The Quirky Rise of 'Death Stairs' Phenomenon

The Facebook group "Death Stairs" has captivated audiences with an eclectic assortment of perilous stairways, including a distinctive staircase made of pipe fittings from Kevin Reid's childhood home.

In the realm of unconventional architecture, one staircase stands out as both a nostalgic artifact and a public curiosity. Kevin Reid's childhood home in Dublin features a unique staircase crafted entirely from pipe fittings, looking more like a makeshift ladder than a typical stairway. Initially an oddity known only to Mr. Reid and his family, the staircase shot to global fame in April after being showcased on the popular Facebook group, Death Stairs. With nearly 800,000 members, the group invites users to share photos of their most hazardous staircases, dubbing it a sanctuary where “ascension is perilous and descending is deadly.”

The menagerie of stairs featured on the page ranges widely from narrow, triangular steps to a glass spiral staircase encased in mirrored walls, alongside treacherously steep wooden stairs carved into a cliff face in New Zealand. Reid's quirky staircase, not previously considered a "death stair" by its creator, was actually designed by his father as part of a two-story addition to their residence.

Reid reflects on the staircase fondly, mentioning that while it can be tricky to navigate in socks, the descent creates a delightful sound. “I wouldn’t do it in sock soles, but you can fairly rush down them and they make a nice ringing sound when you go down them,” he stated. The staircase's quirky design and character have transformed it from a private family memory into a celebrated spectacle within the expansive community of stair enthusiasts worldwide.