4 characteristics of an unsafe staircase

You use the stairs every day – often without giving it a second thought. Yet it is one of the places in the home where most accidents happen. What actually makes a staircase unsafe? And more importantly: how can you make it safe again? In this blog, we highlight four common risks and offer practical solutions.

Slippery steps are the main cause of slips. There are various reasons for this:

• steps that have been painted or varnished too often

• smoothed wood

• worn carpet

An anti-slip stair profile can improve grip, but a stair renovation provides an instantly more durable solution. Our stair tread covers feature the Upstairs Original top layer made from an aluminium alloy. This top layer is not only scratch- and wear-resistant, but also anti-slip – ensuring your stairs look both safe and stylish.

A staircase that isn’t properly lit makes it difficult to see the steps. This increases the risk of tripping, particularly in the evening or at night. The solution is simple and stylish staircase lighting. Upstairs offers discreet, concealed LED lighting that is energy-efficient, dimmable and available with an optional motion sensor. This not only improves safety but also gives your staircase a luxurious look.

A sturdy banister provides support and a firm grip – essential on steep staircases or for children and the elderly. It is recommended that, where possible, a banister be fitted on both sides.

The standard height is between 85 and 95 cm, but for children, an additional handrail at 60 cm can be useful. When renovating your staircase, you should also choose a banister that complements your new staircase perfectly, so that safety and design go hand in hand.

Open staircases create a sense of space, but are less safe. Children, in particular, are at risk of falling between the steps or slipping. The solution: enclosing your open staircase. When renovating a staircase, we fit an MDF panel with a new riser behind each step. This ensures your staircase is sturdy, safe and has a sleek finish.

In addition to the solutions mentioned above, these habits can help prevent accidents:

• Keep the stairs clear of clutter.
• Avoid wearing slippery socks or tights when climbing stairs.
• Don’t let your phone distract you.
• Walk calmly and with care.
• Lift heavy objects safely and prevent damage by not resting them on the stairs.

A staircase should not only be safe, but also complement the style of your home. With a staircase renovation from Upstairs, you get both: durable materials, non-slip steps, lighting and a finish that pays attention to every detail. This way, you can turn your staircase into an eye-catching feature that you can use every day with complete peace of mind.

Interested in finding out more? Please feel free to contact us – our advisors will be happy to help.