Building knee wall storage effectively transforms an often underutilized space into valuable storage. While "building" can refer to constructing a custom unit from scratch, a popular and often simpler method involves adapting an existing dresser, cabinet, or chest to fit perfectly within the knee wall opening. This guide focuses on the latter, providing a step-by-step process to integrate pre-made furniture into your knee wall, ensuring a seamless and functional result.
How to Build Knee Wall Storage
Creating functional knee wall storage involves preparing the wall opening, modifying a suitable furniture piece, and integrating it seamlessly into your home's design. This method repurposes an existing unit, offering a robust and attractive storage solution.
Understanding Knee Walls and Storage Potential
Knee walls are short walls, typically found in attics or under eaves, that support the roof rafters. The space behind them is often wasted or difficult to access. By opening up a section of a knee wall, you can create alcoves for shelves, cabinets, or even built-in dressers, significantly boosting your home's storage capacity. This is particularly useful in bedrooms, home offices, or playrooms where sloped ceilings limit full-height furniture.
Key Considerations Before You Start
Before diving into the project, careful planning is essential.
- Location: Identify the best knee wall section, considering room layout and accessibility.
- Dimensions: Accurately measure the depth, width, and height of the desired storage area. Remember to account for wall thickness and any framing.
- Structural Integrity: Ensure the knee wall is non-load-bearing before making significant cuts. Consult a professional if unsure.
- Electrical/Plumbing: Check for hidden wires, pipes, or HVAC ducts within the wall cavity. Use a stud finder with electrical detection or consult an electrician/plumber if necessary.
- Material Choice: Select a dresser or cabinet made of sturdy wood or engineered wood that can be modified.
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the project smoother and safer.
| Category | Tools | Materials | Safety Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring | Tape measure, speed square, level, pencil | ||
| Cutting | Drywall saw, circular saw, jigsaw, hand saw, utility knife, miter saw (optional) | Safety glasses, dust mask, gloves | |
| Modifying | Drill/driver, various drill bits, sanding block/sander | Wood screws, wood glue, shims | |
| Finishing | Caulk gun, paint brushes/rollers, putty knife | Drywall patch compound, joint compound, caulk, wood filler, paint/stain/varnish | Respirator (for painting/staining), ventilation mask |
| Structural | Lumber (e.g., 2x4s for framing, plywood for supports) |
Step-by-Step Guide: Integrating an Existing Dresser or Cabinet
This method transforms a standard furniture piece into a built-in knee wall storage unit.
1. Prepare and Frame the Wall Opening
This foundational step ensures your storage unit has a stable and properly sized home.
- Outline the Chest (Mark the Opening): Begin by positioning your chosen dresser or cabinet in front of the knee wall where you intend to install it. Carefully measure its dimensions (width, height, and depth). Using a level and tape measure, transfer these dimensions to the wall, adding approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch to each side for wiggle room. Use a pencil to draw a precise outline for your opening. This initial outline will guide your cuts and framing.
- Remove Interferences (Clear Obstructions): Carefully cut out the marked section of drywall or plaster using a utility knife or drywall saw. Once the opening is created, inspect the wall cavity for any obstructions such as electrical wires, plumbing pipes, or HVAC ducts. It is crucial to reroute these safely if they interfere with your planned opening. If the knee wall studs are in the way, you may need to cut them and install horizontal headers and footers to create a new, framed opening. For guidance on safe electrical work, consider consulting a licensed electrician.
- Frame the Opening: Once cleared, frame the rough opening with lumber (e.g., 2x4s) to provide structural support and a solid surface for attaching the dresser. Ensure the framing is plumb, level, and securely fastened to existing studs or framing members. This forms the sturdy box into which your modified dresser will fit.
2. Modify the Storage Unit for a Perfect Fit
Now, it's time to adapt your chosen furniture piece to fit precisely into the framed opening.
- Trim Dresser to Fit Opening: With the wall opening prepared, take precise measurements of the interior of the framed opening. Compare these to your dresser's dimensions. You may need to trim the dresser itself to fit snugly. This could involve carefully cutting down the sides, top, or bottom of the dresser using a circular saw or miter saw, depending on the required adjustments. Aim for a fit that allows the dresser to slide in without forcing it.
- Trim Overhanging Ends: Many dressers have decorative tops or side panels that overhang the main carcass. To achieve a flush, built-in look, these overhanging ends will need to be carefully trimmed off. Use a circular saw with a fine-tooth blade or a hand saw for precise cuts. Sand any rough edges smooth.
- Trim Feet: If your dresser has feet and you want it to sit flush with the floor of the knee wall opening, or if the feet prevent it from fitting the height of the opening, they will need to be removed. This can usually be done with a saw or by unscrewing them, depending on their attachment method. If removing them compromises the dresser's base, you might need to add a new, flat base panel.
3. Install and Secure the Unit
With both the wall and the furniture piece prepared, it's time for installation.
- Install Supports: Inside the framed opening, install horizontal support cleats (e.g., 1x2s or 2x4s) on the bottom and possibly the sides, if needed, to create a stable shelf or base for the dresser to rest on. These supports should be level and securely fastened to the wall framing with screws. This is crucial for distributing the weight of the dresser and its contents.
- Insert and Secure the Dresser: Carefully slide the modified dresser into the framed opening, resting it on the installed supports. Check for level and plumb. Once in place, secure the dresser to the wall framing using screws driven through the sides of the dresser into the framing. Countersink the screw heads for a smooth finish that can be filled later.
4. Finish and Integrate
The final steps focus on making your new storage unit look like a seamless part of the room.
- Close the Gap: There will likely be small gaps around the edges where the dresser meets the framed opening. Fill these gaps with wood filler, caulk, or by adding small pieces of trim molding. For larger gaps, you might need to use thin strips of wood or drywall patch compound to build up the area before applying finish caulk. Sand smooth for an even surface.
- Paint, Stain or Varnish Unfinished Wood: If your dresser has unfinished wood sections exposed after modification, or if you want to match the room's decor, apply paint, stain, or varnish. For a truly built-in look, you might paint the entire unit the same color as your knee wall or surrounding trim. Ensure proper ventilation and follow product instructions for drying times and application.
Custom Knee Wall Storage (Alternative Approach)
While adapting existing furniture is efficient, you can also build custom knee wall storage from scratch. This involves constructing shelves, drawers, or cabinets using plywood or lumber, tailored precisely to the space. This method offers ultimate customization but requires more advanced woodworking skills, including precise cutting, joinery, and finishing techniques.
Final Touches and Customization
- Hardware: Update drawer pulls or cabinet handles to match your room's aesthetic.
- Lighting: Consider adding puck lights or LED strips inside the storage unit for better visibility.
- Decorative Trim: Add crown molding or baseboards around the newly installed unit to make it truly look like a built-in feature.
By following these steps, you can successfully create valuable and attractive knee wall storage, transforming overlooked spaces into functional assets.
