An unused stairwell offers a great opportunity for homeowners to get creative and repurpose the space. Depending on the size and style of the stairwell, some of the possible options include:
• Creating a reading nook or cozy hiding place. You can place a comfortable chair, some cushions, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and a rug to bring in color.
• Turning it into a music or art studio. Place an acoustic guitar, drums and a few instruments in the space and make it a fun music studio. Or put canvases and an easel in the corner and let your inner artist come out.
• Making it an indoor garden. Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to make an indoor oasis. You might even want to hang trellises or other decorations to make it more inviting.
• Setting up a game room. Place a pool table, ping pong table, or some other gaming options in the stairwell to create a fun space to challenge friends and family.
• Converting it into a home office. If you work from home or have a home office, setting up your work station in the stairwell can be the perfect spot to separate work from home life.
• Installing a bar or lounge area. Put in some barstools and a kegerator or home bar in the stairwell and create a relaxing area to enjoy a cold beverage or two.
No matter what you end up doing with an unused stairwell, it can be a wonderful addition to your home and provide you with a great space to relax and unwind.
Can you store food underneath an open stairwell?
It is generally not recommended to store food underneath an open stairwell for safety reasons. The air temperature and humidity levels vary considerably in this area and can lead to quick spoilage of food items.
Additionally, maintaining proper sanitation in this area may also be difficult – which can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses due to contamination. Furthermore, the open stairwell provides easy access for pests, such as mice, rats, and other wildlife, who can contaminate the food with their droppings and fur.
Therefore, it is best to keep food in a designated area away from the stairwell.
Can you store under stairs?
Yes, you can store items under the stairs. Depending on the size and layout of your stairs, it can be an ideal place for items that you don’t need to access on a regular basis since the space is often tucked away and out of sight.
If you have the necessary clearance and access, the area under the stairs can be utilized for a variety of items from wrapping paper and seasonal decorations to small furniture items, books, cleaning supplies and other odds and ends.
Be sure to regularly evaluate what you have stored under the stairs in order to avoid clutter and make sure you still have access to items that you may need to get to. In some cases, bulky items may need to be moved frequently, or removed altogether depending on your storage needs.
You can also add a few organizational pieces like baskets, shelves or hooks to the area in order to maximize the storage space.
How do you convert stairs to storage?
Converting stairs to storage is a great way to maximize the space in your home and create a unique feature. It is a simple concept that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home.
The first step to converting stairs to storage is to remove the existing stairs or stair treads. Once these are removed, you will need to build out a frame to create a staircase box. This frame can be built from a variety of materials such as wood, drywall, and foam insulation.
Once your frame is in place, you can begin adding shelves, drawers, and doors. The design options are endless, so take some time to choose the specific features you want. It’s important to make sure the storage is accessible and usable.
If you plan on installing drawers, they should slide out easily. Shelves should be secure and evenly spaced to ensure stability.
When your staircase storage is in place, you can start finishing it off with touches like doors, molding, and a new finish. Paint, wood stain, and wallpaper can all be used to complete the look and make it unique to your home.
Add accents like colorful handles and hardware for a unique spin.
Overall, converting stairs to storage is a simple but effective way to add additional storage and a unique design feature to your home. The sky is the limit when it comes to design options, so it’s easy to create a look that complements the overall style of your home.
Are stairs load bearing walls?
No, stairs are typically not considered load bearing walls. Load bearing walls are typically found on the exterior of a building and are necessary for structural support and to transfer loads from the roof, upper floors, and walls to the foundation.
Generally, the load bearing walls of a building act as a pillar, carrying the weight of different floors above, as well as other architectural components, such as roofs and balconies. Generally, stairs are not considered load bearing walls, since they do not bear any weight directly.
Stairs only provide access between different levels of the building, and so they do not need to maintain the building’s structural integrity. Carpenters, contractors, and engineers typically choose other materials, such as steel or concrete, for load bearing walls.
What do you do with space under stairs?
One of the most popular ways to use the space under stairs is as storage. You can add shelving and cabinets or boxes to hold items out of sight, such as extra blankets, board games, or books. If you don’t want to dedicate the area to long-term storage, the space can double as an extra closet for coats and jackets.
If you’re looking for extra seating, the area under the stairs can be used as an inviting nook for gathering around. Construct a built-in bench with a cushion or fill the space completely with a cozy recliner and throw blanket.
This makes for a perfect place for reading a book or just relaxing for a few minutes.
A more creative use of the space under the stairs is to turn it into a mini home office. Place a built-in desk and bookshelf in the area and make sure to use plenty of storage boxes and file cabinets to keep the space organized.
You can also install additional lighting to the area to ensure you have enough illumination while studying or working.
Finally, the space under stairs is also ideal for creating a study or playroom for kids. Install a built-in desk with a chair and shelving, and make sure to place some toys and recreational materials for the children.
What is a bulkhead in a bedroom?
A bulkhead in a bedroom is a structural feature that encloses an area of the ceiling or walls, typically to conceal structural elements or mechanical systems (such as wiring, pipes and ductwork). Bulkheads are typically made of drywall or plaster and can be installed flush with the existing ceiling or walls without protruding.
Bulkheads can also be painted to match existing decorations or take advantage of a decorative opportunity.
In a bedroom, a bulkhead can serve two purposes: first, it can provide an attractive, finished look to the ceiling or walls. Second, it can be used to hide electricity and air conditioning ductwork or other equipment, essentially hiding them from view for an aesthetically pleasing room.
Bulkheads can also be used to add a little extra dimension and style to a bedroom, as they can be made to fit whatever shape you desire. Bulkheads can also be used to create interesting patterns with their various shapes and sizes.
How do you arrange a cupboard under stairs?
Organizing a cupboard under stairs can be done by first planning out the best design for the space. Take measurements of the space and determine how much storage space you need, taking into account how often you’re likely to use it.
Keep in mind how many items you need to store and how you’d like to access them. Depending on the size, you may need to consider using shelves, drawers, hanging rods, or baskets to make full use of the space.
Consider using adjustable storage cabinets or wall-mounted shelves for extra accessibility.
For easy cleaning and maintenance, use the same kind of materials throughout – like all plastic or all wire, for example. Label everything. Add storage bins of different sizes so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Hang a hook bar onto the side of the stairs for added storage too. Use garment rods for extra clothes storing space if needed.
Install LED lighting for visibility, and for better atmosphere. You might even consider painting or wallpapering the area to give it a cohesive look and make it appear larger. Lastly, make sure you install a hook or hook bar at the top of the stairs, of a handle or a pull, so that you can open the cupboard easily.
Can stairwells be used for storage?
Yes, stairwells can be used for storage. Stairwells can provide a unique storage option because they are typically positioned against an outside wall, which offers structural support and wall space for shelving.
Stairwells can also provide ample space for storing items such as off-season closet items, extra linens, and home décor. Additionally, using baskets and boxes for organizing items can be an effective way to save space and make full use of stairwell storage.
When installing shelving or adding baskets to a stairwell, it is important to consider the height of items being stored, as well as their weight. Items should be stored away from the pathways of the stairs for safety and to prevent items from blocking the stairs.
If there are any structural concerns, it is best to consult a professional before advancing with any large projects. Following all local regulations and building codes is essential, as well. Finally, if the stairwell leads directly outside, all stored items should be stored away from any drafts or weather.
How much does it cost to open a staircase?
The cost to open a staircase will depend on the type of staircase you are looking to install, and the materials used. For example, a simple, straight staircase typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to install, while a more elaborate or curved staircase may cost as much as $10,000 or more.
Some of the most important factors that can contribute to the overall cost of opening a staircase include the type and size of the staircase, the materials used, and the labor costs for the installation.
The cost of the materials, such as lumber, will depend on the type of wood used, whether it is factory-made or handmade, and the finish and design. The cost of the labor will depend on the complexity of the installation, as well as any other labor costs, such as the cost of renting tools or renting out a contractor.
All of these factors will contribute to the overall cost of opening a staircase.
What to do with stairs after removing carpet?
Once you have removed the carpet from the stairs, the next step will be to determine what kind of surface preparation is necessary prior to any refinishing. This will depend largely on what type of material is present on the stairs.
If the stairs were previously covered with a hardwood flooring material, then the stairs will require sanding to remove any existing coatings, repair any imperfections and create a smooth finish. On the other hand, if the stairs were covered with a softer material like linoleum or laminate, then the surface should be scrubbed with a mild detergent to remove any debris or residue prior to refinishing.
Once you have completed the surface preparation, you will be ready to refinish the stairs. Depending on the type of material present on the stairs, you may need to apply a primer to the surface. This is especially important if the stairs are made from a softer material like linoleum or laminate.
Primer helps the paint to adhere better and gives it a more uniform texture. Once the primer has fully dried, you can then apply your chosen paint or finish.
If you are using paint on the stairs, it is important to give the material two or three coats of paint, allowing the paint to fully dry between each application. If you are using a stain or polyurethane finish, you will need to apply multiple thin coats, allowing each one to dry completely before adding the next.
No matter which finishing method you choose, make sure to give the material 1-2 coats of sealer or varnish to help protect the surface and ensure that the finish lasts for years to come.
Can you put new stair treads over old treads?
Yes, you can put new stair treads over old treads. However, it’s important to make sure that the underlying treads are in good condition and securely affixed to the stringers. If the existing treads are loose, warped, or in any other way compromised, they should be replaced before installing new treads over them.
To correctly install new treads over old, the existing treads should be first completely sanded down and any excess glue, paint, caulking, or other residue should be removed. The new treads should then be glued or screwed into place, making sure to evenly distribute weight and stress.
It’s also important to make sure that toe kicks or other moldings are also securely affixed. Once your new treads are in place, you may need to re-stain and/or apply two or three coats of finish for extra protection.
Is it easy to change a staircase?
No, changing or replacing an existing staircase is not an easy task. Depending on the type of staircase, a number of skills, tools, and materials may be required to complete the job safely and effectively.
If you are considering replacing or remodeling a staircase, it is recommended that you hire a professional contractor with experience in interior home renovations. The contractor should have experience in measuring and cutting materials, installing flooring, framing, and doing the necessary calculations according to local building codes.
Additionally, they should be knowledgeable about the different materials available that are best suited for your specific staircase. The contractor can help you make the best decisions on what type of materials to use, along with helping you understand the process and timeline of the project.
