Several of these ideas are simple DIY solutions; for others, you may need to supervise a contractor to create the storage feature you want, tailored to your space. This kind of under-stairs storage feature can be an ideal place for a home library or pantry shelving. Such a space can even make for a space-efficient home office. The steps are really nothing more than wooden boxes fitted with cabinet doors and stacked to create steps to a loft space. Always make sure, though, to consult your local building inspection office to learn if a hand-rail or other safety features are required in order to comply with building code regulations. When using reclaimed materials to create stairs, check to make sure they are structurally sound, and reinforce joints where necessary. Make sure the crates are securely fastened together. A solution of this complexity might challenge most DIYers, but a skilled carpenter will have no problem creating this feature. Projects of this kind of complexity should not be attempted by most DIYers. Consult a skilled builder or architect to design a custom staircase based on this idea. You may be able to find this kind of stairway unit sold at retailers specializing in loft beds for children. More likely, though, you’ll want to hire a carpenter to recreate the design in a manner appropriate to your space.
