We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more >
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more >
When you're a parent, your children's safety always comes first and the same goes for pet owners. Even though youngsters are more vulnerable to accidents, that doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to unleash their adventurous side out in the fresh air. This is where an outdoor retractable gate comes in handy. It can turn your outdoor space into a safe play zone and serve as a security barrier to block off access to unsafe areas, such as stairs. Unlike traditional baby gates, a retractable gate won't get in the way at all!
Retractable gates come in a myriad of designs but all of them include some sort of hardware mounting for durability and safety reasons. They're much easier to install than traditional gates since most models these days require attaching the gate assembly to the provided gate mounts. Moreover, some designs offer additional mounting kits, allowing you to use one gate in multiple areas of your home. In this case, a simple release will snap the gate in and out of the brackets to move it from one location to another.
These outdoor physical barriers vary greatly in size with some measuring up to 72 inches wide. The majority of retractable safety gates can expand to a maximum width of 48-55 inches and can stand at around 30 inches tall. For adventurous kids who love exploring outside, a taller gate such as a 34-35 inches one will provide more security. If you're planning on covering a large open space, an extra-wide gate will be your best bet.
In terms of ease of use, a retractable gate that offers a one-handed operation is always a preferable option for parents. That said, not all gates with one-handed use work the same. Those with a straightforward locking lever (push down to lock, pull up to unlock) are much easier to operate and perform better than other locking mechanisms. You may also find outdoor gates that feature a quiet operation which is particularly useful for covering your children's bedroom door at night.
Almost all modern retractable gates are designed with a mesh structure since mesh is more versatile than other materials and can be used indoors and outdoors.
