In-Wall Build Underneath Steps???

[underdasea]

In the process of building a new house and was curious what the opinions of some more experienced hobbyists were.
There is a mountain of wasted space below the steps coming down to the basement (which will be finished). Given my propensity and inclination to get as much use out of things as humanly possible, I would like to do an in-wall build with the tank enclosed in the area underneath the stairs. I would plan to have a drain installed for maintenance, but my question is whether or not this would adversely affect the staircase/structure/wood in any way? Can I count on problems (i.e. mildew/mold etc.) with the steps from water evaporation/decreased ventilation?
My plan is to put a 180 or 240 (8' long) in the space. While it will take some effort, I think it can be done reasonably - as long as there will not be any forseeable issues.
Your thoughts (especially those who have tanks under their steps) are welcome and appreciated. I need to make a decision soon so that I can tell the contractor whether or not to install the drain.
Thanks.

 

[michaeltx]

planning is going to be a must the humidity is really going to be a factor for you under the steps and because it closed in will cause moisture issues for the wood in that area. so precautions will need to be taken to keep it from ruining the stairs and all.
mike

 

[scopus tang]

My comment would be that you are going to have issues with space as well; If you've only got the traditional 36 inches under the stairs, and you put in a tank that is 24 to 30 inches deep, how are you going to get to the back to maintain it? I considered something similar, than gave up and put the tank on the wall along the stairs and left room in the closet beneath the stairs to put in a chiller (just make sure you run electricity before hand). Course if your stairs are wider than the traditional, then you may not have these issues.

 

[fats71]

Indeed if they are 36 wide you will be able to do it with half in half out showing the front and half of both sides so as to allow yourself room to get behind it. I guess it would be recessed is what I am saying. The wood you use on your steps will have soe bearing over time but for the most part if their is space behind the tank and space above it than it should really not be a issue as it is not like your running constant water on it. De-humidifiers and humidifiers are ccommon and easy to instal with your in home system ( we always put one in our home with heater etc so as to not have somme bulky one sitting in a room somewhere running loudly and needing filled every other day.
The wood itself can be treated wood as well if that is something your concerned about but honestly if you leave room behind it and room above it why worry about it unless the room has no circulation IMO.
I used to build some houses and I seriously do not see where this would be a issue.

 

[sharkbait9]

I can tell you one thing, my father has a in wall tank and we had to replace the dry wall and paneling around it. We did not water proof the frame or the paneling and it got a mildew on it from humidity and the lights. Make sure the area around the tank is well vented.

 

[natclanwy]

Beside the depth, I would think height would be an issue also at least at one end of the tank where it would be difficult to access the tank from the top because of the slope of the stairs.