Bespoke Dog & Stair Gates in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire
Made-to-Measure Oak Dog Gates and a Glass Stair Gate
We designed, built and installed bespoke dog gates and a matching stair gate for a home in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. The homeowners wanted a secure way to stop their dog accessing certain rooms and upstairs. However, standard pressure-fit gates would not suit the different openings or complement the style of their home. Instead, we created three made-to-measure dog gates, each designed for its exact location. Built using solid oak, oak-veneered panels and traditional mortise and tenon joinery, the finished gates provide everyday practicality while blending naturally with the rest of the property.
The Brief
The homeowners wanted to control where their dog could go without relying on temporary gates that looked out of place or risked damaging the walls. The project included several locations, including the kitchen, living room and the staircase. Each space presented a different challenge, so typical pressure-fit gates would not provide the best result.
The doorway gates needed to match the oak joinery already installed throughout the house. Meanwhile, the bespoke stair gate needed to create a safe barrier while keeping the hallway feeling bright and open.
Our Approach
After carefully measuring each opening, we designed every gate around its exact size and position. Although each one served a different purpose, we used matching materials and detailing throughout to create a consistent look across the home.
For the kitchen and living room, we built bespoke wooden dog gates using oak-veneered panels, solid oak rails and traditional mortise and tenon joints. This construction method creates strong, durable joints. For the staircase, we designed a solid oak frame with a toughened glass panel. As a result, the made-to-measure stair gate provides a secure barrier without blocking light or making the hallway feel enclosed. We also selected polished chrome glass clamps to complement the hinges and hardware used throughout the property.
The Installation
We completed most of the joinery in our workshop beforehand, so we managed to install all three gates in just one day. Rather than using pressure-mounted fixings, we secured each fitted safety gate to solid oak posts. This provides a stronger, longer-lasting solution while protecting the client’s existing walls and door frames.
Finally, we adjusted every gate individually so it opened smoothly, closed securely and sat square within its opening. We also took extra care around the staircase to ensure the glass panel and fittings were safe and secure.
The Finished Result
The finished gates now allow the homeowners to control access to different parts of the house without affecting how the space feels or functions. Each custom dog gate has been designed specifically for its location, creating a solution that feels like part of the original home.
The oak frames, oak-veneered panels and polished chrome hardware complement the existing joinery throughout the property. Meanwhile, the glass stair gate maintains natural light and open sightlines while providing a safe and practical barrier.
Built using traditional mortise and tenon joinery and securely fixed to solid oak posts, the gates are designed to provide reliable performance for many years to come.
Looking for a Bespoke Gate That Fits Your Home?
Standard pet gates do not always suit unusual openings or complement the character of your home. Whether you are looking for a bespoke wooden dog gate, a built-in stair gate or a custom internal gate, we will design a solution around your space and the way you use it.
Every project starts with your home, your requirements and the practical challenges you want to solve. From there, we will build and install a durable gate that is designed to fit naturally within your property.
Explore our Residential Carpentry & Joinery services, read Why Traditional Joinery Still Matters in Modern Homes, or get in touch to discuss a made-to-measure gate for your property.