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As far as home designs go, stairs are ones that you want to get right. Any flaw in the execution could lead to an embarrassing trip or, even worse, a serious fall.

We are so used to walking up and down stairways all day every day, that we don't even think to look if everything is in order. These truly horrific stair designs, collected in a list by Bored Panda, are on another level. Poorly planned, dangerous, and maybe even deadly, after seeing them, you might want to look twice before you take your next step!

Seriously, how these design fails even came to live? Scroll down to check out the very worst staircases you'll ever see, and take care out there!

#1

Not A Good Carpet Choice For Stairs If You Ask Me

Not A Good Carpet Choice For Stairs If You Ask Me

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Are you ready for some scintillating stair facts? Of course you are! With thanks to StepJockey, here are a few things about home improvement that you might not have known.

  • Stair climbing is officially classed as a ‘vigorous exercise’ and burns more calories per minute than jogging
  • Stair climbing requires 8-9 times more energy expenditure than sitting and burns about 7 times more calories than taking a lift
  • You burn about 0.17 calories for every step you climb, so you burn roughly a calorie and a half for every 10 upward steps
  • You also burn calories going down. Every stair descended burns about 0.05 calories, so you burn 1 calorie for every 20 steps down
#2

I've Seen Some Crappy Stairs, But This One Takes The Cake

I've Seen Some Crappy Stairs, But This One Takes The Cake

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#3

When You Let Satan Choose The Carpet

When You Let Satan Choose The Carpet

ThatJustWontWork Report

  • For buildings with five floors or less, it’s nearly always quicker to take the stairs. Studies show office workers save up to 15 minutes a day by taking the stairs.
  • As well as guarding against heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some cancers, stair climbing releases endorphins that produce feelings of wellbeing.
  • Just 7 minutes stair climbing a day has been estimated to more than half the risk of a heart attack over 10 years.
  • Stair climbing cuts carbon emissions. By ditching the lift in a typical office you will save between 0.3 and 0.6 Kg of Co2 a day.
  • Professional skiers often climb stairs to keep competition-fit. Many models do the same to keep their legs toned for the catwalk.
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#4

Camouflage 101

Camouflage 101

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#5

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

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Arno Nüüm
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The most amazing thing is that they really went through with it all the way. You would think that at some point during the construction they would have been like "oh, this isn't gonna work", but no, they built the entire thing.

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  • Climbing stairs is a classic ‘short burst’ exercise and ideal for the time-poor. The biggest variable in stair climbing is your weight. The heavier you are, the more calories you burn.
  • Other variables affecting calorie burn while stair climbing include the angle of the stairs, your sex, climbing speed, age and general fitness.
  • You burn more calories climbing stairs in high heels.
  • It’s a myth that climbing stairs two at a time burns more calories. More energy is expended over time by taking things slowly.
  • The greatest height reached climbing stairs in 12 hours was 33,000 feet by Chris Solarz of Philadelphia, USA. Solarz climbed 58,080 stairs.
  • The 19th century is regarded by many as the golden era of stair construction. In the 20th century architects gave prominence to lifts.
#6

Stairs That Lead To Nowhere

Stairs That Lead To Nowhere

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#7

Stairs Of Death

Stairs Of Death

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  • Now, with the emergence of ‘active design’, architects are once again making stairs more prominent.
  • Many scientific studies show that simple stair prompts significantly increase stair usage. One trick is simply to point-out ‘hidden’ stairs
  • The longest stairway listed by the Guiness Book of Records is the service stairway for the Niesenbahn funicular railway near Spiez, Switzerland. It has 11,674 steps and a round trip would burn over 3,000 calories.
  • Going down stairs burns fewer calories but works and tones different muscles and joints. It’s also good for balance and coordination.
  • The Roman architect Vitruvius established the first guidelines for the stair in the first century B.C, suggesting a 37 degree pitch. Most stairs are not dramatically different today.
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So what are you waiting for? Forget the lift, take a few deep breaths and get climbing!

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#9

In Case Of Fire Use Stairs, They Said. Do Not Use Elevators, They Said

In Case Of Fire Use Stairs, They Said. Do Not Use Elevators, They Said

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nanashi
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm reminded of the story about a certain serial killer who designed a house with dead ends to kill his guests and sell them as cadaver, and I think this might be one of the feature of that house.

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#11

You Don't Have To Be Drunk To Fall Down These Stairs

You Don't Have To Be Drunk To Fall Down These Stairs

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#13

These Aren’t Stairs. They Are Decorative Waterfalls. My Friend Walked Into Them And Slipped, I Laughed My Ass Off

These Aren’t Stairs. They Are Decorative Waterfalls. My Friend Walked Into Them And Slipped, I Laughed My Ass Off

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Kaisu
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shouldn't there be some kind of warning sign or railing to keep people from making that mistake?

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#14

This Flight Of Stairs Outside A Door Is Death Waiting To Happen

This Flight Of Stairs Outside A Door Is Death Waiting To Happen

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#15

My God

My God

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#16

For When You Want A Near Death Experience Every Time You Use The Stairs

For When You Want A Near Death Experience Every Time You Use The Stairs

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Whawhawhatsis
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's with stairs with no railing? Who thinks that's safe for a healthy adult, let alone a child or an older person whose balance isn't quite as good any more (i.e. me)?

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#17

If You Choose To Go On The Left, On The Ramp, Because You Have A Bike Or Stroller, Then You Will Encounter A Step Later. But If You Choose Stairs Then You Will Encounter A Ramp After The Stairs

If You Choose To Go On The Left, On The Ramp, Because You Have A Bike Or Stroller, Then You Will Encounter A Step Later. But If You Choose Stairs Then You Will Encounter A Ramp After The Stairs

Writerro Report

#19

How To Break Your Bones

How To Break Your Bones

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#20

Man This Hill Is Just Too Steep. Hold On A Sec While I Take The Stairs

Man This Hill Is Just Too Steep. Hold On A Sec While I Take The Stairs

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#22

These Stairs

These Stairs

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#25

These Stairs

These Stairs

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Vic
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Slide for kittys, the slope needs to be a bit smoother though..

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#26

These Stairs In A College I Visited Had People Confused...

These Stairs In A College I Visited Had People Confused...

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#27

These Stairs In My Sisters House Are A Joy To Use

These Stairs In My Sisters House Are A Joy To Use

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A B C
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Psh, the price the carpenter offers for these stairs is too damn high. Susan, hold my beer, I'ma gonna build'em maself.

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#28

Someone Directed Us To These Stairs When We Were Lost

Someone Directed Us To These Stairs When We Were Lost

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#29

These Stairs In A Residence Hall When I Was In College. Always Creeped Me Out

These Stairs In A Residence Hall When I Was In College. Always Creeped Me Out

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#30

These Stairs Are 1ft/30cm High

These Stairs Are 1ft/30cm High

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#31

The One Stair Slightly Shifted To The Side

The One Stair Slightly Shifted To The Side

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#32

The Stairs To Nowhere

The Stairs To Nowhere

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#33

You Win This Time, Stairs...

You Win This Time, Stairs...

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good place to hide your valuables. Though you’ll need to figure out a secret entrance; from the other side of the cabinet, or a way to move that stair. Just spitballing ideas here....

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#35

Terrible Floor To See The Depth Of The Stairs

Terrible Floor To See The Depth Of The Stairs

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#38

Carpeted Stairs To Shower

Carpeted Stairs To Shower

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Constant dampness. Mold. Mildew. Gross. Plus, no room for a bath mat, because there’s only about 3 inches of space to step out onto.

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#39

Nearly Died Carrying A Box Down These Basement Stairs

Nearly Died Carrying A Box Down These Basement Stairs

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Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in a place that had similar stairs. Amazingly enough, your legs/feet do eventually pick up the rhythm and oddities of the stairs.

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#40

Stairs Leading To Nowhere At My School

Stairs Leading To Nowhere At My School

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Note: this post originally had 75 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.