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I think it’s only fair to agree on one simple thing. If an indoor space, or an outdoor one, for that matter, has a stairway, however long or short, it should serve its function. First, it should bring us up and down at least one level and second, it should be safe. That’s the bare minimum, right?

But it turns out, some stair designers out there have had their minds spun by invisible hamsters on a wheel. Right below, it becomes very clear why. You see, if the stairs cost you a potentially immeasurable amount of broken legs, you’d be better off without them.

Bored Panda has compiled the most absurd cases of stair designs gone very wrong that make a ladder look like a premium lift in comparison. My popcorn is ready, how about you?

#2

Not A Paradox, Just A Normal Russian Architecture

Not A Paradox, Just A Normal Russian Architecture

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#3

Steps That You Can't See

Steps That You Can't See

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fro_st puppy
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some poor bad eye sighted person or pretty much anyone is literally going to bash their leg on that or worse

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Although the absurd stair designs may look quite funny from the comfort of a computer, in reality, they cause some very serious risks to people who use them. National Safety Council statistics rank stairway injuries second only to motor vehicle accidents among leading causes of accidents. Moreover, World Health Organization states that falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

According to the representative of the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, a civil litigation attorney who focuses on personal injury, bankruptcy, business law and other civil matters, children and adults over 65 are especially at high risk. 

“Each year, one in three elderly adults suffers a serious stairway fall. Such injuries can increase the chances of an earlier death and reduce the ability to live independently. The elderly face a higher likelihood of falling because they often experience muscle weakness and potential dizziness from taking a variety of medications. This risk rises as they age.”

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They state that common injuries caused by stairway falls include internal bleeding, fractured bones, brain injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and dislocations. Moreover, Safety Council statistics indicate falls are among the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, so in no way can the possibility of falling down the stairs be looked at lightly.

To prevent such injuries, premises liability law requires property owners to reasonably maintain stairways. According to the Law Offices of Andrew D. Myers, “The law also holds property owners responsible where injuries occur as a result of dangerous or hazardous conditions. If proven that injuries directly resulted from a property owner’s negligence, then the injured person may be able to collect compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and reimbursement for medical bills related to the accident.”

#7

These Are Stairs In My Town. Just How?

These Are Stairs In My Town. Just How?

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#8

These Stairs In My In-Laws' Summerhouse. We Have Parties Here So Going Down These Stairs Drunk Is A Challenge

These Stairs In My In-Laws' Summerhouse. We Have Parties Here So Going Down These Stairs Drunk Is A Challenge

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aliquida avatar
Aliquid A
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are a solution for stairs in a small place. They take up half the space of a regular staircase. It works fine once you are used to it... The steps alternate specifically for your right then left foot.

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BluEyedSeoulite
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw these type of stairs while looking for apartments. I really liked the apartment but the stairs ruined it for me. I fall going up normal stairs!

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danielw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these are a split stair design. It allows for steps in a shorter horizontal space. Of course, it requires twice the effort in each individual step so they're not frequently used.

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Soggy Crumpet
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I question the reality of the caption. The rail on the landing is incomplete and there is no rail going down the stairs. Also the floor is plywood.

moconnell avatar
M O'Connell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, there is visible wine, so you don't know if they've already had a drunken encounter with these newly-constructed stairs.

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captijn avatar
Pan Narrans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, going down would be a breeze, especially when drunk.

dgpseven avatar
Donald Pack
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This staircase is built for BOTH those with stability AND inebriation issues! ... Look at the picture and follow along: 1. Grab handrail 2. Step off RIGHT FOOT FIRST. 3. Descend normally ... See? Each step extends a "landing pad" a little farther out than a "normal" step... Questions? 😉

lucilleballd-12 avatar
Kimberley Gayle Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks to be a pretty book shelf to me. That’s what these stairs should be used for.

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Ivan Koteski
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you just need to plan your first step...it's easy afterwards :)

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WholesomeArmyweeb
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

“This is GODS HOUSE, you hear?! You WILL walk down these stairs, Johnny boy@

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Mourlie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alternating tread stairs are a great way to save space. But here you'd have to walk on the side instead of the middle. So confusing!

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Nia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like the main reason for making these is so you can't walk down them drunk though-

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leas_ avatar
Lea S.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you are joking - the wide spots are alternate. It's not simple, it's not practical, that's it.

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Jacek Bogucki
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

..aaaand.. what is exactly wrong with them? there is literally no way to put the wrong foot on them.. :P

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Logic and Reason
Community Member
3 years ago

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Going to get downvoted for this, but I’m with Luka on this one. I don’t think it was the builder’s intention, but if you have a problem you know you can avoid by abstaining from an unnecessary action, then just don’t perform that action.

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Luka Verheijen
Community Member
3 years ago

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So don't drink. Maybe this was done on purpose for that reason.

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#10

Got An Unsatisfying Feeling When Walking Downstairs And The Last Step Was Not There

Got An Unsatisfying Feeling When Walking Downstairs And The Last Step Was Not There

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A.M. Pierre
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that's where you step forward gracefully expecting a stair and end up looking like an especially awkward giraffe as you try to recover.

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#13

The “Extra” Two Inches Of Concrete At The Top Of My Stairs. We Call It “The Tripper”

The “Extra” Two Inches Of Concrete At The Top Of My Stairs. We Call It “The Tripper”

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#15

This Is Russia

This Is Russia

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#17

You Have To Go Up The Stairs, And Then Down The Stairs To Get To The Door

You Have To Go Up The Stairs, And Then Down The Stairs To Get To The Door

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#26

This Fuzzy Staircase

This Fuzzy Staircase

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#27

When I Tripped On The Stairs I Cut My Arm On These Things, And Continued To Fall Down The Stairs (I'm The 5th Victim This Week)

When I Tripped On The Stairs I Cut My Arm On These Things, And Continued To Fall Down The Stairs (I'm The 5th Victim This Week)

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#28

Don't Think The Owner Of This Hotel Thought This Through

Don't Think The Owner Of This Hotel Thought This Through

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raven_sheridan14 avatar
Raven Sheridan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's take the stairs. Urgh...on second thought, how about we wait for the lift?

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#29

Just A Staircase In St. Petersburg

Just A Staircase In St. Petersburg

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#31

Wheelchair Ramp To A Staircase In A Mall In Haugesund, Norway

Wheelchair Ramp To A Staircase In A Mall In Haugesund, Norway

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#34

These Stairs Carpeted With A Pattern That Makes It Hard To See The Edge

These Stairs Carpeted With A Pattern That Makes It Hard To See The Edge

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#37

You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema

You Gotta Pay Attention On These Stairs In A Cinema

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BigFish Artwire
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it wasn't for the wall to the left in the picture I wouldn't know that those are steps

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#38

Painted In A Hotel Stairwell Leading To Fitness Center

Painted In A Hotel Stairwell Leading To Fitness Center

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#39

When Your Gym Tries Hard To Motivate You But Fails To Make Any Sense

When Your Gym Tries Hard To Motivate You But Fails To Make Any Sense

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#40

This Bathroom With Too Many Stairs

This Bathroom With Too Many Stairs

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#41

These Stairs At My Friend's House

These Stairs At My Friend's House

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#43

Wasting A Third Of The Staircase

Wasting A Third Of The Staircase

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John Otruba
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Building codes change and if this is in a public space rails probably added to comply

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#44

Great Paint Job, Especially That Last “Step”

Great Paint Job, Especially That Last “Step”

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Sheepeggs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine going down the stairs blindfolded, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom. Now imagine yo have perfectly good eyesight, you finally get the hang of it when suddenly you reach the bottom.

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#45

When Personal Injury Lawers Moonlight As Interior A Designer

When Personal Injury Lawers Moonlight As Interior A Designer

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Note: this post originally had 137 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.