How to build an under eaves storage unit

Attic bedrooms are the ideal location for custom-made clothes storage units as the roof pitch means these rooms will rarely measure over 2 metres in height. In this guide, we'll set out plans to build your own under eaves storage unit as well as the all the steps involved. Bear in mind that the dimensions and roof pitch will vary from one loft to another. In this example, the storage system we are going to build has the following dimensions: lower height 140 cm x overall height 170 cm x length 200 x depth 60 cm.

Steps

1. Pick a spot and layout for your under eaves storage unit

2. Draw up plans for your custom-made storage unit

3. Mark out your measurements and cut your panels

4. Pre-drill holes in the furniture panels and assemble

5. Install the sliding doors

6. Fit your storage accessories and add finishes

7. Painting the under eaves storage unit

Think about the finished result of the under eaves storage unit you want to build. Visualise the depth, height and length you have to work with and identify the type of storage you need.

Organising an attic storage system

Before you draw up your final plans for a custom-made attic storage system, it is a good idea to think about the types of products on offer to identify exactly what type of storage you need and, most importantly, the dimensions of storage accessories such as:

• drawers;

• fabric storage boxes;

• drawer organisers;

• hanging shoe organisers;

• clothes racks;

• sliding doors;

• mirrors, and so on.

It is easier to buy components like baskets or fabric storage boxes rather than make them yourself.

Taking measurements for under eaves storage

1. Mark out your plans directly on the floor and wall(s) to visualise the best spot for your storage system.

2. You can then use these marks to take all the measurements required to build your storage unit.

3. Measure out your roof pitch using a sliding T bevel in order to transfer the measurement to your panels later on.

In terms of materials, we've chosen to use 18mm Douglas fir plywood for the sides (200 x 60 cm) and shelves, and 5mm plywood for the base and top of the unit.

Design your custom-made storage unit

Design your custom-made furniture unit based on the amount of space you have available, your needs and the dimensions of any storage accessories you may require.

Required materials and hardware

You will need the following materials and hardware:

18mm Douglas fir plywood

• 4 side panels - 168.2 x 138.2 x 60 cm (A)

• 1 base panel - 60 x 200 cm (D)

• 4 shelves - 36.4 x 60 cm (E)

• 1 wardrobe cornice - 10 x 200 cm (F)

• 1 4x4 timber - 120 cm (G)

5mm plywood

• 1 back panel - 140 x 200 cm (B)

• 1 top panel - 67 x 200 cm (C)

Accessories and hardware

• 2 sliding doors (120 x 200 cm) with hardware

• 1 clothes rack with supports and screws

• 16 shelf brackets

• 50 screw covers

• 50 screws (4 x 45 mm)

• 15 screws (3 x 15 mm)

1. Mark out the above measurements on the 5mm plywood and 18mm Douglas fir plywood and sketch cutting lines.

2. Secure your shelves to sawhorses and cut using a jigsaw.

3. Sand down your edges using fine 180-grit sandpaper.

1. Pre-drill holes in your panels using a drill fitted with a 3mm wood drill bit. The top panel should be drilled 9mm from the edge of the material.

2. Use a countersink bit to widen the hole so the screw heads sit flush.

3. Lightly sand the holes using fine 180-grit sandpaper.

4. Use 4.5 x 45mm screws to assemble the side panels, base and walls of the unit.

5. Hammer on the plywood base panel (B) and top panel (C) using 20mm brad nails.

1. Fit the 4x4 timber (G) to the cornice (F) ensuring the edges are flush.

2. Position the cornice (F) on the unit and screw all along the edges of the side panels (A).

3. Apply a drop of glue to each screw head and apply screw covers.

1. Line up the vertical channels for the sliding doors.

2. Use a tape measure to mark out the doors to 156 cm in length (refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the height of the guides). Lay out the sliding doors on trestles or a saw horse and cut them to size. Use a jigsaw fitted with a laminate blade and lay a bead of glue along the cutting line to reduce splintering as far as possible.

3. Lightly sand down the edges using 180-grit sandpaper.

4. Cut your vertical channels down to 156 cm using a metal saw and slot your doors into the channels. Deburr your cuts.

1. Fit your top and bottom tracks using 3 x 15mm screws ensuring that they sit flush.

2. Fit the wheels to the bottom of the doors and the guides to the top.

3. Install the doors and adjust the height of the wheels using a screwdriver so that your doors slide easily.

Sliding doors will usually measure about 2.5 m in height and you'll need to leave a margin of 1 to 2.5 cm to adjust the wheels (according to the manufacturer's recommendations). We have noted 156 cm as we have to subtract the thickness of the bottom shelf (18 mm), the top cornice (100 mm), the wheels and guides (12 mm) and the bottom track (10 mm) from the overall height of 200 cm.

1. Take measurements and install the shelf supports for the clothes rack.

2. Cut the clothes rack to size using a hacksaw and deburr your cuts before installing the shelf supports.

3. Mark out the height of the four shelves using the shelf brackets and install the brackets.

4. Install storage boxes if required.

5. Put the unit into position under the eaves.

It's entirely up to you whether you want to leave your plywood bare or whether you want to stain or varnish it. If you do opt to paint, here are the 11 main steps involved:

1. Protect the floor using painting sheets.

2. Remove the doors and unscrew the tracks.

3. Lightly sand down the panels using fine-grit sandpaper.

4. Wipe away the dust from sanding using a cloth.

5. Mix your furniture paint.

6. Tackle all edges using an edging brush.

7. Apply a first coat of paint using a roller working with the wood grain.

8. Leave the paint to dry.

9. Apply a second coat of paint using a roller working in the direction of the wood grain.

10. Leave the paint to dry.

11. Clean up all your equipment and work space, and throw away any waste.

Go for a low VOC acrylic paint and use the appropriate PPE.

Required skills

In order to build your own under eaves storage unit, you will need to be able to:

• take accurate measurements;

• use a circular saw and/or jigsaw;

• use a drill;

• measure an angle using a sliding T bevel;

• follow assembly instructions.

Time required

• 5 hours not including time for paint to dry

Number of people required

• One person

Tools and equipment

• Jigsaw

• Drill

• 3mm wood drill bit

• Countersink bit

• Screwdriver bits

• Tape measure

• Screwdriver

• Sandpaper

• Sliding T bevel

• Screw covers (x 50)

• 4.5 x 45mm plywood screws (x 50)

• 3 x 15mm plywood screws (x 50)

• Glue

• Clothes rail kit (rack and supports)

• Sliding wardrobe doors with tracks and roller guides

• 16 x shelf supports

• White wood paint

• Edging brush

• Paint roller

• 7 x 18mm shelving boards - 60 x 200 cm

• 1 x 5mm plywood - 200 x 200 cm

Safety and workwear

• Safety shoes

• Protective gloves

• Mask

• Safety goggles

• Hearing protection

• Protective clothing

This is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to choose the appropriate safety and workwear for the job at hand.