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Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 8:14 pm
by audir10
bernie_penkin wrote:Thanks for all the replies. The access point is from a hallway and the stairs are supported against a load bearing wall. From what I can tell the the space is empty. I plan on knocking a small hole into the wall for a look see. I am thinking that I might just cover the section of wall with knotty pine and then cut the door out of the planks. Saw some thing similar in a old house and thought it looked nice. My house is only 7 years old, so there is not a lot of "old" charm to it.
I helped a friend do this job a number of years ago. Can't remember much
of the construction details. Most of the time on this job was spent cleaning
up the debris found in the dead space. I remember taking out 3-4 wheel
barrow loads of cutoffs, sheetrock, McDonalds bags, beverage cans and
even a hammer. Just a warning, I think his Christmas ornaments have a
very clean storage space now. The guys have given you excellent advice.
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:02 am
by JPG
Also think about how DARK it is going to be in there!;)
Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 12:15 am
by a1gutterman
Ed in Tampa wrote:I think there is a big caution here! The last statement
Has a word "Should", it is true the wall you are cutting into should not be supporting the stairs but it MIGHT be! Cut the dry wall and examine the structure do not assume anything.
Yep! There are exceptions to every rule, and as I can knot actually see your situation, I use words like "normally" and "should". Heed Ed's advice well.

Posted: Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:23 pm
by bernie_penkin
The spice cabinet is built in at the back of the stairs. I was thinking about going through the back of the cabinet, but it would be a narrow space with not a lot of room for the condiment supply. Should be fun to take on either way.
Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2009 12:15 am
by a1gutterman
So Bernie,
What did it look like in Harry's room?:D
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:57 am
by navycop
bernie_penkin wrote:Hello everyone, been a long time since I posted. I have some dead space under the stairs in my house that I would like to make into a small storage closet. (My wife has a lot of Christmas ornaments) Ran my stud finder over the face of the dry wall and found a couple of studs and a cross member. Has anyone ever done this before in our group? What methods would I use to shore up the stairs to create a wider door for easier access?
Thanks,
Bernie
500 upgraded to 520 with a power station.
So what was the outcome of this project?