Pallet Baby Gate

One of the first things I wanted to do at the new house was make it safe for our 20 month old. We aren't living there yet but wanted to be able to know she wasn't going to topple down the stairs while we worked. I absolutely love the look of things made from pallets and we all know Pinterest is covered with fabulous pallet designs for baby gates! I really like the barn door styles but I knew I wanted ours to have openings between the slats so we could see through to the other side. I also wanted to make sure there were few horizontal pieces she would try to climb up with. So I kept it simple, safe, and cute...

I tried 2 ways to break apart the pallets: sawzall and hammering them off. Which is better?? I learned it really depends on the pallet! One pallet I used the pieces came off much easier with just hammering them off and the other I had to use the sawzall.

 

I loved the look of the pallet pieces after they were sanded!

 

This gate is going to be at the top of the stairs and each slat measures 30 inches tall and 33 inches wide (I left space for a 2x4 that will be added to the wall--see pictures below). If you make one of your own make sure to measure your opening and make it custom to your purposes.

I originally had and "X" in the back to make it more barn door style but I decided that my daughter would be able to use those to climb up and I wasn't willing to risk it.

Once I had it all placed how I wanted it, I hammered it together, added hinges, and hung it. I screwed a 2x4 to the wall (which will be painted eventually to blend in) so that I would have a secure place on the wall to attach the locking hardware.  

I like this bolt-like locking system that I found at our local hardware store. Right now my daughter can't figure out how to unlock it but I will soon have to make it child proof for her. :)

 

I love it! Now to make the rest of the house look just as fabulous....

Side note: One of the pallets I used was pressure treated so I will have to seal the wood somehow so we aren't constantly touching treated wood. I contemplated painting it all white but I just love the look so much I can't bring myself to do it! So I think I was put a matte clear coat over it. :)