Understair storage?

[Doug71]

A customer wants to incorporate some shoe storage in the bottom few steps of their staircase and have seen the video below , the other option I've suggested is converting a couple of the risers into drawers.

It's a bit of a squeaky staircase in a 1970's house, the staircase needs a bit of attention (stop the squeaking) so now would be the perfect time to do it.

The video does look fun but the drawers might be a bit more sensible, anybody done similar or got any other ideas?

 

[robgul]

Lots of reno jobs on YT have incorporate drawers and/or cupboards in the side of a staircase (assuming the side of the rise is open and not between 2 walls) - I have seen a staircase at a friend's house with a a couple of risers with drawers - not brilliant as the drawers are quite shallow and the apertures affect the structural strength of the staircase.

 

[Kayen]

The riser is usually grooved into the underside of one tread and fixed into the back of the tread below. If you turn the riser into a drawer I don't see how the unsupported tread won't flex. I'd be interested in finding out how this isn't a problem.