How to Build Attic Knee Wall Storage

Knee walls often create deep, cavernous voids that collect nothing but dust and forgotten seasonal decorations. By framing out these sections with dedicated pull-out storage, you reclaim otherwise dead square footage and organize your home in a way that respects the architecture of your house. Done well, this storage looks like a permanent extension of your room rather than a makeshift bin. The secret lies in precise measurement and ensuring your drawer boxes are rated for the weight you intend to stow. Since attics are subject to temperature fluctuations, keep your materials dry and choose hardware that can handle the expansion and contraction common in rafters. A flush-finished facade will make these storage units disappear seamlessly into the wall when closed.

1. Survey the Space Carefully. Measure the depth and height of the void behind your existing knee wall. Ensure the floor is level; if not, use thin shims to create a level base for your storage units.
2. Anchor the Foundation First. Build a simple platform out of 2x4 lumber to act as a base for your drawers. Secure this base directly to the floor joists to ensure it stays anchored under load.
3. Square Every Corner Exactly. Assemble drawer boxes using 1/2-inch plywood with glued and screwed butt joints. Keep the height at least two inches lower than the opening to account for the slide hardware.
4. Mount Slides Perfectly Parallel. Mount the ball-bearing drawer slides to the side walls of your framing and the drawer boxes. Ensure they are perfectly parallel to allow smooth operation.
5. Hide Every Screw Head. Cut finish-grade plywood to match the exact size of the opening, then attach these panels to the front of your drawer boxes. Use a countersink bit to hide the screw heads.
6. Blend Seamlessly Into Walls. Sand all edges smooth and apply a high-quality primer to the plywood. Finish with two coats of paint to match your existing wall color for a built-in look.