First Choose the Type
There are basically two types of wine cellars.
1) Passive Wine Cellar: No environmental temperature / humidity control.
2) Active Wine Cellar: Environmental control of temperature / humidity
Create The Ideal Conditions
Ideal Wine Cellar Conditions & Requirements
55°F Temperature
We recommend an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit for all wine storage. Cooler temperatures won't damage your wine but will slow it's development. Keep in mind a temperature of 65 degrees or more will have a negative effect on wine the longer it's stored.
65% Relative Humidity
The ideal humidity in your wine cellar should be between 60 and 70 percent, but anything over 50 percent is acceptable. High humidity, 80 percent or more, may cause mold to form on the corks and bottles.
Framing & Insullation Specs
The ideal long-term wine storage should avoid heat, direct light and vibration. Ideally, your space can accommodate thse conditions year-round. If not, consider investing in a wine cooling unit and humidification system.
Location! Location! A Basement Wine Cellar or Wine Room?
Location is the most important factor to consider when building a wine cellar on a budget. Picking the right location can save you thousands of dollars in renovation costs, wine cellar cooling units, and more. Many people decide on building a wine cellar in basements, closets and under the stairs.
Ideal Locations Have...
You'll have many decisions to make when building a wine cellar, but deciding on the wine cellar location is the best place to start. Your wine storage doesn't have to be a custom-built wine cellar anymore. Transform an offbeat niche or alcove, under the stairs, or a spare closet, you name it!
See Inspo For Different Spaces
Basement Wine Cellar
Under Stairs
Kitchen Cabinet
Wine Pantry
Wine Room
Wine Closet
Wine Cellar Construction
Whether you're a homeowner building a wine cellar for yourself or a contractor working on this type of job for the first time, these pointers can help you create a wine preservation masterpiece.
Consider furring your walls and prioritize insulation - more detail on proper wine insulation is shared below. Choose your preferred wine cellar framing. Unless local codes dictate otherwise, standard 2 x 4 framing is sufficient for R13 insulation; ideally R19 should be used for insulation, thus requiring 2 x 6 framing.
Any electrical work should be completed to code prior to adding insulation and drywall.
Optimal Wine Cellar Framing & Insulation
- 2" x 6" Framing
- R19 Insulation in Walls
- R30 Insulation in Ceiling
Our team is here to provide additional guidance. Reach out to our custom wine cellar team for advice tailored to your project.
Insulation is Necessary when Building a Wine Cellar
A vapor barrier is critical in controlling the humidity of your wine cellar. This barrier keeps the higher humidity from flowing out of the room, and prevents warm and most air from getting in (especialy in high temperature and humid areas). The vapor barrier helps to prevent excess condensation build up if you are using a cooling unit.
The interior walls of your wine cellar should be insulated with a minimum of R13 for 2 x 4 framing (preferably R19 in 2 x 6). If you live in areas of very high summer temperatures or very low winter temperatures, we recommend that you insulate with R19 (minimum) and R30 where your framing allows. Ceilings should be insulated to a minimum of R19 with R30 being preferred.
If you have access to both sides of your stud wall...
Install the vapor barrier between the studs and the warm exterior wall.
- Exterior Wall
- 6 mil poly/plastic Vapor Barrier
- Insulation
- Drywall or Greenboard (recommended)
- Wall Treatment
Typically, 1/2″ plywood sheeting will be secured to all walls (after electrical rough in and insulation) to anchor your wine racking, but it is not required if using nailers between studs. Although a standard 1/2″– 3/4″ sheet rock may be used, it is highly recommended that you use moisture resistant “green board”.
If you have access only to the interior of your stud wall...
Install the vapor barrier stapled over the studs prior to installing insulation.
- 6 mil poly/plastic Vapor Barrier
- Insulation
- Drywall or Greenboard (recommended)
- Wall Treatment
Your wallboard may be finished with a quality oil base or latex enamel paint. We do not recommend installing a baseboard as the racking will be flush to the entire wall and include a toe kick molding.
Choose A Wall Vaneer
A wall treatment can really help set the mood in your basement wine cellar or wine room. Some popular ideas include paneling made from wooden wine crates to wine corks and classic brick. Consider lining the wall with our Natural Stone Veneer Panels; the perfect backdrop to showcase your bottles. We carry ledgestone, mosaic stone, river rock stone and many more in a variety of shapes and colors. From on-trend Alaska Gray real stone veneer panels to archaic Boston Blend real stone thin veneer styles, we have a look for everyone. Made of real stone in the USA, this high-quality finish adds authenticity and prestige to your wine cellar design.allows. Ceilings should be insulated to a minimum of R19 with R30 being preferred.
Wine Racking Options
Choosing the right wine racks is an essential finishing touch, and our specialty. Traditional wooden wine racks, stunning metal wine racks and innovative complete cellar systems can bring endless design possibilities to your new space.
- Wooden wine racks: Our Prestige Wine Rack Kits are handmade locally and are some of our most popular wooden solutions. Prestige designs come in a wide range of heights, styles, wood species and finishes. For those that admire the finest craftsmanship and seek a timeless product that will last a lifetime, Prestige wooden wine racks are for you.
- Metal wine racks: For an iconic, statement look consider VintageView metal wine racks. With label-forward designs, floating wine racks and floor-to-ceiling wine kits, this collection can transform your cellar into a modern masterpiece.
Rack Options
Selecting a Door
Enter your new space through a beautiful and functional wine cellar door. When building a wine cellar it is essential that an exterior grade door is chosen, to keep the cool in and heat out and best preserve your collection.
Your chosen door should therefore have excellent insulating properties. Our gorgeous pre-hung solid wooden wine cellar doors make the most of glass panels and intricate carvings to create the regal entrance you deserve.
Wine Cellar Doors
Our Most Popular Cellar Doors
A Cooling System is Essential When Building a Wine Cellar
Wine cooling units are available in several different configurations. Take some time to choose the Best Wine Cellar Cooling Unit For You based on your cellar location and size. Wine cooling units work similar to air conditioners – they add cool air to the room and exhaust hot air.
Most cooling units can be installed if you’re handy, with the exception of the split systems. Split systems require an experienced HVAC Contractor for installation because coolant must be added to the system once installed. For proper operation and effectiveness of your cooling unit, it is important to get the right size unit for your space, have proper insulation and vapor barriers.
Cooling System Options
Through-the-Wall Cooling Unit
Installed through a hole in a wall and exhausted into another room (or exterior space depending on the unit)
Fully Ducted Cooling Unit
Allows you to mount the cooling unit remotely (in a ceiling or utility room) and uses ducting to both blow the cool air in and exhaust the warm air out.
Split System Cooling
Works like your home central air conditioning. Half of the unit is located inside the cellar and the other half is located outside of your home. These units usually require installation by a certified HVAC technician.
Budget Options
Building a Wine Cellar on a Budget?
The cost of building a wine cellar can seem daunting at first, but here at WineRacks.com we believe wine storage comes in all shapes and sizes. How much it costs to build a wine cellar depends heavily on several key factors, but building a wine cellar on a budget is entirely possible. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when building a wine cellar on a budget.
For Large Spaces
Affordable & Easy To Assemble RediCellars
Small Space Friendly
