How to Build a Wine Cellar

Decide where in your house to build a wine cellar. There should be sufficient ventilation, restricted amounts of sunlight and climate-controlled conditions.

Frame your wine cellar. Use regular 2 by 4 or 2 by 6 construction techniques with ceiling joices and implement the rules of local and state codes for your region.

Install the vapor barrier. If possible, the 6mm plastic sheeting should be put on the outside walls and ceiling of your wine cellar room. When you can't get to the outside walls, wrap the inside walls and ceiling. This will ensure that unwanted moisture stays out and humidity levels remain at appropriate levels.

Place insulation in your wine cellar. Fiber-glass, blown-in or rigid foam insulation can be used. Outside walls need R-19. Inside walls need R-13. The ceiling needs R-19.

Choose a material to put on the walls. Sheetrock, green board, and tung and groove wood paneling are all acceptable. Some people like the green board because it is moisture-resistant. If you choose wood paneling, pick a rot-resistant wood such as cedar or red wood.

Put the floor in. Carpet should be avoided because it will get moldy. Some appropriate choices are tile, vinyl, marble or slate.

Install the door. The idea is to get a tight seal. Use an exterior-type door and place weather stripping on all four sides. Then lay down a threshold or sweep to finish it off.

Decide if you would like to install a system that would regulate the temperature and humidity levels of your wine cellar. The Vinotheque website offers an online presentation.