Under Stairs Storage Cost UK (2026): Prices & Ideas

Updated September 2026 with current UK prices.

Under stairs storage costs from about £1,200 for a fitted three-drawer pull-out unit, £1,500–£3,500 for mid-range bespoke drawers and cupboards, and anything from £800 to £8,000+ overall. A simple cupboard with a door is at the bottom of the range; full-height pull-out drawers, shoe and coat storage and painted bespoke joinery are at the top.

2026 under stairs storage prices at a glance

What you're paying for	2026 price
Compact 3-drawer pull-out unit, fitted	from about £1,200
Six drawers plus two cupboards, fitted	around £2,600
Mid-range bespoke with drawers and pull-outs	£1,500–£3,500
Extra drawers or pull-out shelves	£200–£600 each
Full range, simple to premium	£800–£8,000+

Typical UK prices including VAT, based on published UK trade price guides and checked in September 2026. Guide prices, not quotes. Get free quotes from local joiners.

How much does it cost to build storage under the stairs?

It depends on which kind of storage you want:

• Simple cupboard with a door and shelves: usually under £1,000 fitted.
• Pull-out drawers: the most popular option. Each drawer runs the full depth of the stair and uses heavy-duty runners. Around £1,200 for three drawers and £2,600 for six drawers plus cupboards.
• Mixed bespoke unit: drawers, a coat cupboard, shoe storage and open shelves, usually £1,500–£3,500.
• Premium joinery: hand-painted timber, integrated lighting, a built-in desk or bench, £4,000–£8,000+.

Ready-made vs bespoke

Stairs vary so much in height, depth and angle that most under stairs storage is made to measure. Some companies sell modular pull-out units in set sizes, which cost less but can leave gaps. A local joiner can build units to fit the space exactly, including awkward triangles at the low end.

What affects the price?

• Number of pull-outs: each full-depth drawer needs strong runners and adds £200–£600.
• Finish: painted MDF or timber costs more than melamine or foil.
• The space: removing old panelling, uneven floors or services behind the stairs (such as a gas meter or consumer unit) add time.
• Extras: lighting, a built-in bench, a desk or a wine rack.

Things to check before you start

• Services: many under-stairs spaces house the electricity meter, consumer unit or gas meter. These must stay accessible and must not be boxed in. Ask your fitter to plan around them.
• Fire safety: in some homes, especially flats and three-storey houses, the stair enclosure is part of the fire escape route. Don't remove fire-resisting boards or doors without checking.
• Ventilation: if you're storing coats and shoes, a vented door or panel helps prevent damp smells.

How to check a joiner or storage company

Most under stairs storage is built by joinery firms. From our research on Companies House data:

• There are about 16,000 joinery and carpentry companies in the UK (September 2026).
• 54% of joinery and carpentry companies set up in 2019–2020 were still trading five years later, one of the best rates of any trade (Trade Survival Index).

Check the company's age and status on HouseJester or Companies House, keep the deposit modest, and get the design and total price in writing.

Under stairs storage FAQs

How much does under stairs storage cost? Usually £1,200–£3,500 for fitted pull-out drawers and cupboards in 2026, with simple cupboards under £1,000 and premium joinery up to £8,000+.

Are pull-out drawers or a cupboard better under the stairs? Pull-out drawers use the full depth of the space and make everything easy to reach. A cupboard is cheaper and better for tall items such as a vacuum cleaner.

How long does it take to fit? Usually one or two days on site once the units are made. Bespoke units often have a lead time of a few weeks.

What joiners earn: carpenter and joiner salary in the UK.

Browse storage companies on HouseJester to find fitters near you.