simplest form of door is the independent one. As the name implies, there is no facility. Once you’ve assembled it, simply snap it into position. The pressure mount gate used an adjustable swing arm or adjustable thumb wheels to create the pressure. The only doors that require true installation are the ones that require mounting hardware. These gates use hardware mounting screws that hold the gate to a wall, door or frame.

13. These extension panels, what are they for?

Although pet gates come in many shapes and sizes, you may find yourself in a situation where you need a gate that is slightly wider than what comes in a standard purchase. In this case, an extension gate would be in order. By adding an extension panel, you will be able to fit it into that space you just measured. You can usually use up to 2 extensions, but considering they come in widths from 5″ to 24″, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the size you need.

14. I see all these different doors but I don’t want to go through them. What door should I use?

The best gate for this situation is a manually operated gate. One of the most popular gates sold is The First Years Foot Operated Hands Free Extension Pet Gate. This is absolutely the best option for what you are describing.

15. What about security considerations? Are there any I should be aware of?

I suggest you read a list of PET DOOR SAFETY FACTS to get answers to your questions.

We hope these questions and answers help make your decision process a little easier. Remember, you can always call the manufacturer of a particular door you want.