OK, I might as well post what we ended up doing. We did go with the ConfigureGate at the top, but installed a bit differently. I noticed the installation brackets can extend out quite a bit, and the gate can install at any angle, so I installed it into the front surfaces of the posts, gate perpendicular to the brackets. This way the gate is offset just far enough to sit at the top edge of the step. An 8" extension in place of the 24" section made it fit the space perfectly. Go figure. I mean "Con-figure!" Hahahaha. *sigh* Sorry.

At first the gate sections were lined up straight across, but they sat right at the edge and were pretty unstable. Angling each section one notch got it back sitting on the floor and stable as can be.

I could have just gone with the standard "\_/" configuration at the top, but I just like this better.

http://olivermk.home.comcast.net/images/184_8463b.jpg

This might not help anyone else in this situation, but for us the measurements worked out just right. Gotta love that ConfigureGate.

MR