How To Build A DIY Wine Cellar: Step-by-Step + Home Wine Cellar Construction Tips
Getting Started: How To Build A Custom Wine Cellar On Any Budget
- Tell Us About Your Project: How many bottles do you want to store, where do you want your wine cellar to be in your home, what is the budget for your cellar?
- Get Matched With A Specialist: Our team of consultants has over 35 years of experience in wine storage design, manufacturing, and construction.
- Create a Custom Wine Cellar Design: We will create a 2D design of the custom wine cellar you're envisioning.
- Build Your Dream Home Wine Cellar: We will ship the components of your custom wine cellar and work with your contractor to install the cellar.
- Download How to Build a Wine Cellar PDF
- Click to visit our learning center
- Contact us to get your wine cellar installation questions answered.
Step 1: Location

The question most often asked is, "Can I put a wine cellar anywhere in the
home?" The answer is yes, but the location that you choose will have a
future impact on the cost of maintaining your cellar. A wine cellar
should be placed in the coolest and most humid place in your home. The
closer you are to the 55°-58° F temperature and 55-75% humidity that
your wine will need, the smaller size cooling unit you will need and the
lower the overall cost will be. The heat gain calculation for your built
in wine cellar takes into consideration the surrounding environment that
will affect the wine cellar. If the surrounding environment has an
average yearly temperature of 85°, compared to an average temperature of
65° then you will have to purchase a larger cooling unit in order to
maintain proper conditions. A dry environment will also require a more
frequent introduction of humidity.
Step 2.1: Installing Studs

If this is new construction you will need to stud the space to frame out
your wine cellar. Start by sealing the concrete foundation walls prior to installing
studs. (Stop: Review Step 4 now, if you decide to use the 6 mil vapor barrier with new
construction, you must do that step during studding. If you choose spray foam then
continue on with this step as outlined.) Then use either 2x4 or 2x6 construction. The
2x6 construction is used when you want to increase the insulation value in order to
minimize cooling unit size and energy consumption. This is similar to adding additional
insulation to your home in order to minimize your monthly utility bills. You should
obtain a permit and follow all local, state, and national building codes when building
your home wine cellar.
Step 2.2: Soffits

If you build a soffit to cover ducting, piping, or other obstructions, it
is important to note that the lighting installed in the soffit should be placed far
enough away so that it does not interfere with the finished racking and/or ducting
depth, including depth of crown molding. You will want to ask for the final depth of
your racking including the crown molding at this location and then make sure to allow
for the size of the ring on the light fixture as well. A rule of thumb is to leave a 1"
gap from the front of the crown molding to the closest edge of the ring on the can
light. You also want to make sure to use IC can lights so you can insulate around them.
Step 3.1: Rough-in Refrigeration for Air Handler

If you are purchasing a ducted Air Handler you will need to run
the ducting and line set at this stage. The ducting will be in the wine cellar, running
to the air handler that is normally placed in a mechanical room. The line set is then
run from the air handler location to the condenser location, standard condensers are
located outdoors, but indoor option is available. You will also need to run a drain line
and electric at this time. View our Split Air handler section for more
information on these units.
Step 3.2: Rough-in Refrigeration for Ductless Split

If you are purchasing a ductless split you will need to run the
line set at this stage. The line set is run from the ductless split location to the
condenser location, standard condensers are located outdoors, but indoor option is
available. You will also need to run a drain line and electric at this time. Note: The
mounting plate shown is for clarity and is not installed until unit is on site and
cellar wall is complete. For more information on these units please view our
Ductless Split Refrigeration section.
Step 3.3: Installing an opening for a self contained cooling unit

If you plan to utilize a self contained cooling unit you will need to make
a hole in the wall adequately sized for the unit. You will also need to run an
electrical outlet near the space and it may need to be on the inside or outside of the
unit based on the unit you decide to purchase. Many of these units also require a drain
line, so you will need to allow for a location for a condensate drain. These units also
do not have the ability to add humidity to a wine cellar so you may need to allow for a
110V electrical outlet for a humidifier in the wine cellar. For more information on
these units please view the Whisperkool and Breezaire sections.
Step 4.1: Select Your Insulation & Vapor Barrier

There are two common methods for wine cellar insulation and vapor
barriers. Spray foam or 6 mil vapor barrier and fiberglass batts. Spray foam is normally
more expensive, but it will prevent the possibility of a puncture mark in your vapor
barrier (as a 6 mil vapor barrier is not necessary when using spray foam) caused by
someone inserting screws, running wire, plumbing, etc. into or through the wall from
outside the wine cellar. With non-shrinking closed cell spray foam the screw will not
compromise the enclosure and the foam will expand to fill all the crevices to ensure a
tight seal. We do not recommend any specific brand over another, but Comfort Foam is one
brand that will work for this application. Ensure there are no air gaps between the
insulation and drywall for either method.
"Do I follow the same instructions for building a wine closet?" - Yes! Even when you are building smaller spaces like a wine closet, following the same instructions is key.
"Do I follow the same instructions for building a wine closet?" - Yes! Even when you are building smaller spaces like a wine closet, following the same instructions is key.
Step 4.2: Vapor Barrier for New Construction

If this is new construction and you are not going to use spray foam, then
it is recommended that you install a 6 mil vapor barrier on the back side of your wall
studs before lifting them into position. You will also need to wrap your ceiling joists
(and floor if not on slab) as shown. In some areas the local code specifies all vapor
barriers must be installed on the warm side of the cellar. In those areas we highly
recommend you switch to the spray foam insulation.
Step 4.3: Wrapping the Walls & Filling Holes

Make sure to leave excess vapor barrier at the corners so that you can
wrap it, overlap the seams and tuck tape (not duct tape) them shut. Then fill all holes
in studs and joists with fire rated penetration sealant to reduce air movement. Tuck
Tape UV resistant adhesive is a company that sells this product. We are not recommending
this company specifically, just an option so you know what you are looking for.
Step 4.4: Insulation & Vapor barrier for the Wine Cellar

If this is a remodeling project, it is OK to wrap the existing studs in
the room as shown, in a similar fashion to the ceiling joists. Make sure the vapor
barrier is on the warm side of the wine cellar, meaning the exterior cellar wall.
Step 4.5: Insulation & Vapor barrier for the Wine Cellar

After the vapor barrier has been installed you will need to put insulation
in the stud and joist cavities. The most common insulation used is fiberglass batts. In
a 2x4 wall cavity using fiberglass will provide you with an R-13 insulation value. In a
2x6 wall fiberglass will provide you with an R-19 insulation value. The entire cavity
must be "fluffed" with insulation leaving no air filled cavities.
Step 5.1: Electrical Outlet Placement in the Wine Cellar

Outlets in a wine cellar are best placed in the dead spaces at the corners
where your racks come together when you are building a wine cellar. If you place the
outlet outside of this area it is possible it will be obstructed by one of the wine rack
posts. It is important to follow your local building code for outlet placement and that
will supersede any recommendations made for outlet placement in your cellar.
How can Wine Cellar Innovations help? When you have placed the order for your wine cellar you may request an outlet placement design for your wine cellar where we will locate the proper placement of outlets for the various lighting options you have selected for your cellar.
How can Wine Cellar Innovations help? When you have placed the order for your wine cellar you may request an outlet placement design for your wine cellar where we will locate the proper placement of outlets for the various lighting options you have selected for your cellar.
Step 5.2: Outlet Placement for High Reveals with Lighting

It is not necessary to place an electrical outlet in the area where a high
reveal racking is located in order to plug in your lighting. The cord will be able to
reach down to the outlet placed in the dead space as far as 6 feet away. If you would
prefer to have the outlet located in this area for ease of access you will need to
inform your design consultant to locate the outlets accordingly when they do the outlet
placement design for you. It is recommended that outlets for high reveals and other
accent lighting, such as for archways, be placed on a switch.
Step 6.1: Wall Coverings

Once you have installed the studs, vapor barrier, insulation, and
electrical outlets the next step will be to cover the walls and ceiling. You will need
to utilize material that is resistant to the high humidity conditions that will be
present in your cellar and based on that criteria the most common choice for wall and
ceiling coverings is water resistant drywall (commonly referred to as green board). This
is the same drywall that is utilized in bathrooms and kitchens of most homes and is
therefore readily available. It is specifically recommended that the green board be
screwed into the walls and ceiling of your DIY wine cellar. Use fire rated penetration
sealant to seal around all penetrations on both sides of wine cellar.
Step 6.2: Finishing the Drywall

The base molding will be attached to the front of the racking, which means
it is important that you run the drywall all the way to the floor and do not allow any
gaps. No molding should be installed on the wall so that the back of the rack remains
flush with the wall.
Step 6.3: Painting the Drywall

You should start with a good primer on the drywall and then use a water
based exterior grade paint. Oil or solvent based paints can leave a lingering odor in
the wine cellar, if you don't have time to let the space air out. Make sure your painter
covers the drywall all the way to the floor. Typically they will stop an inch or two
short of the floor as they know that will be covered with base molding. Your molding
will be on the front of the racks, so this can leave an unsightly gap showing if they do
not run the paint all the way to the bottom.
Step 6.4: Alternative Wall & Ceiling Coverings

A decorative option to cover your walls and ceiling would be to apply
tongue and groove material that complements the wood, stain, and/or lacquer that will be
on your racking. You will first need to screw ¾" marine grade plywood on your walls and
ceiling so that you will be able to attach your tongue and groove.
Step 7.1: Flooring

When installing flooring in a wine cellar you want to ensure the flooring
you select will withstand the high humidity environment. Therefore, you want to avoid
using carpeting for many reasons, including the possibility it will rot. You will also
want to avoid using vinyl flooring as the mastic under it will remain moist and the
flooring will have the tendency to move and buckle. You can utilize a bare concrete
floor, as long as you seal the concrete. If you want a more decorative option, it is
common to utilize porcelain tiles, cork, or hardwood flooring. It is recommended that
you allow a 1/2" gap all the way around the perimeter when installing wood flooring to
allow room for expansion. If time permits, allowing the wood to acclimate to the wine
cellar conditions for 48 hours will minimize the amount of expansion that occurs.
Step 7.2: Alternate Ceiling

In addition to utilizing tongue and groove paneling for your ceiling you
can also install a raised panel ceiling and/or soffit. This does not provide any
substantial difference to your insulation value, but it does make a dramatic difference
in the aesthetic look of your cellar. Raised panel ceilings can be made to any room
configuration whether it is a square, rectangle, octagon, or circle.
Step 8: Installing a Wine Cellar Door

You will need to install an exterior grade door sealed on three sides with
weather-stripping and the bottom with a threshold and door sweep. You cannot utilize an
interior door for this application. You are attempting to maintain an environment of
55°-58° F and 55-75% humidity levels and therefore need a barrier between that
room and
the other rooms of your home, which will be closer to 70 degrees and 20% humidity levels
in most of the USA. If you utilize a glass door it will need to be thermopaned to allow
for insulation properties and to ensure it does not condensate on the glass due to the
temperature differential. You can also utilize solid wood doors if you prefer.
Step 9: Lighting

There are very few limitations when it comes to lighting options for a
wine cellar in house. If you are going to utilize can lighting in a wine cellar, then
you will need to use thermally fused can lights, also referred to as IC rated cans.
There are also some concerns about the harmful effects of UV lights on long-term
storage. There is no scientific evidence currently available that confirms that either
way, but some in the industry would recommend you steer clear of UV lighting.
Step 10: Get Final Revision of Your Wine Cellar Design

When you have completed the construction of your wine cellar contact your
design consultant and submit the final dimensions so the design for your cellar can be
completed. If you are looking on how to make a wine rack yourself, or information on how
to build a wine rack, we wish you the best of luck. We hope this information has been
helpful to you. If you are looking to buy a wine rack, we can definitely help you out.
We do offer free designs. If you would like a free quote, make sure to include the wood, stain, finish, and other options you want included in your information.
We do offer free designs. If you would like a free quote, make sure to include the wood, stain, finish, and other options you want included in your information.