DIY Network

Under Stairs Closet Learn how to convert wasted space under your stairs into valuable extra storage. From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-101

Sara and Rob Eddins are a family on the go that use their foyer as a catch all, but with all of their belongings it's becoming a disaster area. Unfortunately, their foyer/hallway is way too narrow to add anything to help with the clutter. Wasted Spaces host, Karl Champley, and the couple tear out part of the wall for a bench with a pullout drawer.

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	Homeowner Sara is thrilled with the extra storage she and Karl Champley...
	created with this unique pullout drawer under the stairs.

Breaking Down the Project

• The part of the wall that they'll be taking out isn't load bearing, so they take measurements, and then mark the wall with a chalk line. Then they'll have some fun busting through the wall, making sure to go between the studs.

• After the section of the wall is out, Karl and Sara's next step will be to remove the studs with a reciprocating saw. With the studs gone, they turn their attentions to cutting down Sara's air register to allow for the bench. Karl switches the blade to a metal cutting blade on the reciprocating saw, and carefully cuts it down. They'll then replace the frame and cover the new air register with foil tape. Next, Karl and Sara head outside to build the bench seat and alcove.

• With the bench and alcove installed, it's time to add some style. Karl and Sara get to work by adding some beadboard paneling around the alcove. They then add trim that matches her existing trim around the house. Once the trim and beadboard are in place, Karl and Sara head outside to build the pull out storage bins using plywood and large plastic containers. With everything installed, it's time to do any drywall repairs to Sara's new bench area.

• To give Sara even more storage, Karl will add a cubby right into the alcove, a perfect place for little shoes! Sara adds more color and boldness to the area by painting the wall a vibrant red.

The Eddins' family will no longer have to worry about a messy foyer/hallway.

This is the foyer before Karl and Sara worked their magic.

The Wasted Space

The room Karl Champley converts was a front entrance and hallway that connects the front of the house with the kitchen and family rooms. The hallway measured 3' wide by 8', 6" long and on one side featured an under-stairway closet that is accessible only by one door on the long end of the closet. There is 7' of headroom at the entrance door to the closet, then the space tapers down (in a triangular shape) to no room at all on the opposite end (beneath the lowest part of the stairs). There are two air return ducts that are on the floor and are flush with the wall of the hallway on the closet side. Each return is 30" tall and protrudes 8" into the closet area, eating up the usable space.

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