These Dangerous Stair Designs Are More Common Than You Think

It’s easy to overlook the staircase. After all, it’s just a way to get from one floor to another—until it becomes a hazard. Many homes throughout Gig Harbor and surrounding areas have staircases that look beautiful at first glance but hide dangerous design flaws. Whether you're renovating an older home or planning a custom staircase, it's critical to understand where things can go wrong—and how to avoid them.

If you've ever searched for a “stair contractor near me in Gig Harbor”, chances are you're either updating a staircase or building one from scratch. But here's what most homeowners don’t realize: even the most stunning staircase can compromise safety if it's built without careful attention to detail.

Where Stair Design Goes Off Track

A staircase might meet code, but that doesn't always mean it's truly safe or comfortable to use. Over the years, we’ve encountered some surprisingly common design missteps that quietly cause problems.

1. Treads that are too narrow or inconsistent.

Ever felt like you had to tip-toe down the stairs? That’s usually due to shallow treads. If the depth of each step isn’t consistent—or simply too small—it increases the risk of slips and missteps. Children, seniors, and even your guests can struggle with stairs that feel awkward underfoot.

2. Steep rises and poor proportions.

A steep staircase might save space, but it often sacrifices comfort and safety. When the rise (height between steps) is too high, you’re forcing people to climb like they’re hiking up a hill. Over time, this puts strain on knees and balance—and accidents tend to follow.

3. Minimal or missing handrails.

Believe it or not, we’ve seen homes with staircases that have no handrails at all—or ones that are purely decorative. A well-placed, sturdy handrail isn’t just a nice feature. It’s a vital part of preventing falls. This is especially important in homes with children, pets, or older adults.

4. Poor lighting and visual contrast.

Stairs that blend into the flooring may look sleek, but they can cause real confusion, especially in dim lighting. You need a clear visual break between each step. Lighting that casts shadows across the stairs—or worse, no lighting at all—can turn an everyday walk upstairs into a hazard.

5. Open risers without safety considerations.

Open risers (where the vertical portion of the step is missing) are trendy, but they aren’t always the safest choice. Without the right spacing or added safety features, these designs can pose a risk to small kids, pets, and even adults unfamiliar with the layout.

Why These Flaws Happen

Most of these problems come from well-intentioned design choices. Homeowners want their stairs to feel modern, compact, or stylish. But when form overrides function, the risk of injury climbs fast. What’s even trickier? You might not notice the issue until someone gets hurt.

That’s why working with an experienced team is key. We approach every staircase with both artistry and awareness. Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about movement, safety, and the long-term comfort of everyone who lives in your home.

Case Study: Fixing a Classic “Looks Good, Feels Bad” Staircase

A recent client in Gig Harbor reached out after living with a staircase that never quite felt right. From the outside, it looked elegant—modern wood tones, floating treads, and an open concept design. But the family quickly noticed the problems.

The steps were uneven. The open risers made the kids nervous. And the handrail, though beautiful, was oddly placed—too low for the adults, too high for the children. They were constantly adjusting their stride or holding onto the wall to maintain balance.

We redesigned the staircase with proportion and purpose in mind. We installed uniform treads with improved depth, added a second handrail at kid-friendly height, and closed the risers just enough to meet both safety and design goals. We also added subtle LED lighting under each tread for visibility at night. The result? A staircase that finally felt as good as it looked.

Building Safer Stairs from the Start

The key to avoiding all of this? Start with a contractor who views your staircase as more than a structural element. Every project we take on begins with understanding how your family lives, moves, and grows.

Here’s what we prioritize on every staircase we build or renovate:

• Function-forward design – We ensure every angle, tread, and riser fits the natural stride of those using it.
• Code + comfort – Meeting Washington State building codes is the bare minimum. We go beyond that to deliver long-term comfort and ease of use.
• Material + safety synergy – Whether it’s sleek steel or reclaimed wood, we help you choose materials that look great and perform well.
• Lighting and line-of-sight – Visibility is non-negotiable. We help you integrate lighting that enhances both beauty and safety.

Ready to Fix or Build a Safer Staircase?

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your stairs—or if you’ve spotted any of the design flaws we’ve talked about—don’t wait for an accident to spark action. When safety and style come together, your staircase becomes a true asset in your home.

Our services include stair repairs, upgrades, and custom builds, all focused on safety and design. Contact Olympic Stairs for a free consultation if you’re searching for a local stair contractor who understands the perfect balance between beautiful design and everyday safety.