20 Staircase Fails That Are Accidents Waiting to Happen

Last Updated on August 26, 2025 by Matt Staff

Some projects climb the design ladder; others trip on the first rung. These staircase fails are equal parts balance test and cautionary tale. These wonky risers, backwards runs, and “who approved this?” choices would make any building inspector blink. Enjoy these 20 ways a staircase can miss the brief and still make your day.

1. Enjoy the artwork while this staircase helps you discover gravity

2. Remind me what was wrong with straight steps again

3. Not the exit you want when you’re in a hurry

4. When taking the stairs becomes a balance exercise

5. Pretty sure these steps were installed backwards

6. Big step, small step, big step; miss the pattern, meet the floor

7. On the bright side, the shag carpet might cushion the landing

8. This was designed by someone deeply at odds with symmetry

9. Those skinny construction braces are doing some very optimistic engineering

10. Even a cat will refuse to take these stairs

11. How many approvals did this clear before anyone said “wait”?

12. A staircase that leaves us speechless, and slightly alarmed

13. At least this one comes with its own warning sign

14. Use only when fully awake

15. The staircase from my nightmares, now available in real life

16. Built-in false step, because surprises are fun, right?

17. Beautiful design; now hold the handrail like your life depends on it

18. Good news: when the stairs fail, at least you’ll get to try the ramp too

19. Lovely woodwork; also perfect for the cane you’ll need after

20. Leg day required: quads only beyond this point

Explore more humorous content:

Architecture should lift us up, and these staircase fails just to raise our heart rate. If you’re in the mood for more grin-inducing scrolls, check these 20 Billboards That Deliver Far More Than Simple Messages, or these 20 Design Fails That Missed In Every Way. If you still haven’t had enough, try these 20 Funny Signs That Were Found While Wandering Around.