How to Build Storage Space in an Interior Wall

Place a stud finder on the wall and mark the general location of each stud. Drive a finish nail through the wall around the location of each stud to find the exact edges of the studs.

Cut a 2-inch wide hole in the wall where you plan to install the storage. Look inside the hole with a flashlight to see if any water pipes, electrical wiring or other obstacles sit behind the wall.

Place a level along the markings you made at the inside edges between two studs. Draw vertical lines to mark the edges of the studs. Mark the top and bottom of the storage area you plan to build, connecting to the two vertical lines.

Cut along the lines you marked on the wall, using a drywall knife, and then pull out the drywall in the cutout area. Measure the height, width and depth of the cutout in the wall.

Cut boards to fit along the top, bottom and sides of the cutout. Spread construction adhesive on the ends of the boards that will contact the other boards, and assemble the frame on a flat surface. Drive wood screws through the boards’ joints, further strengthening the frame.

Cut a piece of plywood to the same size as the frame you assembled. Place the plywood over the backside of the frame and drive nails through the edges of the plywood and into the wood frame.

Measure where you wish to position shelves inside the frame, if you plan on installing any in your storage, and mark the same measurements on both sides of the cabinet. Cut the shelves to fit inside the frame you constructed, and then slide the shelves in so they line up with the markings you made.

Drill pilot holes where you marked on the frame, stopping once the drill bit penetrates the shelves. Drive wood screws through the pilot holes, anchoring the shelves in position.

Insert the frame you constructed into the cutout in the wall. Drive wood screws through the sides of the frame, penetrating the wall studs, holding the storage in place.