Stairs

Source: AARP.org |  | February 1, 2004

There are two words to keep in mind when putting in stairs: one is "long" and the other is "low."

Stair treads should be long. The tread is the level part of the step where you stand. Treads should be between 11 and 12 inches deep. You should be able to rest your entire foot on the stair treads - from toe to heel. Treads should also be at least 36 inches wide - 42 or 48 inches is better. With treads this long, two people can walk side by side. And you will have the room to install a stair lift in the future if someone needs it.

Stair risers should be low. The riser is the height of the space between treads. The higher your riser, the higher you'll have to lift your leg to climb the stairs. Most risers range in height from 3½ to 7 inches. Which height should you choose? It depends on the person who is using the stairs. Not sure? Check with a health care provider, like a physical therapist. He or she can advise you.

The safest stairs have treads that are exactly alike and risers that are exactly alike. All the treads will be the same depth and width. All the risers will be the same height.

Breaking Up is Easy to Do

Break up a long flight of stairs by building landings. Make one landing for every 10 steps in a staircase. You can build more landings than this, but don't overdo it. Having landings appear too often could cause someone to fall. The person may become confused and think they are stepping on a landing when they are really stepping on a tread. You should have at least three risers (steps) between landings.

A straight staircase is the safest option. If your staircase changes direction, make sure you build a landing at the turn. This is the only way to keep all the treads in your staircase the same length.

Stair Safety Guidelines

People often fall on stairways that have only one or two steps. This is usually because they don't know the steps are there. These steps may be the same color and texture as the area around them. Lighting in the area may be poor. The stairs may not be marked in any way. All this makes them hard to see.

Make sure people can easily tell where your steps are. Paint the edge of each step in a color that stands out. Make the steps a different color than the surrounding area. Put up a handrail. A handrail helps the person climb the steps. It also provides a visual clue that the steps are there.

Make sure that no one will slip on your steps. If your staircase has carpeting, attach that carpet securely. Put slip-resistant pads on wooden steps. Paint a white strip at the end of each tread so it is easier to see at night. If you paint the steps, add some sand to the paint to give traction. Install handrails on both sides of the staircase. Train children from a young age to always use the handrail.

People walking on the stairs should be able to hit the tip of their shoe against the riser as they climb. Don't leave this space between the treads open. This is a hazard.

Make sure all stairways are well lit. Put a light switch at the top and the bottom of each staircase. This way, you can turn on the lights before you going up or down.

AARP Resources

Home Modification
Learn how to change your home to fit your physical abilities.

Going Steady
Prevent falls by cleaning up clutter - and practicing exercises like tai chi.

AARP on Staying Active
A series of articles to help you stay physically fit and agile.

Other Resources

Preventing Falls
The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension offers a host of suggestions to help you prevent falls in your home.

Safer Stairs
The Home and Garden TV Network offers suggestions for stairs, handrails, and alternatives.

Books

Find these books online at Borders.com.

The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical Needs
Bryan Trandem, Creative Publishing International, Incorporated, January 2003

Home Sweet Home: How to Help Older Adults Live Independently
Dennis R. La Buda, Vicki Schmall, AAL QualityLife Resources, November 2000

Fitness over Fifty: An Exercise Guide from the National Institute on Aging, with a Special Forward by Senator. John Glenn
The National Institute of Aging, Foreword by Senator John Glenn, Hatherleigh Press, May 2003