How to Extend a Pressure Fit Safety Gate for Wider Openings
By Cheeky Rascals UK | Published: 2026-10-15
Category: Guías prácticas
Learn how to extend a pressure fit safety gate for wider stairways and doorways. Step-by-step guidance on fitting a safety gate extension kit correctly and safely.
Quick answer
To extend a pressure fit safety gate, push a compatible extension kit into either side of the gate frame before mounting it in the opening. Each Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit adds 7cm of width, and you can use up to three extensions per side to reach a maximum gate width of 124cm. Always check the gate is level and the pressure is firm before relying on it.
Check your gate and opening first
Before buying an extension, confirm your gate is a pressure fit model, not a screw fit. Pressure fit gates hold themselves in place by pushing against the wall or door frame, so extensions simply make the gate wider. Screw fit gates are fixed with hardware and use a different mounting method, so a pressure extension kit will not work with them.
Measure the opening at the point where the gate will sit. The Fred Safety Pressure Fit Wooden Stairgate and the Fred Safety Pressure Fit Clear View Stairgate both work with the Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit. Each kit adds 7cm, and you can fit up to three extensions on either side of the gate, giving a maximum gate width of 124cm. If your opening is wider than that, you will need a different gate or a custom solution.
Fit the extension into the gate frame
Push the extension piece firmly into the side of the gate frame until it clicks or seats fully. The Fred kit is designed to push into either side of the gate, so you can add extensions to one or both sides depending on where the opening is. If you need more than one extension on a side, stack them in the same way, checking each connection is tight before adding the next.
A common mistake is forcing an extension into a gate it was not designed for. Only use extensions made for your specific gate model. The Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit is made for the Fred Safety Pressure Fit Wooden and Clear View stairgates. Using a different brand's extension can leave gaps or weak points that a child could exploit.
Mount the extended gate in the opening
With the extension fitted, treat the gate as you would any pressure fit gate. Position it in the opening, making sure the frame is vertical and the gate is level. Most pressure fit gates have adjustable feet or threaded pads that you turn to apply pressure against the wall. Tighten them evenly on both sides until the gate feels solid and does not move when you push it.
Check that the gate closes and latches properly every time. The extension should not interfere with the locking mechanism or the gate's swing. If the gate feels loose or the latch does not catch, adjust the pressure pads or reposition the gate. Do not use the gate if it does not close securely.
Test the installation and check for gaps
After mounting, test the gate by pulling it firmly towards you and pushing it away. It should not shift or wobble. Check the gaps between the gate frame and the wall, and between the extension and the gate. No gap should be wide enough for a child to slip through or get stuck. As a guide, if you can fit two fingers into a gap, it is too wide.
Also check that the extension does not create a step or ledge that a child could use to climb. The Fred extension is designed to blend discreetly with the gate, but always inspect the finished installation from a child's perspective. If anything looks unsafe, adjust or remove the extension.
Step-by-step: extending your pressure fit gate
- Measure the opening and check gate compatibility: Measure the width of the opening where the gate will go. Confirm your gate is a pressure fit model and that the extension kit is designed for it. The Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit works with the Fred Safety Pressure Fit Wooden and Clear View stairgates. Checkpoint: if your opening is wider than 124cm, even with three extensions per side, you need a different gate.
- Work out how many extensions you need: Each Fred extension adds 7cm. Subtract the base width of your gate from the opening width, then divide by 7 to find the number of extensions. You can fit up to three extensions on either side of the gate. Checkpoint: never exceed three extensions per side, as this can make the gate unstable.
- Push the extension into the gate frame: Push the extension firmly into the side of the gate frame until it seats fully. If you need more than one on a side, add them one at a time, checking each connection is tight. Common mistake: forcing an extension into a gate it was not designed for. Only use the correct kit for your gate model.
- Position and tighten the gate in the opening: Place the extended gate in the opening, making sure it is level and vertical. Turn the pressure pads or adjustable feet evenly on both sides until the gate is firmly held and does not move when pushed. Checkpoint: the gate should not wobble. If it does, tighten the pads a little more, but do not overtighten as this can damage the wall or frame.
- Test the gate and check for gaps: Pull and push the gate firmly to test stability. Check that the latch closes securely every time. Look for gaps between the gate, extension, and wall. No gap should be wider than two fingers. Checkpoint: if the gate does not close securely or there are wide gaps, adjust the installation or remove the extension and try a different setup.
Product facts
- Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit - Dark Grey: Each Pressure Gate Extension Kit makes the gate 7cm wider and can extend your gate up to 124cm wide, with a maximum of 3 extensions on either side of the gate. This tells you exactly how much width each kit adds and the maximum opening you can cover, so you can work out how many kits you need before buying.
- Fred Safety Pressure Fit Wooden Stairgate: The Fred Safety Pressure Fit Wooden Stairgate is a pressure fit gate that works with the Fred Safety Pressure Gate Extension Kit. If you already own this gate, you can extend it rather than replacing it when you move to a wider opening.
- Fred Safety Screw Fit Clear-View Stairgate: The Fred Safety Screw Fit Clear-View Stairgate is a screw fit gate and is not compatible with the pressure fit extension kit. This helps you avoid buying the wrong extension kit for your gate type.
