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 
6 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?
Oh look, it’s an AC duct!
Thank you so much!
Is it located above the stairs?
Is positioned to the left of the closet
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.
Oh wow, this could come in handy!
As for me, I’d definitely remove the paneling to see what’s hiding behind it. Then figure out the next steps from there.
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.
My initial reaction is
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.
You come across unexpected things in unexpected places, but they have a purpose. However, I agree with you and others on the ductwork issue.
I would be too curious and click on one of the top articles. Best of luck, it’s interesting how people think about construction.
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.
I’ve successfully completed this on numerous projects.
Is there a return duct grill located just outside that room? If there is, that is likely what occupies that space.
‘s thought is that it could be connected to the vent in the bedroom.
Giving a thumbs up emoji, suggesting that a grill on the wall is likely.
I bet it has to do with the stairs, ducts, or plumbing area. Try taking off the top to check.
If I take it off, then I’ll have to figure out how to put it back on too 🤣
Using finishing nails is a piece of cake. Maybe add some white caulking to clean it up a bit.
I have zero experience actually doing the work. The previous owners did everything themselves so poorly that I’m worried about making it even worse!
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
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
Simply remove everything except the box, and utilize those fantastic deep sliding storage drawers.
Hey , I wish they weren’t as pricey.
Probably an air return
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!
Hey, , thanks a lot! I’ll try to figure out the location from the basement.
It’s probably the back part of the steps or some sort of utility area.
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.
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.
Oh yeah, that could be true. And yep, just want to have an idea before I start tearing things apart
I’m thinking ducting, but then again, maybe not
Is the stairwell turning and going in the opposite direction? It seems like it’s meant for the headroom of a staircase.
Mentioned that there are stairs in a straight line.
As you tear it apart, try opening it up to see what’s inside.
I was worried I wouldn’t be able to figure out how to assemble it again.
Can you check what’s on the other side, the left side, or underneath that spot?
So , there’s a wall below, stairs to the left, and a bedroom to the right.
Why don’t you remove the shelf on top and see if there might be a hidden treasure there?
If only. Haha, maybe just another failed DIY project like the ones I’ve seen in the rest of the house
Maybe a skull. I’m not entirely sure what else it might be🤷
It’s probably an air conditioning duct or plumbing. It will remain in place during the project.
I really appreciate it! I’ll make sure to consider that.
Since you have stairs going down to the left… I think it’s a bulkhead for your stairs.
Thank you! I might have to look up what a bulkhead is