Decorating and Design - Hallway divider.

The hallway is 81" wide, and I cannot find anything that will divide the hallway properly. On one end of the hallway, there will be kids (1-2year olds) and on the other myself. I don't care about the noise and such but need something that'll not topple over (some kids are just too strong) or cause harm to the kids . I looked at safety gates, but nothing is that large.

A flush panel hollow core door slab. It would be 80" long and available in 24, 28, 30,
32, and 36" widths. Relatively light in weight and could be painted, stained or left as is.

Hmmmmm, as to brackets or bracing to hold it in position tho...that might take a bit more thought. Guess it would depend on whether you want it semi permanent, swinging or completely removable.

Not bad, not bad at all. I can't believe I didn't think of it before...thanks. Any others?

The door option sounds like the least expensive barricade. You could go with banister and balusters spaced no greater than 4" and have a safety gate for egress. Would cost considerably more. This is often done in preschools.

Building a knee wall and adding a gate is another option. Vinyl deck railing and gate is yet another option.

The advantage of having something through which you can see is of value when working with very short people 1-2" old. Most of their activities take place on the floor. It is important to keep an eye on them at all times in case of choking, a fall, biting, seizure, etc. Thus, the openess of play pens, which the area would essentially be a large play pen.