Room preparation of your wine room is key to controlling the environmental factors that may negatively affect the storing and aging of your wine. A properly constructed wine cellar will allow you to use the smallest cooling system possible.
Wine Cellar Wall & Ceiling Framing
Build wine cellar walls using standard 2x4 or 2x6 construction methods and ceiling joists following the guidelines of local and state codes in your area. The general rule for a cellar is the thicker the walls, the better the insulation factor, the better the cellar remains at a consistent temperature.
Wine Cellar Vapor Barrier
Vapor barrier is REQUIRED if a climate control cooling unit is installed to keep the cellar at the correct temperature. Six mil. plastic sheeting is applied to the HOT side of the cellar walls. The vapor barrier must be either applied to the outside walls and ceiling, or if it is impossible to get to the outside, then the plastic must be applied from within the cellar. The most common method is to wrap the entire interior, leaving the plastic loose in the stud cavity so the insulation can be placed between each stud. All walls and ceiling must be wrapped in plastic for a complete vapor barrier. PRODEX vapor barrier/insulation can also be used.
Insulation for your Cellar
Insulation is REQUIRED if a climate control cooling unit is going to be used. The R factor or thickness of insulation is determined by the thickness of the walls and ceiling. For example, fiberglass insulation of R13 is designed to be used in a 2x4 wall while R19 is used in a 2x6 wall. It is important to use the correct insulation for the wall thickness. A minimum of R11 should be applied to the walls of a cellar. R19-R30 is recommended in the ceiling. Standard "Fiberglass" or Rigid Foam" insulation is normally used in cellar construction, or in some cases, blown in insulation is used. It is very important that all walls and ceiling be insulated to keep the cellar temperature as consistent as possible during the summer and winter months. PRODEX vapor barrier/insulation can be used.
Cellar Wall & Ceiling Covering
The interior wall and ceiling covering is determined by the decor theme of the cellar. Often times green board is applied, then painted (always use latex paint) to match a color theme of the cellar. Most commonly used is redwood (depending upon the racking materials) tongue and groove material applied to the walls and ceiling. This T&G 1x4 paneling is the same wood species as the racking material which makes for a very uniform look throughout the cellar. Stone or granite is also used as a wall covering material. NEVER USE CEDAR due to its strong aroma that will taint wine.
Wine Cellar Doors
If a cooling system is installed, an exterior grade (1 3/4") door must be installed as a cellar door. It is very important that weather stripping is attached to all 4 sides of the doorjamb. A bottom "sweep" or threshold is also imperative. The door MUST have a very good seal to keep the cool cellar air from escaping out of the cellar. One of the most common problems with cooling units running continually is due to not sealing the door properly. Solid core doors or doors with a full glass insert are most often used. Glass doors must have at least double-pane insulated tempered glass.
Wine Cellar Flooring
All types of flooring are used in cellars. Most commonly used is slate, tile, marble, or vinyl. NEVER USE CARPET. Carpet will mold and mildew in the cool, damp climate conditions of a cellar. As with the case of wall coverings, flooring is normally chosen to match the overall decor colors of the cellar. The flooring should be applied to a level surface. It is best not to apply base trim or moldings to the walls behind the racking.
Wine Cellar Lighting
Lighting a wine cellar is an important part of the overall cellar decor. "Air Lock" recessed ceiling can lights are the most popular. These should be put on dimmer switches to control brightness. In most cases, these are used as the main lights within the cellar. Also popular are various display lights to accent different areas of the cellar. Display "rope" lighting that is specially designed and built to fit into the display angle of individual bottle racking. Different types of spotlights are used to highlight picture openings, table areas, or large format display bottles. It is recommended that all lighting be on a timer system so they can't be left on for long periods of time. Lights cause excess heat and will cause the cooling equipment to over work itself.
Wine Cellar Climate Control
If a climate controlled cellar is required, provide cooling equipment to properly keep the cellar at a temperature of about 55-58 degrees and humidity of 50-70%.
Wine Cellar Racking
Standard materials are either All Heart Redwood or clear, grade A, and mahogany. All woods are very resistant to rot in the cool, damp environment of a cellar. Clients usually choose one over the other due to matching decor colors in the cellar design.
Call us for your custom wine cellar building and design 1-800-876-8789
Walls: All walls must have a vapor barrier and insulation. The interior walls must have a minimum of R-11 insulation and exterior walls must have a minimum of R-19.
