Thrill-seekers who are in desperate need of an adrenaline boost need look no further than their own home for their next dose of action—that is, if they are (un)lucky enough to be in possession of a set of “death stairs.”
While walking down a flight of stairs has not historically been considered the most death-defying of acts, one group of social media users is on a mission to change that misconception by highlighting the most dangerous, baffling, and downright weird step designs across the world, starting in their own homes.
In a now-viral Facebook group, which is named “Death Stairs,” hundreds of users have been sharing images of the most mind-boggling steps they have come across, from those so steep that few would dare to descend them, to edgy designs that appear near-impossible to mount.
According to the New York Times, the group started as something of an inside joke among a small group of friends. It has since expanded to more than 831,000 users—many of whom flood the group with “death stairs” photos daily.
Described as a forum where “ascension is perilous and descending is deadly,” the group has featured all manner of images of these death stairs, which share just one common theme: They’re not for the faint of heart.
One particularly popular post saw user Kevin Reid sharing an image of a vibrant green “staircase” inside his childhood home, which is made from pipe fittings and has no handrail, making for an incredibly risky route between stories.
Reid’s stairs are just one of many examples that are popping up in the group, as well as on Instagram. There, users happily share images of steps made from glass and rickety wood, along with those with carpet patterns so complex that it’s hard to know which way to look.
But what, exactly, earns a staircase the “death stairs” label?
According to the group’s description, stairs must only have some kind of “perilous” or “deadly” property, whether that’s a decaying structure or a treacherous design.
But there do seem to be several more common features that pop up in homes all over the world—and now experts are revealing how you can brave them with as little risk as possible.
Too-tight spiral case
Is it art or a way to travel to the second level? Spiral staircases have their uses, especially in tight spaces like city apartments where a full set of risers simply won’t fit.
But when the design is overly tight, as seen here, you might feel you can use the walkway only with extreme focus. Carefully ascending a narrow spiral staircase means holding the rail with an iron grip and leaving that heavy laundry basket behind.
“The minimum tread width is 26 inches for these types of stairs, but many homes, especially older ones, do not comply with these requirements,” points out Laura Madrigal, a home remodeling specialist at Fixr.
Overly steep steps
Limited square footage might result in a steep incline in some sets of stairs. In certain houses, a secondary stairway off the kitchen in the rear is more narrow than the grander, main one up front.
In Victorian homes in particular, you might find “servant stairs,” which are a back set that’s typically very steep, uneven, and hard to manage. They were intended for just the employees of the household to use.
“From a design perspective, servant stairs offer historical charm. However, if they are closed-in and away from view, you’re probably better off just replacing them,” notes Madrigal.
Loft staircase
As with spiral stairs, a path to a loft area might be needed in an apartment or a home with lots of vertical space. (These loft steps were built to reach custom beds above.)
The architects for this project report that “the stair is comfortable, safe to climb, and spatially efficient, with open sides that provide ample and well-placed grip locations.”
Still, unless there’s also a bathroom tucked up there, it’s easy to imagine this being a tough climb in the dark if you want a glass of water.
Floating, rail-less stairs
Visually stunning, these floating risers made without a railing or banister also qualify as death stairs. These may be beautiful, but brokers will tell you they’re also deal breakers in some cases.
Susan Freshcorn, a real estate agent in Charlotte, NC, with Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, recently showed a two-level condo to a senior couple.
“When one of the units we toured had floating stairs part-way up to the second level, they nixed it immediately,” she says.
Glass stairs
These see-through steps are made from the same kind of tough laminated glass as your windshield, but you still might get a stomach ache every time you climb them.
Glassy stairs can be slippery to boot. (Though, all bare steps are just as hazardous, particularly if you’re wearing socks.)
Dizzying carpet
Leopard print is rather chic, but it’s often best in small doses, such as on a single chair’s upholstery or a throw pillow.
The issue here? When this kind of small repetitive pattern is used on a continuous expanse, the results can be dizzying.
Visual vertigo is a real thing and can be triggered when encountering a complex design like tiny animal feet.
“A busy pattern on a staircase tends to play optical illusions, so it’s easier to trip or miss a step,” says Madrigal.
Stick to solid colors or subtle textures instead, she advises.
Stair safety tips
Experts urge the installation of a banister, at least on one side of your death stairs. Plenty of good lighting and nonskid treads will also help users climb with ease.
Madrigal recommends homeowners “periodically check for any loose steps, damaged handrails, or worn treads.”
And be sure to keep your stairs pet- and clutter-free at all times.
It is also important to keep in mind that exterior stairs pose many of the same dangers, says Tony Mariotti, a real estate agent and founder of RubyHome in Los Angeles.
Mariotti helped a client buy a home in the Hollywood Hills section of the city that came with “a very steep backyard with handmade steps built in the 1920s,” he says.
The brick-and-concrete steps featured “no railings whatsoever, and they weren’t level, producing a very uneasy feeling,” he explains. Fortunately, the client did not have kids, he adds.
So whether you own some dicey steps or you’re touring properties with an eye to buy, it’s wise to be aware of the pitfalls (!) out there.
