How to Build New Storage Under Your Stairs

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When I hunt through a home for wasted space, I usually head right for the stairs. The area beneath them is often completely unused, or else squandered on a narrow, poorly designed closet. A single large drawer or several smaller ones stacked on top of each other can provide lots of storage in the low space at the foot of the stairs. A seating alcove makes excellent use of the taller area underneath the top of the staircase. I built both types of structure for the Eddins family.


Before doing any demolition, I checked to see if any mechanical systems ran through the walls—and found an air-conditioning return to watch out for. Then, after the floor was protected, I made my measurements, marked out the wall and carefully cut through the drywall with a reciprocating saw. A modern stair with a straight run is nearly always self-supporting—the walls on either side of it rarely carry a structural load. That was true in the Eddins's foyer, and I was able to remove essentially one entire wall. Once I got inside, I framed around the air-conditioning return. Then, I built a series of birch plywood boxes that became the seating alcove, a pullout bin and a shoe shelf. For the drawers, I used heavy-duty slides that extend fully, to provide easy access to the contents. After I installed all those elements, I was ready to reframe the wall and put up drywall to finish the job.

2. RE: How to Build New Storage Under Your Stairs
I have a similar problem, but I am looking to utilize the downstairs space. I'd like to build a bookcase that swings open in the middle and you can then walk into the space under the stairs and store boxes for Christmas, out of season clothes, that kind of thing. Any options?

1. RE: How to Build New Storage Under Your Stairs
good projects for week ends

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