Safety First…

…and unfortunately, style comes second in this case.  Last week we ordered a hearth gate to surround our wood stove because our little Harper LOVES to climb on the hearth, and she is fascinated by the ceramic medallion on the wood stove.  It’s been alright during the warmer months, but now that we’re burning fires we knew we had to protect her.  It isn’t the prettiest thing (I actually really like the look of our stove and hearth), but it is necessary, and we knew it would just be a matter of time before she fell on the hearth or before she snuck past us and got burned.  Not something that a parent wants to think about!

Adjusting the gate angles.

What we purchased is a KidCo Fireplace Hearth Gate, and I bought it on eBay. I love a good eBay deal!  It is nice because it is made to fit around a standard 2′ x 6′ rectangular hearth with 5 – 2-foot sections and a gate in the middle, but if you need extensions you can find them in many different sizes.  The standard 10′ gate set made a nice semi-circle around our corner hearth, and Glenn got it assembled in about half an hour…with me looking on as supervisor, of course!

Still adjusting…

The 2′ gate sections are adjustable to any angle, and it comes with all of the required hardware to attach it to the walls, and secure it to the floor if needed so that it can’t be moved. The gate is very easy to open, if you’re not a baby of course.

Attached, but testing out the gate!

We simply popped the caps off of the end bars, slid on the mounting plates and then screwed them to the wall. There were 4 plates (2 for each end bar). Then you just pop the caps back on, and there are also screws included to attach the gate to the floor.

We had to play with the angles a little to get the gate centered in front of the wood stove, and I was worried that we’d need some extensions when I bought it, but after a little manipulation we got it to work.

And as you can see it’s already doing it’s job!

Let me in!

The gate itself is far enough away, which is made of steel and in a heat resistant finish, so that it won’t heat up hot enough to burn when touched. You can also use these for pets, or to guard a barbecue outdoors. Read more information on the KidCo website here.

Mommy doesn’t have to worry anymore!

Nice Halloween decorations in the background, right?   I’m sure Harper will find them scary next Halloween, but for now she thinks they’re funny and gives them kisses!