Concrete is by far the best option, as it is naturally less permeable and porous. Whatever flooring you choose for your wine cellar, it needs to be properly sealed. Your choice of wall finish should reflect the look you want for your cellar, but also be resistant to humidity.Īfter installing the drywall, you can finish the walls with the treatment that allows you to achieve your desired aesthetic, whether you like: Also, choose a door that swings in toward the cellar. It should be tough to push the door closed because of the air resistance.Īnd when you open the door, you should hear a noticeable pop that confirms you’ve “unsealed” the space. The goal is to have a door that can properly seal your wine cellar. Interior, hollow core doors will not provide the insulation that you need. If that’s cost prohibitive, the next best option is an exterior grade door. Your best option is to purchase a door designed specifically for wine cellar use. Next level up would be framed glass, thermally broke frames with dual pane glass, similar to what you would use on the exterior entry to your home. Single pane provides virtually now insulation value, it should be it’s at least 1/2 inch thick, UV-protected, and tempered. Yes, glass looks great, but glass isn’t great for wine cellars – if the finished look you desire requires glass choose wisely. The best door for your cellar isn’t glass. Related posts: Wine Cellar Insulation Options & Wine Cellar Ventilation 4. (The higher the R-value, the more insulation it provides.)Ĭlosed cell spray foam in general provides ~R-7 per inch of thickness, but be sure to review the manufacturer's specifications. When choosing an insulation, opt for a minimum of R-19 on the walls and R-30 on the ceiling. And they require a plastic sheet vapor barrier to be installed. These other two do not provide the same energy efficiency as closed cell foam, and definitely do not offer moisture management. The best wine cellar insulation is closed cell foam insulation, because it removes the need for an added vapor barrier, it's good at controlling humidity (perfect for those who live in a humid climate), and it prevents minor punctures caused by people screwing into it, unlike other options.Īlternatives to closed cell spray foam are rigid foam board insulation and fiberglass batt insulation. You must install insulation and a vapor barrier in your cellar to prevent moisture leaks. Furring/Framing Your Walls and CeilingĬlosed cell foam insulation more impermeable to water, vapor, and air accumulating on the walls of your wine cellar, where it can then turn into condensation. The most popular places to install a wine cellar are:Ģ. It's much easier to control these factors when you start in a proper location, which is why it's often recommended installing your wine cellar in your basement, as it is much colder and more humid than the rest of your home (usually around 70% in the basement vs 30% in your home), and is usually free of other issues like smells, vibrations, and natural light. Wine cellars should be located in cool, dry areas of your home, with no natural light, no vibrations, no unwanted smells, and a controlled temperature. Your cellar meets local, state, and national building codes. Require a permit, but it’s best to check with your local building office to ensure that Pre-Step: Do You Need a Building Permit?īefore building your cellar, you may need to obtain a permit. We're going to be talking about actively cooled cellars here (where you use a cooling unit), as it's the most appropriate type for the majority of people. While hiring an experienced professional is never a bad idea, if you're looking for your next DIY project, why not take a shot at it yourself? ft.Ī wine cellar is a great way to improve the value of your home while also creating a space where you can entertain guests, show off your wine collection, and enjoy your wine. WhisperKOOL™ | Ducted Split Systems | Up to 4000 cu. WhisperKOOL™ | Ductless Split Systems | Up to 3000 cu. WhisperKOOL™ | Fully Ducted - Self Contained | Up to 2000 cu. WhisperKOOL™ | Self Contained | Up to 2000 Cu.

Glass wine cellar