How To Adapt A Cupboard For More Storage Space

How To Adapt A Cupboard For More Storage Space

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We all realize the importance of space, so adapting existing unused space like lofts, airing cupboards and simple cupboards under the stairs could (with some simple modifications) create the ideal solution for extra storage.

Garages! I bet at least half those people across the country lucky enough to have a garage, don't even park their car in it. It's just a storage area for someday-useable items and a lot of junk! Re-organise that space so that you can store what you want, and still park the car. Make a shower room out of the airing cupboard, or a downstairs loo out of the understairs cupboard!

Many years ago in my first little house, there was an understairs cupboard, which opened onto the living room area. My girlfriend wanted to buy a sun bed! It was the early Eighties, and I was concerned about the technology at the time, so I said 'NO! Not in our house', and was surprised at her apparently quiet submission.

Friday nights in the building trade is traditionally known as 'Music Night', and we builders generally meet up for a drink. This particular Friday night though, something had aroused my suspicion, so I decided to call in at the house before I went to meet the boys. I pulled up outside and knocked on the door. No answer! I fetched my keys from the truck, unlocked the door but couldn't get in! I used a bit of pressure and pushed the door open - and there in the hallway in an open box was this great big sun bed!

Well, I was a tad infuriated and called out to my girlfriend -still no answer! I searched the house, to no avail. With only one place left to look, I opened the understairs door and there she was, sitting in the cupboard. She just looked up at me and smiled. I left without saying anything, but started to really giggle as I drove off - all of which goes to show that even a cupboard can be converted to a place of self-induced incarceration!

As if you need to ask! Of course she kept the sun bed. When I asked for an explanation, she said she had intended to hide the sun bed in the spare room where I would never have noticed it. But when it was delivered, it was too heavy for her to move on her own, so she was waiting for her friends to arrive when I turned up! The cupboard simply seemed like the best place to hide at the time.

Decide what you need to store in the cupboard, measure out the spaceand draw it onto a piece of paper, carefully dividing the space into sections for efficient storage.

Fix a softwood batten to the underside of the stairs and a second one to the floor to fix the partition panel onto. Pre-drill the panels and countersink the screws. Add a bead of PVA glue for extra strength. Ensure that the partition is level using either a spirit level, or a plumb line.

To create one or more shelves in the space, fit the required number of battens to both sides using a level to ensure that they match. The shelves and panels can be made of MDF or any other timber sheet material - a minimum of 18mm (3Ain) thick. Additional strength can be added to the shelf by fitting a batten underneath the front edge of the shelf and a batten fitted to the back wall of the cupboard.

Using 50 x 50mm (2 x 2in) PAR, cut and fit two side rails to the cupboard; take care to scribe over the skirting, if the skirting is to remain. Fix with plugs and screws.

Use 50 x 25mm (2 x 1in) PAR for the remaining top and bottom rails of the frame, and screw these to the underside of the stairs and the floor.

Cut a piece of MDF, plywood or block board to the shape of the opening to form the door. Simple flush hinges can be used to hang the door, as it is a cupboard door which will be subject to only infrequent use.

Simply fit a doorknob and a pair of magnetic catches to complete the job. If the finish is too plain, add a pine moulding to form panels on the door before you begin painting it. The panel moulding shape should be drawn onto the door first. Cut to suit the drawn shape, using a jigsaw for any shapes involving curves, and then glue the moulding onto the door using a powerful adhesive. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before painting the door to finish the job.

About the Author:
Steve Waller gives tips and advice on themes such as DIY and home decoration at Casa Rooms, a leading light in this field.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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