Under stairs storage is a fantastic solution for maximising space in your home. Whether you want to hide shoes and bags from sight or you want to store your Christmas decorations, you can create an easily-accessible storage solution that looks great too.

But how much does under stairs storage cost? We’ll go through it in this guide, along with ideas on how to maximise your storage space and whether it’s worth buying bespoke under stairs storage or going for ready-made options.

How much does it cost to build storage under stairs?

The cost of building storage under stairs can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the space, the materials used and where you live. Expect it to cost around £1,700 for a 3-door under-stair cupboard including labour and materials – here’s a breakdown of other costs to expect:

Job / item

Average cost

3-door under-stair cupboard (including materials and labour)

£1,700

Prep work

£175

Carpenter hourly rate

£16-£40

Fit an LED light

From £125

Electrician hourly rate

£30-£50

These rates are based on averages taken from across the UK. For a more accurate idea of labour costs in your area, take a look at the table further down the page. HaMuch has a huge database of hourly and daily rates for carpenters across the country, and we’ve compiled our data to help you budget for labour costs for your under stairs storage.

What factors impact the cost of under stairs storage?

There are a few factors to bear in mind that will impact the cost of under stairs storage:

Size of the space: Of course, the larger the space, the more materials you will need, which will increase the cost. It will also take the carpenter longer to fit the under-stair cabinets if the space is larger.

Materials used: The type of materials used can also have a significant impact on the cost of under stairs storage. For example, using high-quality hardwood or custom-built cabinets will cost more than using plywood or pre-made cabinets.

Customisation: If you want to customise the storage space with features such as drawers, shelves, or lighting, this will increase the cost. If your storage units will need painting as well, you’ll need to factor in the cost of a painter and decorator.

Where you live: Unfortunately you can’t do much about this one. Where you live will impact the cost of your under stairs storage, as carpenters charge different hourly and daily rates across the country. If you live in London or the south east, expect to pay more than those living in the north or more rural areas of the UK.

Under stairs storage video

Bespoke under stairs storage vs ready-made solutions

Companies such as Hammonds, Sharps and Clever Closet all offer ready-made units for under stairs storage. These can be a great option if you’re on a budget or you have a typical-size space under your stairs, but there are benefits to having bespoke under stairs storage too.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when deciding which option is best for you:

Advantages of bespoke under stairs storage

Customisation: With bespoke under stairs storage, you have complete control over the design and layout of your storage space. This means you can create a storage solution that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and uses every inch of space you have available.

High quality: Bespoke storage solutions are typically of higher quality than ready-made units. This is because they are made to order using high-quality materials and are crafted with attention to detail.

Unique: With bespoke under stairs storage, you can create a unique storage solution that is one-of-a-kind. This can add value to your home and make it stand out from others on the market.

Disadvantages of bespoke under stairs storage

Cost: Bespoke storage solutions are typically more expensive than ready-made units. This is because they are custom-made to your specifications, which requires more time and resources. It will also take your carpenter longer to install them.

Time-consuming: Building bespoke storage under stairs can be a time-consuming process. This is because it requires careful planning, design, and installation. Since it takes more time, you’ll pay more in labour costs.

Advantages of ready-made under stairs storage

Cost-effective: Ready-made storage units are typically more cost-effective than bespoke solutions. This is because they are produced in large quantities, which reduces the cost of production.

Quick and easy installation: Ready-made storage units can be installed quickly and easily. You’ll save money on installation costs since it won’t take your carpenter as long to install compared to if they were building you bespoke cabinets.

Warranty: Most ready-made storage units come with a warranty, which provides peace of mind and protection against defects or damage. You might not get this with bespoke under stairs storage – make sure to ask your carpenter if you’re worried.

Disadvantages of ready-made under stairs storage

Limited customisation: Ready-made storage units offer limited customisation options. This means you may not be able to create a storage solution that meets all of your specific needs, and you might waste space if you can’t get a cabinet to fit every nook and cranny.

Quality: Ready-made storage units may not be of the same quality as bespoke solutions. This is because they are produced in large quantities and may not be made with the same level of attention to detail.

Ultimately, the decision to choose bespoke or ready-made under stairs storage will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. It's important to consider all of the factors above and do your research before making a final decision.

How do I maximise storage under my stairs?

Maximising storage space under stairs is all about using creative design ideas and utilising every inch of the available space. Here are some tips to help you maximise storage under your stairs:

Custom-built cabinets: Custom-built cabinets are an excellent way to maximise storage space under stairs. They can be designed to fit the space perfectly and can be customised with features such as drawers, shelves, and hanging rods.

Built-in drawers: Your carpenter can build drawers into the stairs themselves, providing a functional and stylish solution. Store gym equipment, the kids’ school stuff or shoes and simply open the drawers for access.

Shelves: Shelves are an easy and affordable way to add extra storage space under stairs. They can be installed on the walls under the stairs or built into the stairs themselves.

Pull-out storage: Pull-out storage is a great way to maximise storage space under stairs. It can be designed to fit under the stairs, providing easy access to items stored in the back.

Hidden storage: Hidden storage is a clever way to maximize storage space under stairs. It can be designed to look like a bookshelf or other decorative element, providing a unique and fun way to store your belongings.

Can I build storage under stairs myself?

If you have some DIY experience and the right tools, you can build storage under stairs yourself. However, it's essential to keep in mind that building under stairs storage requires some technical skills and knowledge. If you don't feel confident in your abilities, it's best to hire a professional to do the job.

Post your job on HaMuch now and we’ll put you in touch with carpenters in your area to save you the hassle of building under stairs storage yourself.


Estimates for common carpenter & joiner jobs;

Job Estimate
Cost to install wooden flooring £605
Cost to restore a wooden floor £278
Cost to create under stairs storage £915
Cost to install a partition wall £262
Cost to fit out a shop £1290
Cost to fit out a restaurant £1400
Cost to replace a window sill £349
Cost to replace the floorboards £310
Cost to replace the staircase and bannister £4500
Supply and fit new skirting, architrave and door frames £400
Cost to replace a door frame £165
Cost to install a loft ladder £118
Cost to board the loft £650
Cost for kitchen cupboard door replacement £460
Cost to hang a door £91
Cost to fit fitted wardrobes £4500
Cost to have bespoke bookshelves fitted £280
Cost to fit blinds £30 per blind
Cost to make and fit a radiator cover £352
Cost to fit a cat flap £115
Cost to box in pipes £259
Cost to design and fit alcove cupboards or shelves £650
Repairs on window frames and windowpanes including leaks £100 per window

Rates for other trades

Under stairs storage cost in the UK
Under stairs storage cost in the UK (excluding VAT or callout charges)
Location in UKUnder stairs storage cost
Under stairs storage near Aberdeen£851
Under stairs storage near Amber Valley£807
Under stairs storage near Angus£911
Under stairs storage near Arun£927
Under stairs storage near Ashfield£791
Under stairs storage near Aylesbury Vale£943
Under stairs storage near Barnsley£763
Under stairs storage near Basildon£919
Under stairs storage near Basingstoke & Deane£843
Under stairs storage near Bassetlaw£723
Under stairs storage near Bath & North East Somerset£827
Under stairs storage near Bedford£963
Under stairs storage near Belfast£579
Under stairs storage near Birmingham£747
Under stairs storage near Blackburn£723
Under stairs storage near Blackpool£675
Under stairs storage near Bolton£787
Under stairs storage near Bournemouth£839
Under stairs storage near Bracknell Forest£903
Under stairs storage near Bradford£735
Under stairs storage near Braintree£895
Under stairs storage near Breckland£787
Under stairs storage near Bridgend£755
Under stairs storage near Brighton£899
Under stairs storage near Bristol£819
Under stairs storage near Broadland£731
Under stairs storage near Broxtowe£791
Under stairs storage near Bury£799
Under stairs storage near Caerphilly£811
Under stairs storage near Calderdale£719
Under stairs storage near Cambridge£859
Under stairs storage near Canterbury£767
Under stairs storage near Cardiff£815
Under stairs storage near Carmarthenshire£659
Under stairs storage near Charnwood£787
Under stairs storage near Chelmsford£899
Under stairs storage near Cheltenham£939
Under stairs storage near Cherwell£963
Under stairs storage near Chester£767
Under stairs storage near Colchester£875
Under stairs storage near Conway£715
Under stairs storage near Coventry£735
Under stairs storage near Crewe & Nantwich£1007
Under stairs storage near Dacorum£911
Under stairs storage near Derby£807
Under stairs storage near Doncaster£723
Under stairs storage near Dover£727
Under stairs storage near Dudley£731
Under stairs storage near Dumfries & Galloway£663
Under stairs storage near Dundee£935
Under stairs storage near East Ayrshire£879
Under stairs storage near East Devon£763
Under stairs storage near East Dunbartonshire£723
Under stairs storage near East Hampshire£851
Under stairs storage near East Hertfordshire£939
Under stairs storage near East Riding£795
Under stairs storage near Eastleigh£895
Under stairs storage near Edinburgh£879
Under stairs storage near Elmbridge£943
Under stairs storage near Epping Forest£947
Under stairs storage near Erewash£795
Under stairs storage near Exeter£731
Under stairs storage near Falkirk£763
Under stairs storage near Fife£947
Under stairs storage near Flintshire£759
Under stairs storage near Gateshead£735
Under stairs storage near Gedling£771
Under stairs storage near Glasgow£727
Under stairs storage near Gloucester£883
Under stairs storage near Guildford£903
Under stairs storage near Gwynedd£671
Under stairs storage near Halton£795
Under stairs storage near Harrogate£739
Under stairs storage near Havant & Waterloo£879
Under stairs storage near Highland£843
Under stairs storage near Horsham£887
Under stairs storage near Huntingdonshire£959
Under stairs storage near Ipswich£871
Under stairs storage near Isle of Wight£863
Under stairs storage near Kings Lynn & West Norfolk£819
Under stairs storage near Kingston-upon-Hull£735
Under stairs storage near Kirklees£755
Under stairs storage near Knowsley£743
Under stairs storage near Lancaster£771
Under stairs storage near Leeds£751
Under stairs storage near Leicester£771
Under stairs storage near Lisburn£579
Under stairs storage near Liverpool£739
Under stairs storage near London£943
Under stairs storage near Luton£935
Under stairs storage near Macclesfield£855
Under stairs storage near Maidstone£855
Under stairs storage near Manchester£815
Under stairs storage near Mid Bedfordshire£935
Under stairs storage near Mid Sussex£867
Under stairs storage near Middlesbrough£863
Under stairs storage near Milton Keynes£911
Under stairs storage near Neath Port Talbot£751
Under stairs storage near New Forest£863
Under stairs storage near Newbury£847
Under stairs storage near Newcastle-under-Lyme£847
Under stairs storage near Newcastle-upon-Tyne£735
Under stairs storage near Newport£823
Under stairs storage near North Ayrshire£815
Under stairs storage near North East Lincolnshire£779
Under stairs storage near North Hertfordshire£951
Under stairs storage near North Lanarkshire£715
Under stairs storage near North Lincolnshire£711
Under stairs storage near North Somerset£827
Under stairs storage near North Tyneside£735
Under stairs storage near North Wiltshire£831
Under stairs storage near Northampton£831
Under stairs storage near Norwich£751
Under stairs storage near Nottingham£795
Under stairs storage near Nuneaton & Bedworth£739
Under stairs storage near Oldham£807
Under stairs storage near Oxford£951
Under stairs storage near Pembrokeshire£835
Under stairs storage near Perth & Kinross£1091
Under stairs storage near Peterborough£1035
Under stairs storage near Plymouth£735
Under stairs storage near Poole£847
Under stairs storage near Portsmouth£879
Under stairs storage near Preston£695
Under stairs storage near Reading£883
Under stairs storage near Redcar & Cleveland£859
Under stairs storage near Reigate & Banstead£947
Under stairs storage near Renfrewshire£759
Under stairs storage near Rhondda, Cynon, Taff£795
Under stairs storage near Rochdale£783
Under stairs storage near Rotherham£747
Under stairs storage near Salford£807
Under stairs storage near Salisbury£883
Under stairs storage near Sandwell£731
Under stairs storage near Scarborough£895
Under stairs storage near Scottish Borders£931
Under stairs storage near Sefton£743
Under stairs storage near Sevenoaks£903
Under stairs storage near Sheffield£743
Under stairs storage near Slough£927
Under stairs storage near Solihull£715
Under stairs storage near South Ayrshire£851
Under stairs storage near South Bedfordshire£963
Under stairs storage near South Cambridgeshire£915
Under stairs storage near South Gloucestershire£807
Under stairs storage near South Kesteven£803
Under stairs storage near South Lanarkshire£707
Under stairs storage near South Oxfordshire£943
Under stairs storage near South Somerset£1015
Under stairs storage near South Tyneside£739
Under stairs storage near Southampton£891
Under stairs storage near Southend-on-Sea£863
Under stairs storage near St Albans£931
Under stairs storage near St Helens£751
Under stairs storage near Stafford£847
Under stairs storage near Stockport£835
Under stairs storage near Stockton-on-Tees£859
Under stairs storage near Stoke-on-Trent£839
Under stairs storage near Stratford-on-Avon£783
Under stairs storage near Stroud£859
Under stairs storage near Suffolk Coastal£843
Under stairs storage near Sunderland£743
Under stairs storage near Swale£839
Under stairs storage near Swansea£731
Under stairs storage near Tameside£823
Under stairs storage near Teignbridge£767
Under stairs storage near Tendring£879
Under stairs storage near Test Valley£863
Under stairs storage near Thamesdown£807
Under stairs storage near Thanet£755
Under stairs storage near The Wrekin£739
Under stairs storage near Thurrock£907
Under stairs storage near Torbay£755
Under stairs storage near Trafford£839
Under stairs storage near Vale of Glamorgan£839
Under stairs storage near Vale of White Horse£919
Under stairs storage near Vale Royal£755
Under stairs storage near Wakefield£743
Under stairs storage near Walsall£739
Under stairs storage near Warrington£835
Under stairs storage near Warwick£735
Under stairs storage near Waveney£731
Under stairs storage near Waverley£867
Under stairs storage near Wealden£879
Under stairs storage near West Lancashire£735
Under stairs storage near West Lothian£847
Under stairs storage near West Wiltshire£831
Under stairs storage near Wigan£751
Under stairs storage near Windsor & Maidenhead£927
Under stairs storage near Wirral£747
Under stairs storage near Wokingham£891
Under stairs storage near Wolverhampton£763
Under stairs storage near Wrexham Maelor£791
Under stairs storage near Wychavon£783
Under stairs storage near Wycombe£959
Under stairs storage near York£751