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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

scienceyeaux Report

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

TeeMestoil Report

#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

shortround10 Report

#5

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

Built The Staircase Exactly As Designed, Boss

MenacingBanjo Report

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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

SnyperJay Report

#7

Stairs Of Death

Stairs Of Death

palegreycells Report

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

Actually it is intended so. when the angle is high, this space (missing part) lets you put your foot on the step without impediment. imagine they were all straight - then you would have only half space to step on.

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

It's not a thoughtless flaw, these are typical space saving "stairs" that are still more convenient than a mere ladder. Walk them twice and you know the trick :)

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

These are so called "butterfly steps". Not my favorite, but you can probably navigate them safely if you start out with the right foot, and a good option if you are strapped for space.

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

Probably better than the ladder or spiral staircase they'd have to put into such a limited space

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

That's a legit space-saving design. Takes getting used to, but if you ain't got enough space... I would've used these in my apartment, but I doubted the dog would be able to climb them :|

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

I think that these are space-saver stairs since you can have double the inclination without making climbing the stairs any more difficult - provided that you start with the correct foot, of course. My grandparents had an incredibly steep staircase leading up to the attic which also housed their summer bedroom. Practice makes perfect, they say, and my gran scurried up and down like a squirrel well into her nineties.

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

Guess they really want you to start out on the right foot. Though I object to such micromanaging.

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

We have these, and once you get the hang of it, not difficult at all - and great for saving space in a small appartment ;)

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

Not an unusual thing in the Old World. They're for narrow spaces where a normal set of stairs would be too steep.

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

these are called the swedish ladder and some times are the only option for small, cramped spaces. they can be very steep but still navigated safely. once you get used to them.

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

Once you get used to this type of stair case they're really nice- and they take up substantially less room than standard stairs do.

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

These are actually well made. When you have steep stairs like this (getting close to ladder), you need to have those zigzag gaps to be able to get down facing front.

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

As a person who always takes the first step down stairs using my left foot, this would be a nightmare!

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

I had those in one of my previous appartments; you definitely need a week or two to get used to going down on your feet instead of your butt.

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

I think the trick is to start down with the right foot. That might work pretty well.

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

It is called mill stairs, basically it is a ladder which allows you to carry heavy objects (like bags of grains). Not that common in houses but quite normal in cottages.

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

This is not a bad design ... it is useful when you don't have a lot of ground clearance for the stairs ... is uses half of the space that the ordinary stairs uses. The original design preaches you to start climbing with the right foot. Check for “Santos Dumont Stairs”

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

I saw this first time in a Norweigian renovating tv series for cottages in the countryside. It was made for saving some space. The Norwegians called it "samba stairs", which I thought was cute!

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Joyce Plaate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have come across many different names for these kind of stairs but "SAMBA STAIRS" is the best!

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

I get what they're doing here. I'd like to give them a try - kind of a neat idea.

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

I've seen this design on a round staircase. Lots of fun! .... not

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

The "try not to die" challenge....the latest trend with teens.

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

I have neuropathy in my feet and a spinal cord stimulator in my back, there's no way in hell I would attempt to go down those damn things

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

What if you always have to start going down the stairs with your left foot?

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

In Sweden some calls that - for me unknown reasons - “chicken ladder”... perhaps you CAN’T be a “chicken” when entering those stairs...?

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Huib van Wees (hvwees)
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are actually very clever space saving stairs, which are very good to use... Need a bit of time to get use to...

lmcn avatar
L McN
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is actually a pretty cool design when the incline is greater than comfortable, reducing stress on the legs and preventing the foot from getting caught when lifting up. However, this particular set seems...poorly executed.

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

I've seen these in Dutch and Belgian houses. They are more like ladders with hand rails.

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

the trouble begins if you start on the wrong foot. here I feel the thrill of serial murder in the neck.

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

Space-saving attic stairs - at least there are handrails and the rise and going looks properly set out.

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

Just install a slide, you will be going down on your a*s either way.

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Joyce Plaate
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These stairs are definately not for you. I know you're pain, I had knee trouble too, a couple of years ago.

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cybermerlin2000
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can see what the plan was. You only use half of each step when you go up or down stairs so why not save wood by cutting one plank into two of these shapes. Personally, if I wanted to save wood then I would have normal stairs made of carbon fibre

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

I've seen stairs like these in boats -- but they were usually steeper and not as wide -- they were meant to be used like a ladder -- facing toward the stairs going up or down.

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

they are still used in quite a few Amsterdam apartments, due to lack of space . seen quite a few of these in my hometown. and actually they come from boats

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

There actually to be seen and used in quite some Amsterdam apartments due to lack of space and as they need to go up steep. very used to them, and they actually come from boats

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

Aren't these used in some navy vessels? I wouldn't use them for my living space, if I had any better options.

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

I viewed an apartment with these exact steps. Massive turn-off.

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

These are so-called "butterfly" stairs. Not my favorite, but if you start out with the right foot, you can probably use them safely, and it's a good option when you have little space.

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

these are attic stairs which are used for narrow spaces.

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

Looks like they got a good price on right and left- handed school desktops.

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

Classmate had these...Nearly broke my back as I fell down these fuuuuu stairs

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

These are specially designed to be very compact. Probably a very small space.

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

A staircase crafted from those pull-out cutting boards? Very edgy!😉

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

Ugh i had those in a second hand store where i worked. Old people never went upstairs. I tripped a few times. Why would someone do this?!

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

These really stairs?! More like shelves.. Bruh.. -_-

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

This looks very much like a boat... smaller space, almost vertical stairs

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

I'd worry about going down barefoot and getting y heel caught in the gap.

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

Seen these in Finland leading to bed-lofts - are they a thing there?

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

Looks like someone slotted chopping boards into the walls.

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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

Vjaa Report

#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

Peeped Report

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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

Cyreniac Report

#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

Man-Sand Report

#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.