How Much Does Built-In Under Stair Storage Cost and What Influences the Price

The space under the stairs in most homes is used chaotically or not used at all. Its non-standard shape, limited access and varying depth make this area difficult for typical furniture, so it often turns into a random place to store things without a clear system.

This is where built-in under-stair storage becomes a logical solution. Unlike ready-made modules, custom-designed storage replicates the geometry of the stairs and allows for the most efficient use of every centimetre. This approach not only provides additional space for items but also a visually neat result that looks like part of the interior rather than a compromise.

Since every stairwell has its own unique characteristics, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That is why bespoke understairs storage is usually considered the most practical option. It takes into account the layout, tolerances, functional requirements and desired appearance. To properly evaluate a future project, it’s important to understand the factors that influence the design, its price and the final result.

Built-in Under-Stairs Storage: Possibilities and Basic Features

Built-in cupboards under the stairs are not a separate type of furniture, but an approach to working with space that isn’t intended for standard solutions from the outset. This area is shaped by the architecture of the house, not by furniture modules, so it requires individual design. It’s for this reason that custom solutions are used here much more often than ready-made furniture.

Ready-made modular solutions are usually designed for straight walls, uniform depths and predictable dimensions. Under the stairs, these conditions almost never coincide. Fitted cabinets are created taking into account the actual geometry of the space, rather than being adapted to it after the fact. This avoids empty areas, technical gaps and non-functional corners.

Common Problems With Space Under the Stairs

The main difficulties encountered with standard understairs furniture are related not only to shape but also to space availability. Most often it looks like this:

• Variable stair angle along the entire length;
• Different storage depths from the beginning to the end of the structure;
• Limited access to distant areas;
• Uneven walls or floor differences.

These factors make the use of standard furniture ineffective. A built-in solution makes it possible to design the internal storage logic so that each section is accessible and useful. Thanks to this, the space under the stairs ceases to be a technical area and becomes a full-fledged part of the interior that serves the daily needs of the home.

How to Organise Storage Under the Stairs: Types and Options

Even within the same type of layout, needs can vary significantly: for some, it’s essential to have maximum closed storage, while for others, the focus is on combining practicality with decorative elements. That’s why fitted under-stair storage doesn’t have a single format but is designed with different usage scenarios in mind.

In practice, there are several main types of solutions that are most often used in residential interiors. According to observations by Urban Wardrobes designers, about 60–70% of projects under the stairs combine several functions at once, rather than being limited to one type of storage.

The most common formats are as follows:

• Chests and pull-out drawers. A solution that works well for shoes, small household items or seasonal items. Pull-out modules make it possible to use even deep areas of space without losing accessibility.
• Closed built-in cabinets. This format is suitable for storing outerwear, household appliances or items that should not be visible. Closed sections create a visually clean surface and help avoid a cluttered look.
• Combined solutions. One of the most popular options, combining closed storage sections and open niches for decor, books or accent details. According to statistics from individual projects, combined systems are used in approximately 2 out of 3 cases.

The choice of a specific type depends not only on the number of items, but also on the location of the stairs in the house. If they are located in the living room or hall, the balance between functionality and appearance becomes particularly important. In such cases, bespoke wardrobes can be used to create an element that serves a practical purpose and works as part of the interior design.

Approximate Cost of Projects With Built-in Closets

Bespoke under-stair storage cost is never based on a fixed rate, as each project is created for a specific space. However, in practice, there is a clear starting point from which all calculations usually begin.

For most residential projects in the UK, the cost of made-to-measure solutions starts at £2,000, including manufacturing and installation. This is a basic starting point, suitable for simple configurations with standard interior fittings and understated exterior finishes.

To better navigate budgets, there are several price ranges:

Format	Estimated budget
Basic built-in storage	From £2,000
Customised solution with multiple sections	£2500-£4000
Complex bespoke solution with combined zones	£4000-£6000+

Even within the same budget, the contents can vary significantly. Some projects focus on practical storage, while others combine functionality with visual appeal. Most often, a single project combines closed sections for everyday items with pull-out drawers, as these are the most practical solutions. Open design elements often require additional finishing touches, such as integrated lighting or glass shelves, which immediately changes the price range.

That is why the cost of tailor-made wardrobes is always considered individually. The initial figure gives a general idea of the budget, but the final amount is determined at the design stage, when it becomes clear how the space under the stairs will be used.

What Affects the Price: 5 Details That Change the Budget

The price of a built-in solution under the stairs isn’t a “price per unit” but the result of complex technical and design solutions. Even when the request sounds the same, the final amount is almost always different due to varying space, access and appearance requirements.

Below are the main things that usually make the cost go up or down. It’s like a handy checklist to go through before agreeing on the setup.

Geometry of Space

There is rarely a “perfect rectangle” under the stairs, especially in old London buildings. In this case, the budget is affected by the height at the lowest point, the length of the usable area, the depth along the entire line, and whether it’s actually possible to make convenient access to the far areas.

In order not to lose volume, it’s often necessary to divide the system into sections, calculate openings, and avoid “dead” corners. This directly affects the complexity of the design and how many elements need to be made to specific measurements.

Internal Content and Storage Logic

It’s often the internal organisation that decides whether it’ll just be a “closed space” or handy everyday storage. It’s not the names of the formats that matter here, but what’s inside: what’s stored and how, which things need to be “close at hand” and which can be tucked away deeper.

Most often, the budget changes because of these internal decisions:

• Pull-out units of various depths (for reaching items in the far corner).
• Sections for small household items with shelves of varying heights.
• Separate drawers or baskets for shoes.
• Sections with a rail for long clothes.
• Combinations of closed compartments and “quick access” compartments.
• Internal partitions that make the system neat but add details.

The internal filling determines not only the capacity but also the convenience of daily use. It’s at this stage that the decision is made whether storage will be intuitive or turn into a set of awkward sections. The more complex the internal logic — with different depths, heights, and access scenarios, the more time it takes to design and manufacture such closets.

Materials and Finishes: What to Choose, Why, and How Much It Costs

One of the things that really affects the bespoke under-stair storage cost is the materials and finishes. They are not only about how it looks, but also about how long it will last, how practical it will be, and how convenient it’s to use on a daily basis. In most cases, solutions are combined: more practical materials are used for the body and shelves, while the fronts and open parts are designed with an emphasis on appearance and status.

The craftsmen at Urban Wardrobes note that almost 70% of custom-made orders include painted MDF facades or veneered panels, as these materials offer the best balance between aesthetics and durability. Only about 23% of projects use exclusively laminated chipboard, and natural wood is used in about 7% of cases — mostly in premium solutions or when the interior already includes expensive wooden elements.

Each material reacts differently to loads and changes in humidity, and also behaves differently under paint or varnish. As an example, painted MDF provides a smooth, even surface that hides knots and defects — this is especially important if the facades are to be light-coloured and plain.

Finishing and painting are a separate budget item. Professional painting of MDF facades in 2–3 layers with reinforced varnish can add 15% to 35% to the total cost of materials compared to a simple laminated surface, as it includes preparation, priming and multi-layer coating for greater resistance to scratches and wear.

To make it easier to understand, here is a simple comparison:

Material / finish	Where it makes sense to use	Key benefits	Approximate service life	Impact on the budget
MFC / laminated chipboard	Body, shelves	Practical, wear-resistant, affordable	7-10 years	Basic category
Plain painted MDF	Facades, visible panels	Smooth surface, ideal for painting	8-12+ years	Average level
MDF + 2-3 layers of varnish/paint	Premium finish for facades	Resistance to impact and scratches	10-15+ years	Often +15-35% compared to MDF itself
Veneered MDF	Panels, accents	The aesthetics of natural wood	10-15+ years	Above average
Natural wood	Decorative segments	Premium quality, luxurious appearance, ability to restore	20-50+ years with good care	Highest level

Decoration and finishing details are the stage at which the cost of the project can change even without changing the basic design. This is where the difference between “just neat” and “visually expensive” becomes most noticeable, and the choice of solutions directly affects the final budget.

So, specifically, the price is affected by:

• Type of facade finish. The simplest laminated surfaces remain the most affordable. Painted, veneered or wooden facades require more processing steps and are therefore more expensive.
• Edging and edge protection. High-quality edging, such as ABS, reduces the risk of chipping and wear in areas of heavy use. Such solutions add to the cost but significantly extend the life of the product.
• Complexity of the painting cycle. Unusual colours, multi-layer painting or special varnishes for increased wear resistance require more time and manual work. As a result, finishing can increase the budget by 10-25%, depending on the effect chosen.

Together, these details determine how custom under-stair storage will look after several years of active use. Therefore, when choosing materials and finishes, it’s important to consider not only the initial price but also the long-term result.

Fittings and Why They Affect the Price More Than It Seems

Fittings directly determine whether the system will be convenient for everyday use. It’s the mechanics that are responsible for smooth movement, access to deep areas, and how comfortable it will be to open and close sections over time.

In modern customised projects, pull-out mechanisms designed for loads of 30 to 70 kg are most commonly used. These figures are standard for residential furniture in the UK and are applied depending on the width of the module, its depth and purpose.

The difference in cost between basic and more reliable mechanisms can be up to 20–30% within a single project, but it’s what affects the feeling of quality during use. Quiet operation, stability when fully extended, and no skewing aren’t just decorative options, but functional characteristics that directly shape the system’s durability.

As a result, fittings become an element that isn’t always visible, but determines whether built-in under-stairs storage will remain convenient after several years of active use.

How and Why Installation Complexity Affects the Budget

Based on the experience of the Urban Wardrobes team, it can be noted that up to 15–20% of the project budget may be spent on installation in difficult conditions. And here we are not talking about the installation itself, but about the conditions in which it’s carried out, such as access to space, complex geometry of walls and floors, the need for precise on-site fitting, the complexity of structures and other factors.

That is why the complexity of installation is taken into account at the design stage. The more accurately the system is adapted to the space and access logic, the fewer unforeseen costs arise during installation and the more stable the final estimate remains.

Smart Savings: Where Budget Cuts Are Possible, and Where They Aren’t

The issue of cost savings arises in almost every project, and that is normal. The main thing is to understand which decisions only affect the budget and which directly affect convenience and appearance in the long term.

Within the scope of fitted understairs wardrobes solutions, there are several ways to optimise costs without compromising on quality:

• Simplification of interior fittings. Reducing the number of interior partitions and specialised sections can cut manufacturing costs by approximately 10–20%, especially if some areas are not used on a daily basis.
• Choice of standard colours. Typical colours and basic finishes usually require fewer processing steps. Compared to custom shades or complex effects, this can reduce finishing costs by 15–25%.
• Avoiding overly complex mechanisms. Using simpler solutions in static sections can sometimes save up to 20% on the price of fittings.

To better understand where such savings are justified and where they can harm the result, it’s handy to make a quick comparison:

Decision	When saving is reasonable	When it’s better not to cut back
Internal filling	For areas that are used occasionally	For daily access
Painting	In neutral or hidden parts	On facades and in open spaces
Mechanisms	In static sections	In deep or loaded modules

At the same time, excessive simplification almost always has the opposite effect. According to observations by designers at Urban Wardrobes, the elements that are used every day are the first to reveal compromises. Therefore, the optimal approach is not the lowest price, but a balanced solution where savings don’t sacrifice comfort and appearance.

Thoughtful Storage Without Compromise: Conclusions

Fitted under stair storage is about working with space, not complex structures. When the solution is well thought out, under-stair cupboards look natural and become an integral part of the interior.

An individual approach allows you to take into account the geometry, accessibility and desired appearance without unnecessary compromises. The practice of such projects, in particular at Urban Wardrobes, shows that the best results are achieved when design and function work as a single whole.

FAQ

Is individual storage suitable for narrow or complex stairs?

Yes, customised solutions are created precisely for such spaces. Non-standard angles, varying depths and limited access are taken into account at the design stage. This makes it easy to use the space as efficiently as possible, even if the staircase has a complex geometry or minimal width.

How much time does it take to manufacture and install?

The timeframe always depends on the complexity of the project and the materials selected. On average, manufacturing takes 3-6 weeks, and installation takes from one day. Thanks to precise advance planning, installation proceeds without unnecessary delays or on-site modifications.

Is it possible to integrate lighting into wardrobes under the stairs?

Sure, lighting is often used as a functional or decorative element. Lighting can be built into open niches and internal sections. This not only makes it easier to use, but also adds visual depth to the space.

Which materials are best suited for everyday use?

For regular use, practical and stable materials that can withstand heavy loads are usually chosen. For interior sections, these can be wear-resistant panels, and for facades, materials with a high-quality coating that retains its appearance for years.

Is it possible to make cabinets under the stairs almost invisible in the interior?

Of course, if desired, storage can look like part of a wall or staircase structure. To achieve this, minimalist facades, concealed handles and finishes that match the interior are used. As a result, the system doesn’t attract attention, but fully performs its function.