DIY stairs with built-in storage, door Catriona

Turn your stairs into practical built-in storage

Your stairs can do more than take you upstairs. In this fully self-made project, Catriona has combined a stepped staircase with cupboards, drawers and open cubbies, using wood cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl The result makes clever use of a compact space while keeping everyday essentials close at hand.

A closer look at Catriona’s DIY staircase storage

The photos show a pale plywood unit with a stepped outline, rising from the floor on the right towards an upper wooden structure on the left. Broad, flat cupboard fronts cover much of the side, with narrow gaps marking the individual doors and drawers. Natural grain patterns and visible knots give each panel its own character, while exposed plywood edges reveal the layered construction. There are no visible handles on the closed fronts, keeping the overall look simple.

The stairs sit against a light-coloured wall decorated with framed prints, photographs and a large black-edged geometric mirror. A darker wood-effect floor contrasts with the pale panels. Beside the unit, a small table, chairs and a plant show how closely this storage staircase fits into the living space. Instead of adding a separate cupboard, you can see how the storage and stairs share the same footprint.

Closed cupboards for the things you want out of sight

One open tall cupboard reveals space for an ironing board and long cleaning tools, with a separate shelf above for smaller belongings. Another door opens onto a compartment holding tools, batteries and small containers. Concealed cabinet hinges are visible inside the doors. These different compartment sizes are a useful reminder to plan your storage around what you actually own, rather than dividing everything into identical boxes.

Drawers and open cubbies for easy access

The photos also reveal deep drawers running on metal side-mounted runners. One wide drawer holds rolled materials and a long box, while drawers at the taller end provide further space for smaller items. Open cubbies punctuate the stepped profile: shoes fit into the lowest opening, and higher compartments hold other belongings. Near the top, upright records or large-format items sit in a narrow open section. You get a mix of hidden storage and accessible spaces without losing the clear staircase shape.

Made by you, with wood cut to size by OPMAATZAGEN.nl

Catriona built this project entirely herself, with OPMAATZAGEN.nl supplying the wood cut to the required sizes. For a design with so many rectangular fronts, dividers and drawer components, preparing a clear cutting list makes the job easier to organise. Having the panels cut to size lets you focus on assembly, fitting the hardware and aligning the fronts.

If you want to create your own built-in stairs storage, start with the available space and the items you need to put away. You can choose the compartment widths, drawer depths and material to suit your home. Making it yourself also gives you more control over your budget: you decide where to use drawers, where a simple shelf will do and which finish you prefer. Remember to include hinges, runners, fixings and finishing products in your estimate.

Plan the details before assembly

Allow clearance for doors and drawers to open without meeting a wall or nearby furniture, and follow the hardware manufacturer’s fitting dimensions. Check the unit for square before aligning the fronts. For any project that also functions as stairs, have the stair dimensions, fixing method, guarding and slip protection checked against applicable local requirements. Storage should make your space more useful without compromising safe access.

Natural eclectic style

If you enjoy a home with personality, this combination offers plenty of inspiration. The pale wood and simple fronts create a calm backdrop for colourful posters, collected photographs and a patterned rug. Visible knots and layered edges give the built-in storage an honest, handmade feel. You do not need to hide every trace of the material to achieve a cohesive result.

The wood used: Underlayment Radiata Pine B/C

Underlayment Radiata Pine B/C is a plywood made from layers of radiata pine veneer. Its light colour, expressive grain and occasional knots suit a natural interior like this one. The B/C designation refers to different face grades, so you can plan which face to show on visible fronts. The sheet format is practical for cutting cupboard panels, dividers and drawer parts, while the layered edges can become part of your design. Before applying a finish, lightly sand as needed and remove the dust; testing your chosen finish on an offcut helps you check the colour before treating the visible panels.