Witches stairs. Alternating tread stairs. Weird looking but they work.
What They Are
Each tread is cut to half-width. Alternating left and right. Step with one foot at a time.
Steep angle. Same vertical rise in half the horizontal space. That’s the whole point.
Why They Exist
Tight spaces. Lofts, ships, tiny houses. Anywhere a normal staircase won’t fit.
Not about witches. Name comes from witch-hunt era myth but that’s probably made up.
Code Issues
Not compliant in most jurisdictions for primary access. Secondary access to lofts maybe. Check local codes.
Some areas allow them with restrictions. Handrails required usually. Specific tread dimensions.
Walking On Them
Takes practice. Start with the correct foot. Consistent pattern or you trip.
Going down is scarier. Face the stairs. Take it slow. Handrail is necessary not optional.
Building Them
Same rise calculation as normal stairs. Treads are just half-width alternating.
Handrails on both sides recommended. Even required sometimes. Safety matters.
Should You Install Them
Only if space truly demands it. Normal stairs are better in every way except footprint.
Good for loft access in tiny homes. Not good as main staircase in regular houses.
The Folklore
Story is witches can’t climb them. No historical basis. Fun story though.
