Cut and Dimension Wood Components — Cut Components
Part of project
Under Stair Storage · Step 4 of 7
In this video
Using a table saw with a crosscut sled, precisely cut the 1/4 inch plywood into the required sizes for the drawer bottoms, front panels, back panels, and dividers. The video uses floor underlay plywood, which often has markings (like 'X's) for installation; these can be ignored or sanded off later. For the very thin divider pieces, use a push stick or featherboard for safety and accuracy. Then, retrieve solid wood boards from storage to be used for the drawer sides. Using a table saw, rip these solid wood boards into thin strips. After ripping, use a surface planer (like a DeWalt planer) to smooth and dimension these strips to the exact thickness required for the drawer sides. Once the strips are planed, trim them to the correct width on the table saw. Finally, using a miter saw, cut all the thin strips (drawer sides) to their final length. For efficiency, stack multiple strips and cut them simultaneously.
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FAQs
The project summary lists an estimated time of 4 minutes, but it seems more complex. How long should I realistically expect this project to take?
The 4-minute estimate is likely a typo. Given the design, cutting of plywood, assembly of units, and installation, this intermediate project typically requires several hours to a full weekend, depending on your experience and the complexity of your design. Plan for at least 8-16 hours of work spread across multiple sessions.
What are the most important safety precautions I should take when building under-stair storage units?
Always wear safety glasses when operating cutting tools to protect your eyes from flying debris. Use gloves to prevent splinters, and ensure your work area is well-ventilated if using adhesives or finishes. When installing, securely anchor the units to the studs or solid framing to prevent tipping.
What kind of wood is best for these storage units, and how can I estimate material costs?
For durability and a good finish, 3/4 inch birch plywood, as listed in the materials, is an excellent choice. You'll need to precisely measure your under-stair cavity to calculate the exact amount of plywood, drawer slides, and caster wheels required. Expect material costs to vary, but budget a few hundred dollars depending on hardware quality and wood choice.
How do I accurately measure and design the storage units to fit my unique under-stair space, considering the slope?
Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of your stair cavity at multiple points, as walls are rarely perfectly square. Account for the stair's slope by creating a template from cardboard before cutting your final materials, ensuring your units will slide in and out smoothly without catching.
Cut and Dimension Wood Components — Cut Components
Part of project
Under Stair Storage · Step 4 of 7
In this video
Using a table saw with a crosscut sled, precisely cut the 1/4 inch plywood into the required sizes for the drawer bottoms, front panels, back panels, and dividers. The video uses floor underlay plywood, which often has markings (like 'X's) for installation; these can be ignored or sanded off later. For the very thin divider pieces, use a push stick or featherboard for safety and accuracy. Then, retrieve solid wood boards from storage to be used for the drawer sides. Using a table saw, rip these solid wood boards into thin strips. After ripping, use a surface planer (like a DeWalt planer) to smooth and dimension these strips to the exact thickness required for the drawer sides. Once the strips are planed, trim them to the correct width on the table saw. Finally, using a miter saw, cut all the thin strips (drawer sides) to their final length. For efficiency, stack multiple strips and cut them simultaneously.
Frequently Asked Questions
The project summary lists an estimated time of 4 minutes, but it seems more complex. How long should I realistically expect this project to take?
The 4-minute estimate is likely a typo. Given the design, cutting of plywood, assembly of units, and installation, this intermediate project typically requires several hours to a full weekend, depending on your experience and the complexity of your design. Plan for at least 8-16 hours of work spread across multiple sessions.
What are the most important safety precautions I should take when building under-stair storage units?
Always wear safety glasses when operating cutting tools to protect your eyes from flying debris. Use gloves to prevent splinters, and ensure your work area is well-ventilated if using adhesives or finishes. When installing, securely anchor the units to the studs or solid framing to prevent tipping.
What kind of wood is best for these storage units, and how can I estimate material costs?
For durability and a good finish, 3/4 inch birch plywood, as listed in the materials, is an excellent choice. You'll need to precisely measure your under-stair cavity to calculate the exact amount of plywood, drawer slides, and caster wheels required. Expect material costs to vary, but budget a few hundred dollars depending on hardware quality and wood choice.
How do I accurately measure and design the storage units to fit my unique under-stair space, considering the slope?
Start by measuring the height, width, and depth of your stair cavity at multiple points, as walls are rarely perfectly square. Account for the stair's slope by creating a template from cardboard before cutting your final materials, ensuring your units will slide in and out smoothly without catching.