Secret base under stairs

millsy · 15-08-2025 10:15AM #1

Kids watching too much YouTube with these YouTubers building secret rooms/bases in their houses.

Mine have been annoying me a lot lately to build them something under the stairs.

There's a small area underneath the bottom of the stairs that is sealed off where they want it built.

There's not a whole lot of space there but I'm going to have a go off it anyway. I'm limited enough with tools as I don't work in construction. I have a drill and can get my hands on a jigsaw.

I had a knock off that panel marked in red. It sounds like there's a stud at the centre.

I'm thinking off cutting out the green rectangle with the jigsaw and then adding a hinge (blue) at the top so that the door can flap open and closed.

Any thoughts on this? Would there be a better way to do this? Tips for a cleaner finish.

Allinall · 15-08-2025 10:17AM

How old are your kids?

It look like only a toddler would fit in there.

Could be a lot of work that is only of use for a year or two.

Baybay · 15-08-2025 10:34AM

@Allinall has a point so if you’re going to do it, make the door big enough or open widely enough to put shoes, school or gear bags etc in there out of the way later on.

elperello · 15-08-2025 10:53AM

I saw a similar idea in a house where it was a small cupboard door in the kitchen which led to a space under the stairs.

It was a lot bigger space than you have but it worked really well.

The kids loved having it as a cubby and all toys and stuff could be cleared away into it when necessary.

I think you should consider closing in a bigger space as the space you are going to use is too small.

Also, have you any idea why that area is boxed off ? Is there anything in there ?

millsy · 15-08-2025 11:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123724315#Comment_123724315

Eldest is 10. But for him I think it would be more like a hiding place than a base.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123724456#Comment_123724456

No idea why it's boxed off. It's completely sealed off and just empty space.

The Continental Op · 15-08-2025 03:22PM

OP you could use it as access to an underground room ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKTnx6F-XMo&t=1524s

millsy · 18-08-2025 09:04AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123725372#Comment_123725372

That would be nice :-)

GreeBo · 18-08-2025 02:50PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058422013/secret-base-under-stairs

You are only going to get access to the small triangle visible in your first pic, I really don't think its worth your while, you have already exposed the usable space under the stairs.

A 10 year old wont get in there, by the time you have boarded the underside of the treads to prevent them from whacking their heads off corners and the inevitable rusty nails that missed their mark.

If you really want to do something, you would be much better off covering up the area thats currently open. It would also be handy to tidy it up (if that area ends up as a dumping ground)

Princess Calla · 18-08-2025 03:05PM

I'd say it's blocked off as the space is unusable.

When I was growing up our stairs were blocked in and there was door access at the side.

Like that I wanted a "den" we were able to fit a small desk in the door (old old fashioned school desk that folded up on itself and not much else, that was at the highest height point.

It did the trick for the few months I wanted a den.

Tbh I think it would be easier to erect some type of platerboard (those with knowledge will advise) and block the stairs in....it can be removed at a later date, or else hang curtains or something and block the stairs that way.

nachouser · 18-08-2025 03:36PM

Good luck with child services - "No, seriously, he likes being in there for hours at a time."

Secret base under stairs

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