- 1). Decide on the size of the wine cellar based on basement limitations and the amount of space needed to store the wine.
- 2). Purchase a wine cooling unit appropriate for the size of the wine cellar. Optimum temperature and humidity can only be maintained when the right unit is used. Different types of wine cooling unit --through-wall, ductless split, ducted system--meet different needs.
- 3). Build the frame for the room using 2-by-6 lumber as the studs, spaced 16 inches apart from center to center. As proper insulation and a moisture barrier is required on all four walls, the ceiling and the floor, build the entire frame for the cellar without using existing basement walls. Place a layer of polyethylene film between the basement floor and the 2-by-6 lumber used to create the wine cellar floor.
- 4). Install the door and frame using a door with appropriate insulation. While wooden doors or glass doors can be more aesthetically pleasing they are poor at insulation, leading to potentially adverse conditions for aging wine. Seal any existing gaps around the door with weather stripping.
- 5
2-by-6 inch studs provide the proper depth for R-19 insulation.Framework - Lumber image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
Measure and cut a length of 2-by-6 that is 14.5 inches long and attach it between the wall studs no more than six inches from the ceiling to create the top of the opening for the cooling unit. Measure the height of the cooling unit, and cut an additional 14.5 inch long piece of 2-by-6 attach to the studs creating the bottom of the opening, ensuring the height of the opening matches that of the cooling unit. If necessary, attach a second piece of 2-by-6 directly under the bottom of the opening to support the weight of the cooling unit. (See References 3) - 6). Install the electrical wiring for the lighting and cooling unit. Installing the cooling unit on its own breaker will help to reduce the risk of overloading the electrical system and shorting the power to the wine cellar.
- 7). Install the polyethylene film to create a vapor barrier that keeps humidity constant in the wine cellar while protecting the walls from mildew. Wrap the film around the outside of the studs for the wall and ceiling, stapling it in place. Seal any tears in the plastic with duct tape.
- 8
Protect your hands from the fiberglass insulation.work gloves image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
Place R-19 insulation between all of the studs, filling all spaces in the walls, floor and ceiling. Ensure all of the space is filled, but do not overstuff and compress the insulation because this defeats the insulating properties. - 9). Install plywood over the walls, ceiling and floor, sealing all gaps with caulk.
- 10
Paint the walls using moisture resistant paint to reduce the risk of mildew. - 11
Tile prevents mildew on the floor.Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
Install stone or laminate flooring. - 12
Attach the lighting fixture and install a light switch. Choose the location of the switch carefully so it does not get in the way of the wine racks. - 13
Install the wine racks, securing them to the walls whenever possible to ensure the bottles will not fall and break when bumped, or in the event of an earthquake. - 14
Place the cooling unit into the constructed hole and install, connecting it to the wall based on the instruction manual. Ensure the fit is correct and fill any gaps with weather stripping. - 15
Plug the cooler in and turn it on.
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