If you have an outdoor deck, chances are you love spending time there with your family and friends. However, a downside of an outdoor deck is that your dog can walk away.
According to a study from 2012 which was conducted in 2010, around 15% of dogs have walked away from their homes. (1) Luckily most of them come back, but not all of them do. This is why you will need to get the best outdoor dog gate for your deck.
Each deck varies in size and shape, which can make it tricky to find the right dog gate. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and found five diverse outdoor dog gates for a deck.
Table of contents
5 best outdoor gates for outdoor deck
All of the gates in this list are suitable for outdoor use. They won’t rust and will withstand all kinds of weather.
Cardinal Gates Outdoor Safety Gate
If you’re looking for an elegant way to keep your dog on your deck, look no further than the Carlson Pet Products Design Studio Home Decor Walk Through Pet Gate. This gate is made of aluminum and is weather-resistant, making it perfect for decks. The gate has a width of 27 to 42.5 inches and is 29.5 inches tall. They also sell additional extensions in the case that your deck is larger.
The gate has a pressure-mount system that doesn’t require any tools for installation. You can also remove the gate when you don’t need it without having to uninstall anything. And because of the lightweight aluminum, the gate is easy to carry around.
What we like the most: This gate is made from aluminum, making it weather-resistant and perfect for decks.
- Doesn’t require any tools for installation
- Made from aluminum, making it weather-resistant
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- A bit pricey, but well worth it
Carlson Outdoor Super Wide Pet Gate
You may have a completely open deck without any railings. If so, the Carlson outdoor pet gate is perfect for these types of decks since it spans up to 144″ wide. The gate is made from sturdy, weather-resistant plastic. The height of the gate is 28-36 inches, and it features a walkthrough door that’s 9×8 inches, this could be used for your cat or small dog to come in and out as they please.
To install the gate, there is a hardware mounting kit included. Simply screw the plastic wall brackets into your deck’s posts or railings. The gate is also easy to remove when you don’t need it.
This is one of the most versatile gates on the market since it can span such a large opening and can be used in various ways. And don’t be fooled by the plastic material, as it has a weather-coated all-steel construction that will make it last for years.
What we like the most: This gate is extra wide to fit larger decks and can be used in various ways.
- Perfect for larger decks
- Made from weather-resistant plastic
- Includes a hardware mounting kit
- Easy to remove when not needed
- Quite expensive but worth the investment
Outdoor Retractable Mesh Gate
We understand that some people rather spend as little as possible on a baby gate. That is why we included the Outdoor Retractable Mesh Gate, which is one of the most affordable gates on the market without compromising quality or safety.
This gate is made from sturdy mesh and can be used both indoors and outdoors. It’s designed to fit openings up to 55 inches wide and is 33 inches tall. The gate can be completely retracted away when not in use.
Obviously, compared to almunimun or metal, this gate is less sturdy but it will still do a great job of keeping your dog safe. It’s also quite easy to install and can be opened and closed with one hand.
What we like the most: The price! This is an affordable gate without compromising quality or safety.
- Very affordable
- Can be used indoors and outdoors
- Easy to install
- One-handed operation
- Not as sturdy as some other gates
Fit-Right Adjustable Chain Link Gate
Some people already have chain link fencing around their deck. If this is your case, a chain link gate would be suitable to use. The Fit-Right Adjustable Chain Link Gate is a great option since it can fit openings from 24 to 72 inches wide.
This gate is easy to install and includes everything you need, except for the posts and post hinges. It includes a truss cable system that prevents the gate from dragging.
If you need a double gate, you can purchase an additional kit. This way, you can have a drive-through gate up to 12 feet wide.
What we like the most: We think this gate is perfect for those who already have chain link fencing around their deck.
- Perfect for those who have existing chain link fencing
- Includes everything you need, except for posts and post hinges
- System to prevent dragging
- Lockable latch included
- Not suitable for those who don’t have existing fencing
Black Steel Anti-Rust Fence Gate
For those looking for sturdy gates, we had to include the Black Steel Anti-Rust Fence Gate. This gate is made of high-quality steel that is hot-dip galvanized for strength and resistance to corrosion. This gate can withstand everything from UV rays to snow and rain.
This gate is easy to assemble with no tools required. It has a click system that makes it easy to put together so you can do it yourself. The package is also compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space and is easy to transport.
What we like the most: This is one of the sturdiest gates on the market and can withstand any type of weather condition.
- High quality and durable
- Easy to assemble
- No tools required
- Compact packaging
- Because it all steel, it's more expensive
Why an outdoor deck gate is important for your dog
Some people may ask why they need an outdoor gate for their deck. After all, their dog is well-behaved and has never run off before. So, let’s take a look at a few reasons why an outdoor deck gate is important for your dog.
Containment of your dog
It’s important to remember that even the best-behaved dogs can have an accident. A sudden noise may startle them and cause them to run off. Or, they may see a squirrel and take off after it without thinking.
An outdoor gate for your deck is the best way to protect your dog. It will keep them safe and prevent them from running off.
Keeping other animals out
One of the other reasons is to keep other animals out. Even if your dog is well-behaved, there’s no guarantee that other dogs will be. If you live in a neighborhood with a lot of pets, it’s important to have a gate to keep. Even wild-life, such as raccoons or squirrels, can carry diseases that may be harmful to your dog.
So, an outdoor gate for your deck is a great way to protect your dog from other animals.
Avoiding accidents
Another reason to have an outdoor gate for your deck is to avoid accidents. For instance, if your deck is elevated, you’ll want to make sure your dog can’t get access to it. If they fall off, they could be seriously injured or even killed.
So again, an outdoor gate for your deck is the best way to prevent accidents. It will keep your dog safe and secure while on your deck.
What to consider when buying an outdoor dog gate for deck
Now that we’ve looked at the best outdoor dog gates for your deck and why you need one, let’s take a look at what to consider when buying one.
The material
The material is the most important factor to consider when buying an outdoor dog gate. It has to withstand all the elements, from the hot sun to the cold winter. And, it has to be tough enough to withstand your dog scratching or chewing on it.
For outside gates, we recommend aluminum, stainless steel, or powder-coated steel. These materials are less prone to rust and sturdy enough to withstand the elements and your dog.
The size of the opening
Now obviously, if the gate doesn’t fit your deck, it has little to no use. So make sure to measure the opening of your deck before you buy a gate. You’ll want to leave enough room for people to walk through, so we recommend getting a gate that’s at least 20 inches wide.
The height of the gate
If your dog is able to jump over the gate, it also has no use. The height of the gate will depend on your dog’s size and character. If you have a small dog, a 28-inch gate will probably suffice. But, if you have a large dog or a jumper, we recommend getting a taller gate.
Locking mechanism
You’ll want to make sure the gate locks securely, so your dog can’t push it open. There are many different types of locking mechanisms, from simple latches to more complex keyed locks. It really depends on your preference. Just make sure the gate locks securely.
Final thoughts – outdoor dog gate for deck
An outdoor dog gate for your deck is an important piece of equipment to keep your dog safe. It will prevent them from running off or getting into accidents. And, it will also keep other animals out.
All 5 of the listed outdoor dog gates are great options for your deck. They’re all made of rust-free materials which withstand the elements. And, they’re all different heights and widths to fit any deck size.
We hope you found the perfect outdoor dog gate for your deck. And, we hope this article was helpful in making your decision. Thanks for reading!
