DIY Network

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

(Continued from page 3)

Figure C

Adding Style to the Alcove

• To create a decorative look, install beadboard panels (figure C). The style we chose was cool dried pine to match the existing trim in the Eddins' home.

• Beadboard comes in different styles and sizes. You should design your project based on the size of beadboard you plan to use to reduce the number of cuts you have to make.
  Beadboard is easy to install. It has a tongue and groove feature that is found in flooring. Just fit the tongue into the groove and use a nail gun to secure it.

Hint: To make your new under-stairs closet match the rest of your house—and to make it appear it has always been there—match the trim to the moldings seen around the rest of your home. It will also add extra style and decoration to your new space!

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	To convert the box (seen here) into a bin, Karl Champley says to add a top — and for this project it's made of 3/4" plywood,...
	which creates a sturdy top that holds the bin where toys will be stored.
	Figure D

Building Storage Bins

1. Once the bench is framed, re-measure the height and depth of the closet. Use these measurements to cut plywood for a simple box. Our box has four sides and a top. It does not have a bottom because we are using plastic storage bins inside the box.

2. Assemble the box. It's up to you whether you want to miter the edges or do box joints. Side 1 will slide into side 2, using wood glue and screws. Side 2 will go into side 3 and, lastly, side 3 will screw into side 4.

3. In our design, the top was used to hold our storage bins. Measure the size of the top of the storage bins, subtract 1/4" to allow the lip of the bin to sit on the frame, and apply the measurements on the 3/4" plywood, using a pencil and measuring tape.

4. After cutting the hole, pop out the piece and dry fit the bin.

Note: The featured bins are extra large plastic containers that can be found at most stores.

Tips:

• When using a jig saw to cut out middle of plywood, it's easier to drill a hole for the jig saw blade to go in to.

• If you want extra storage you can add another storage bin. Just repeat the process.

Installing the Storage Bins

1. Our design features a pull-out bin, so to turn our box into a drawer, we add standard drawer hardware (figure D). Drawer hardware comes in a variety of sizes to handle a variety of weights. Consider what you will be storing in the bins and how heavy the box will be when it's constructed when purchasing drawer hardware.

2. Start by adding the slides with a screw gun and screws. The slides come prepackaged as a set, and have directions with them.
   
   
3. After installing the glides, carefully lift up the bins and feed the track into the drawer.

4. Having two people for this step is very helpful.

5. You will hear a click when the drawer is all the way in.

Tip: The directions will clearly show which glides go on the wall, and which will go on the drawer. We strongly recommend reading the directions completely and dry fitting the glides before firing up the screw gun.

Drywall Patching

1. With the bench and drawer constructed and installed, there will be patching needed for the areas where the drywall was cut.

2. To make everything level, add a layer of joint compound to the area that needs patching.

3. Use drywall or bead tape on the seams.

4. Let dry, then repeat the process to add a second coat.

5. After allowing to dry a second time, sand the entire area.

6. You're ready to add the finishing touches — paint!

Figure E

Adding Style

• We painted Sarah's new under-stairs closet a bright red (figure E) so her foyer will have flair!

• We also added a decorative vent cover for the air register.

• The trim was painted white to match the rest of her home.

• We also added decorative trim around the bench and hardware to the bin drawer.

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RESOURCES :

Hand Tools
Klein Tools
Website: www.kleintools.com

Miter Saw
Delta Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Reciprocating Saw, Jig Saw and Screw Gun
Porter-Cable Tools
Website: www.deltaportercable.com

Paint
Bearden Decorating Center
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com