Under Stairs Storage Space

In this instructable I will show you how to create extra space in your home for all the things you usually stumble over scattered on the floor. This is a fun project and could be done in a day or two so lets get started.
This project doesn't require too many tools mainly a hand saw or electric saw to cut all the timber parts. If you don't have a router you can use ready made mouldings and glue them on.





Safety : When using electric tools use ears and eye protection.
Keep body parts away from sharp blades. WORK SAFE!

Step 1: Decide the door size and cut

Make sure to check that there is no electric cables or pipes behind the wall, you can use a wire detector for this task.

After deciding the size of the door start cutting the plaster board with a plaster board saw. I personally don't like to use electric saws because you never know what you might chop behind a plaster wall.
Start with a small square hole that will allow you to look in and feel with your hand where the joists are and if there is any thing you dont want to cut. Use a measuring tape and mark with a pencil and draw lines on the plaster wall where it's to be cut .
After the plaster board is cut out use a timber saw to cut the joists that are in your way.
Use plaster wall nails or screws and secure the plaster board edges where you cut the opening is. If necessary add new back support joists for the plaster wall and support for the doors inner frame.
When you open the wall you would be suprised how dirty it could be behind that wall.
A bit of hoovering and we are ready to continue.

Comments

[jdm5lughatch]

This is awesome! I'm looking to do the same thing so I can put the cat's litter box in there. My problem is I want a custom door that I can open that looks similar to what we already have in the hall. Our idiot builder put the hot water heater in such a way that you can't get behind it and there's approx. 40sq feet of unusable space.

[guitar-is-awesome]

thats awesome

its like Harry Potter's room! yay!

[okoshima]

great instructable. think you could install one in a bungalow?

[NutandBolt]

You can install it where ever you have enough space behind a plaster wall to create the storage area.

[okoshima]

but then it would just be a storage space... new idea bungastairs... all the bother of stairs none of the extra floor on the house... only 89.99 with shipping

[NutandBolt]

Bungastairs I like that :-) and great price too ....

[okoshima]

now i just need to perfect the installation of a stairlift into a bungalow and ill be a millionaire... i was thinking of putting it parallel to the floor at chair height... ill be on dragons den in no time XD

[strikeswiftly]

tee hee hee its just like the thingy in harry pork chop

[Tupulov]

A most excellent instructable. With some minor modifications, this can be used to turn the space into a "secret" space to hide things. I had been considering a project similar to this and these plans just made it all come together! Right on!!!

[NutandBolt]

Thank you, I am happy this ible was useful to you, good luck with your project :-)

[Topcat2021]

First of all Good Work looks like it could have come with the house. In response to the question of removing the support stud all that would have to be done on an opening that small would be to install some jack studs at the sides of the door and a header above the top opening of the door adjusting the height of the opening if necessary to cover the header. I love the shelves installed to the right of the opening and the paint was a nice feature.
Again Good Work!

[NutandBolt]

Thank you for your positive comment and thanks for adding another option regarding the support stud it's a great solution ;-)

[densad]

this is truly an amazingly detailed instructable. wonderful, simply wonderful.

[NutandBolt]

Thank you for your positive comment ;-)

[a.nony.mouse]

can I use this to store my wizard nephew in?

[NutandBolt]

It can store your wizard nephew of course thats a great idea just don't forget to place a good lock and a small hatch for the food tray...LOL

[okoshima]

as long as there is a bed shouldn't be a problem

[cpotoso]

Did you do something to compensate for removing one support stud?

[NutandBolt]

Thank you for your question, I was wondering who will be the first one to ask regarding removing the support stud. Every starircase is individuial in my case the spacing of my studs and door size allowed me to remove the middle stud without compromising the structural integrity of the staircase. There are a few options to compensate for removing support stud and one of them is just to place a stud in the center of the open between the two doors or behind them, again in my case there was no need the staircase is well supported if I decide to use it for elephants I will add some extra support .. .:-)