I received this product for free to review from the Stellar product testing panel.  I first had my son who is 7 try to put up the gate while I occupied my daughter who is under 2. He was unable to figure it out. Then I tried, while having two kids running and screaming as most mothers do, I was also unable to figure it out. My husband finally came home and was able to get it working. Now once together and up the gate is not easy to move. So you would not want to place on a well traveled area like the hallway. It holds up well to crazy kids and dogs. I have not cleaned yet but should wipe down easy. As far as looks it is much better than the old plastic gates.