Hello, we're in the process of converting our loft and are urgently seeking some advice on utilising the space above the staircase for storage. We have a fairly deep triangular space we want to use for shelving or cupboards, but are at a loss of how to best access the area. Ideally, we would be able to access it from the inside of the loft room and would add cupboard doors, but don't know how to deal with the odd triangular shape. Any suggestions would be much appreciated! Cheers.

Can u post a picture of area u want to work on?

This will help us to help u.

Chuck

Hi Chuck, thanks very much for your reply. I've attached a couple of snaps here which might help. We have to have a floor-to-ceiling wall running around the top of the stairs for fire regulations, and are able to use a steep triangle of space above the stairs for storage. On one photo, a yellow line should be visible showing the space available. Ideally, we'd be able to access it from the side with the blue tarpulin, but are concerned having doors rising diagonally up the wall could look very odd. The alternative would be to access it from the shorter side, but then we'd have the problem of not being able to reach things at the back. Any suggestions would be enormously appreciated! Cheers, Sophie.

If my calculations are correct, your ceiling height is approximatly 7' 4'' from floor. Is this correct?

The minimum height,for safe passage, is 6' 10'' from front edge of step to stair case ceiling.

The below layout is from standing on blue tarp.

Ignore the angle of ceiling over stairs when framing the openings for doors. The angle will only be visible when door is open.

If reduce size of doors by equal amounts it will retain an architectural design and leave spaces for pictures of same size.

Other option is to install fake doors so patent of doors is uniform.

Good luck

Chuck

Hi Chuck, and thanks again for taking the time to get back, it's much appreciated. We're in the UK and the mininum clearance over the stairs needed is 1.9 metres, and you were almost spot on with the ceiling height, it'll be about 7 ft. Without wanting to take up any more of your time, could you just clarify very quickly -- do you mean it would be best to cover up the angle by having say one door floor to ceiling, and then a couple from the ceiling to mid-way up the wall? Our Polish builders have never converted an attic before and so we're all at a loss of what to do next! Cheers, Sophie.

Hi Sophie
U are building a wall in front of brick and another wall on other side of stairs.

The angle framing above stairs will be nailed to these walls. Recommend sheetrock brick wall studding and ceiling before installing framing for angle ceiling in stairway.

When framing wall (inside wall located by tarp), frame it with openings for the doors u will be putting in. These doors can be any size u feel appropriate.

I am not astute in drawing on computer. Sorry.

U can put in 3' high doors. This will give u a set doors (one on top of other) 2 high. U can make as many sets as wall will take.

If u have the room, u can frame the inside wall with 2 by 8 studding and use the space in between for cups , glasses. Or u can leave off adoor and make it a shadow box.

If I confused u let me know and I will try to clearify

Chuck

Thanks so much for all your help, it's greatly appreciated! Cheers, Sophie.