One of the top things that we are asked by clients is how to improve the safety of their stairs for children, toddlers, the elderly, and even pets. We thought it might be helpful to have a one-stop shop to reference with specific tips and tricks to improve your staircase safety at home. We’re breaking down the general safety tips, as well as by demographic so you can tailor your staircase and railing safety to your particulars.
How to Make Stairs Safer for Your Family: Toddlers and Children, Elderly Family, and Household Pets
Upgrade your indoor railings to proper code
Pinto Carpentry regularly repairs, installs, and upgrades local New Jersey homeowner’s indoor railings on a regular basis, and you would not believe the things we’ve seen! Many older homes have damaged, loose, or outdated railings that are no longer safe and need replacing. Likewise, some towns and counties do not have as thorough of a home inspection, meaning the new homeowner might not realize that a DIY-renovator might have removed railings they shouldn’t have or improperly installed the new replacements, or a homeowner may have removed a railing and reinstalled it in the same spot leading to instability, or they may simply be installed at the incorrect height. Current code in NJ at the time of publication states that all stairways that are 44 inches or more in width should have continuous handrails on both sides, and stairways less than 44 inches wide may have a handrail on one side only. Safety codes can and will vary from state to state or town to town; check with local guidelines and building codes before starting any project.
Keep your stairs and railings clear
The most simple and straightforward tip to improving the safety of your stairs is simply: keep them clear of clutter and mess. Making sure that the landings and treads are clear for maximum safety is paramount. Avoid wrapping things around the handrail that can impede safe and efficient grip. Decorative items or storage bins are not just a tripping hazard but may lead to increased fall risk for pets or children who try to play with them, and cause harm to elderly family members who may have poor vision or balance. While it may be tempting to add Pinterest-worthy decor items between the balusters, utilize the stairs for additional home storage with baskets or bins, or even just to store items there to take on your way up to the next floor, it’s best to resist.
Repairing Stair Treads and Risers
If you notice any cracked or damaged stair treads, it’s best to replace them ASAP. If you’ve purchased a home renovated by a DIYer, it may be worthwhile to have a contractor consult and check the safety code of the staircase or tread/riser replacements. For reference, the proper stair tread depth depends on the type of stairs as well as the building codes which apply, so you’ll want to have your contractor evaluate properly. Most residential stair treads are at least 10 inches with nosing and 11 inches without nosing, and tread depth generally should vary less than ⅜” with 10-11” being most common. In short, stairs should be comfortable with enough space for the average adult foot to step comfortably. Some older staircases may not be able to be replaced or changed due to headroom or space constraints. If your home has open risers, we highly recommend installing a safety bar in the center which may help prevent dangerous injury or death from pets, children, or the elderly slipping through the gap. An experienced contractor such as Pinto Carpentry will be able to advise you on best practices, affordable options, and keep your home within current safety standards.
Installing Stair Gates
If you’ve got children under the age of 3 especially, gates can be particularly vital to ensuring improved safety by reducing fall risk. Installing a safety gate at the top or bottom of the stairs may prevent children from walking down or babies from accidentally crawling off ledges and preventing falls. It may also help parents quarantine their child in safe area for play inside the house, and exploration while learning how to walk! While commercial gates are available for the average consumer to purchase, generally made of metal or plastic, it’s important to remember they’re not one-size fits-all! As professional indoor railing installers and stair builders, we highly recommend investing in professionally custom created wooden gates. Opting for customized gates may cost a little more in the budget, but it ensures peace of mind that they’re professionally installed for maximum stability, and have been precisely crafted to fit your exact space. This can also help prevent the elderly from slipping and falling or from tripping due to lack of use of mobility aids. For pets, this can prevent access from certain areas of the house where they may be likely to damage or destroy items, or get into something potentially dangerous to eat, lick, or sniff. They’re a worthwhile investment all around!
Improve the lighting in your stairwell
Adding professionally installed LED strips to the stairs themselves, as well as running LED rope light to the skirtboard or moldings can help increase visibility. Ensuring there is a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs that controls stairwell lighting can encourage children and elderly family members to remember to switch the lights on before walking up or down. There are also some very stylish options specifically designed to light the edge of the treads and nosing on each step if you’re concerned about style and design. Bright, clear overhead light such as recessed LED lighting or large pendant lighting installed with proper headroom may also provide adequate light sources. In a pinch, you can opt for stick-on battery operated or rechargeable puck lighting. If you’re in a new build or renovation project, consider installing emergency lighting triggered by power outages to ensure enhanced safety during emergency situations. For residential staircases, a warm white light between 2700K to 3000K is recommended; it’s easy on the eyes and provides clear visibility. Your electrician can advise you on the proper lighting source location and levels.
Tips for Staircase Safety by Household Members
1. Parents with Young Children: Keeping young children safe on the stairs is crucial. Here are some practical tips:
Add Carpeting or a Runner: This provides better grip and stability for little feet, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
Install Anti-Slip Tape: Placing anti-slip strips or grips on each step can significantly enhance traction, making stairs safer for young kids.
Teach Stair Safety: Encourage children to hold onto the handrail, avoid playing on the stairs, and always wear proper footwear with good grip. Make sure they know not to rush or skip steps.
Avoid Horizontal Bars: Horizontal bars on handrails might look modern, but they can be dangerous for young children who might be tempted to climb them.
2. Tips for the Elderly: Stairs can be particularly challenging for elderly family members. Here’s how to make them safer:
Use Mobility Aids: Encourage the use of mobility aids like canes or walkers, and ensure they wear shoes with good grip.
Consider Accessibility Upgrades: Installing a stair-lift or adding a ramp can greatly improve accessibility. Removing carpets or runners and replacing them with anti-slip tape or nosing can also prevent trips and falls.
Design for Convenience: Make sure essentials like a bathroom, kitchenette, and bedroom are all on the same floor as the elderly person's main living area, reducing the need to use stairs frequently.
Consult a Professional: Have a medical professional demonstrate how to use any new mobility aids safely on the stairs.
3. Tips for Pet Owners: Even pets need stair safety! Here are a few tips:
Secure Safety Gates: Choose gates that pets can’t easily open or jump over. Ensure the spacing between bars is small enough that pets can't squeeze through.
Install Rugs: Adding a low-pile rug or carpet at the landings or bottom of the stairs helps pets maintain traction as they go up or down.
Special Gear: For smaller pets, consider using gear like a “picket protector” to prevent them from getting stuck in railings.
No matter who lives in your home—children, elderly family members, or pets—staircase safety should be a priority. By making a few thoughtful upgrades and implementing these tips, you can create a safer environment for everyone. If you're unsure where to start or need professional help with your indoor railings and staircases, Pinto Carpentry is here to assist with expert advice and quality installations. Contact us today to discuss your needs!
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