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Should we rip out the solid wall at the bottom of our deep linen closet to increase functionality, or is there something functional behind it?

Asked by Dobrivod Lemanskiy
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 14, 2024

Quick update: I’m thinking that hose is for the vent on the other side of the wall. Thanks so much for all the help, it’s really appreciated!

So, we recently got our first house and we’re slowly taking on projects. Right now, we’re looking to revamp this linen closet to make it more practical for storage. It’s really deep, so we can’t see or access things in the back. We’re thinking of removing the shelves, but there’s a solid portion at the bottom. Any ideas on what might be underneath? Just want to make sure it’s safe to take out before we dive in.

In short: any thoughts on what’s behind this wall or can we go ahead and remove it to make the closet more accessible?

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Maximiliano Espinoza

Oh look, it’s an AC duct!

R Van der Valk

Is it located above the stairs?

Everett Johnston

You have the option of purchasing track shelves to easily pull out the shelf and access everything that’s there. This could come in handy if you’re unable to take out the solid piece at the bottom.

Hugo Clarke

As for me, I’d definitely remove the paneling to see what’s hiding behind it. Then figure out the next steps from there.

Oya Aşıkoğlu

If the staircase on the left side of the closet curves and extends beneath the closet, it’s likely designed to provide more headroom for the stairs.

Kadir Sadıklar

My initial reaction is

Arlo Singh

It could be the stairs, plumbing, or ductwork. They must have had a reason for that. You might be able to remove the top to inspect.

Arlo Singh

I would be too curious and click on one of the top articles. Best of luck, it’s interesting how people think about construction.

Fekla Ryabec

It’s probably necessary, could be vents, pipes, or some kind of system. If you need to remove it, you can do so but you would have to find a replacement/cover for it. You might not have to remove the entire shelf, you could possibly just push it back for partial storage. If it’s very deep, consider checking out closet organizers with sliders.

Snorre Ophus

I’ve successfully completed this on numerous projects.

Sobislava Butko

Is there a return duct grill located just outside that room? If there is, that is likely what occupies that space.

Sobislava Butko

Giving a thumbs up emoji, suggesting that a grill on the wall is likely.

Everett Cunningham

I bet it has to do with the stairs, ducts, or plumbing area. Try taking off the top to check.

Everett Cunningham

Using finishing nails is a piece of cake. Maybe add some white caulking to clean it up a bit.

Topias Rautio

Drill a small hole from the top after removing the remaining shelves and use your phone camera to take a picture. If you’re planning to work on the rest of the shelves, or you might as well, just pry the entire thing off and inspect. You have to start somewhere and this is as simple as it gets

Everett Cunningham

You can’t mess that up, it’s just prying a lid off a box. Use the crowbar, push it up, push it back down, touch up the paint and/or caulking if it’s sealed with paint

Everett Cunningham

Simply remove everything except the box, and utilize those fantastic deep sliding storage drawers.

Steven Soto

Probably an air return

Laura Amador

What’s underneath it? Head to the floor below this closet and take a look up, what do you see? Is it more stairs? Can you spot an air duct, grate, removable panel, or hatch cover? What’s behind and to the right of the closet? This could give you a clue about what’s under or behind this part of the wall, before you go through the effort of taking apart the closet or wall. Adding lights inside the closet and installing full extension heavy-duty pull-out shelves could be beneficial. Best of luck!

Quísnia Nogueira

It’s probably the back part of the steps or some sort of utility area.

Sénio Rodrigues

There’s something resembling that in one side of my closet, and on the other side, there’s something similar as well. The similar one is squared that way because there are steps underneath and the ceiling is at an angle. The other side only has duct work hidden underneath.

Noélie Olivier

Maybe it was originally used as a closet for the hvac system with the air handler inside? And maybe they moved the handler to a different location, like the attic?

No one here can really say for sure. You’ll just have to open it up and take a look.

Matt Wells

I’m thinking ducting, but then again, maybe not

Sophie Zhang

Is the stairwell turning and going in the opposite direction? It seems like it’s meant for the headroom of a staircase.

Elif Adal

As you tear it apart, try opening it up to see what’s inside.

Urbana Campos

Can you check what’s on the other side, the left side, or underneath that spot?

Josiane Richard

Why don’t you remove the shelf on top and see if there might be a hidden treasure there?

Jeffrey Watson

Maybe a skull. I’m not entirely sure what else it might be🤷

Anujna Rajesh

It’s probably an air conditioning duct or plumbing. It will remain in place during the project.

Lorenzo Caballero

Since you have stairs going down to the left… I think it’s a bulkhead for your stairs.

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