DIY Network

Storage for Siblings From "Wasted Spaces" episode DWSP-110

There are five active kids in the Meek household, so a bonus room is essential. But when the room has no storage for the kids, it turns into a messy space that isn't much of a bonus at all! Karl shows dad Bruce and oldest son Christopher how to bust into an unused bump-in wall and turn it into a multi-functional storage cabinet everyone will enjoy. Karl even reveals plans for a 'secret' storage space only the kids can use. But how can they make a unit big and colorful enough for this big family? It will take some sweat from the siblings, which always makes for some surprises!

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This storage cabinet is sure to keep the kids organized! There are no more Wasted Spaces in this bonus room!

Breaking Down the Project

The space is a large bonus room that measures around 35' by 18'. It has three dormers and a sloped ceiling. One of the bump-ins between dormers will be used for built-in storage. Each bump-in measures 92" wide by 57" tall. A built-in unit will be installed inside one bump-in (right of center). This built-in will measure 39"x 80"x 30". The right and left sides will each have a hinged bookcase with open shelving in the center. The bookcases can pivot towards the outside of the unit to give access to the greater depth storage behind. The middle section will be deep enough for large board games. The entire 39" by 80" unit will be trimmed in casing to match that of the house. Everything will be painted white to match the existing trim.

Materials:

3/4"and 1/4 birch plywood
stock 2-4 (28") six-panel doors
sliding door track and rollers
miscellaneous bolts and trim
paint
trim
shims
hammer
reciprocating saw
safety glasses
hand drywall saw
screw gun
3" wood screws
nail gun
wood glue
staple gun
table saw
circular saw
sponge brushes
level
tape measurer

To cut out the drywall, use a razor knife to score the lines and then use a drywall saw to cut through.

Knee Wall Demolition

1. Remove an 8' section of the base molding that is located where the unit will be located.

2. Mark where the unit will go with an 80" wide by 39" tall outline on the wall.

3. There were 2x4 studs running down through the hole, so cut those out using a reciprocating saw.

4. Relocate the wiring. If you feel uncomfortable moving wiring, consult an electrician.

5. The opening is ready for a cabinet!

Tips:

• When beginning demolition, it is a good idea to first create a small access hole in the wall to be able to look inside and check for wiring. Be gentle when hitting the wall though, so that any wiring behind it will remain in place.

• Once the drywall has been removed, make sure the insulation is intact.

The skids will make it easier to slide in the unit and will add support.

Skids

1. After removing the drywall, a 2x4 sill remained at the bottom of the wall. This means that the plywood subfloor inside the cabinet area is a 1-1/2" (2x4 thickness) below the top of the 2x4 sill.

2. Cut the 2x4 skids and use 3" wood screws to screw them into the subfloor. This is done so that when the cabinet slides in the opening, it will be level with the baseboard.

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