All About Witches Stairs: What They Are & How They Got Their Name

Discover the myth behind witches stairs & what they’re really used for

Co-authored by Sarah Potter and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

What are witches stairs?

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The Myth

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Origins

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Are they up to code?

Have you ever seen a staircase with staggered, alternating steps? These are commonly known as witches stairs. According to legend, people once believed that witches couldn’t climb alternating staircases. But what are these odd stairs really used for? Keep reading as we explain what witches stairs are, the myth behind them, and where they came from.

What are witches stairs used for?

Witches stairs have alternating treads in a checkered pattern. According to legend, witches couldn’t climb these stairs, so they were often built in houses during the Salem Witch Trials. This rumor has been debunked, however, as witches stairs were actually designed to save space in small locations.

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What are witches stairs?

Witches stairs are stairs with alternating treads. Unlike regular stairs, which have long treads you can stand on with both feet, witches stairs feature alternating treads in a checkered pattern that you step on one by one. They’re designed to be built steeper and narrower to save space. They’re called “witches stairs” because they were once believed to ward off witches.^{[1]
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- The stairs are known to be difficult to climb, but they can get easier with practice.
- Because each step puts more strain on the stairs than a traditional staircase, witches stairs are typically made of strong wood, like ash or oak.
- It’s rare that you’ll find witches stairs in modern buildings. However, someone might install them in their home to save space.

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The Witches Stairs Myth

According to myth, witches can’t climb alternating stairs. As the legend goes, witches stairs were built in homes in Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials. The idea was that the stairs would protect the homeowners because witches couldn’t climb the alternating steps. However, this myth has since been proven false, as there’s no documentation that the stairs were ever intended to ward off witches.^{[2]
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- The only known reason why people built witches stairs was to save space.

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Where do witches stairs come from?

Thomas Jefferson is sometimes credited as the inventor of witches stairs. While there is little evidence to support this, it’s rumored that President Thomas Jefferson developed the idea of the alternate tread staircase, which is why this design is sometimes known as the Jeffersonian or Jefferson stair. However, the exact origins of the stairs are unknown.^{[3]
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- The design also appeared in an 1888 book by James H. Monckton, titled Monckton’s One Plane Method of Hand Railing and Stair Building.
- The metal version of the witches stairs, known as Lapeyre Stairs, were patented in 1985 by J.M. Lapeyre. These stairs were used in place of ladders in warehouses to provide safer access to storage or mezzanine spaces.
- Alternating tread staircases are also known as ship stairs or ship ladders, and are used on commercial ships and oil rigs with tight spaces.

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Are witches stairs up to code?

Witches stairs aren't easily accessible, but they're allowed in some places. Because witches stairs aren’t accessible, you’re unlikely to come across them in public spaces or as a main staircase in a private residence.^{[4]
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Research source} Some building codes do, however, allow them to be used to access lofts and mezzanines where foot traffic is kept to a minimum.
- It’s recommended that a set of witches stairs have handrails on both sides for safety.