Having your own wine cellar is the dream of many wine lovers and collectors. Detailed plans and budgets can help make this dream a reality. Below we will break down the cost of building a wine cellar.
The average cost of building a wine cellar is $40,000. You can build a smaller wine cellar with minimal features for around $5,000. A full room storing 3,000 bottles is estimated to cost $100,000, but a custom cabinet costs $500. Construction costs can range from $300 to $600 per square foot.
It is important to remember the conditions required for proper wine storage. Essential factors are primarily constant temperatures between 45-65 degrees, darkness, bottle racks, humidity in between 50-80%, and vibration free. Wine cellar design and components can help create the perfect storage conditions for your wine.
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Contents
How much does it cost to build a wine cellar?
The cost of building a wine cellar depends on the size of the cellar and the amount of construction work. The size and storage of the wine cellar is determined by how many bottles you buy and drink in a year. Are you consuming and buying enough wine for an entire room, or is one cabinet enough?
A full room or walk-in den can store up to 3,000 bottles; the average cost is $100,000. The lowest price for an entire wine cellar is around $5,000.
However, the average cost is $40,000. If your plans are smaller, such as B. a closet or a custom closet, the cost can be as low as $500.
Cost of building a full room wine cellar
| average cost | $40,000 |
| lowest cost | $5,000 |
| highest cost | $100,000 |
Do I need a permit to build a wine cellar?
Yes, you will need planning permission to proceed with your project. Permit codes and regulations vary by local, state, and national building codes. Find out about your area’s permitting rules and requirements before you start building your wine cellar.
Cost to build a wine cellar based on location
Location is an integral part of planning a wine cellar and is the primary factor in determining construction costs. wine cellar must be cool, dry and dark, with no lingering odors or vibrations. You also need to ensure that the basement can control and regulate temperature and humidity.
basement, cellar
The basement is a common location for full-room wine cellars, as the environment already meets some wine storage needs. You will likely need to do some remodeling before work on the basement can begin. Depending on the scope of the remodel, the cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000.
crawlspace
If you decide a crawlspace To store your wine, humidity is the main concern. Look for signs of mold or moisture and have those issues rectified before proceeding. Installing airtight insulation and humidity control is essential for the space, with an average cost of $200 to $1,100.
Walk-in wardrobe
A walk-in closet can be a perfect place to build a wine cellar that requires little remodeling. As with any chosen location, proper insulation and humidity control are keys to creating the ideal environment for wine storage.
Under Stairs
Wine storage under the stairs is a very popular option, but costs can be high and vary. Because dimensions can vary under stairs, you’ll need to build custom shelves to fit the space. Custom wine racks range from $500 to $2,500 each.
underfloor
The more luxurious options are underfloor or underground wine cellars. This style is built into the ground, and you can pull up the basement manually or automatically. Costs can range from $10,000 to large customs duties of $55,000.
Construction costs wine cellar
You invest a large part of your budget in the construction of the wine cellar. From the framing, drywall, flooring and lighting, every element serves to maintain the ideal environment for wine storage.
Furring/framing
Furring, or framing, is the process of installing wooden battens to raise surfaces, prevent moisture, and make room for insulation. It is recommended to use 2×6 lumber for the walls and 2×10 for the ceilings. The thicker wood size makes room for thicker insulation with a higher R-value.
R-values measure how well a two-dimensional barrier resists the flow of heat. By using 2×10 lumber for the ceiling, there is room to install R-30 insulation. To further protect your investment, use pressure treated wood; This will help prevent rot.
Drywall, sockets and finish
Use green sheet instead of sheetrock for your wine cellar walls. Green cardboard is used in bathrooms and kitchens as it resists mold and mildew. Especially since the basement will be in a high humidity environment, a green panel is a must.
Once the drywall is installed, make holes for the outlets and ducts. Seal any gaps around the locations for the cooling units, light switches, and other general electrical outlets. The premise is to create an airtight environment.
All that’s left is the wall paneling; Here’s where you can start creating the aesthetic you’re looking for. Whether paint, wood, imitation stone or stucco, as long as the material is moisture-resistant, you can get started. The estimated cost of completing the walls of the wine cellar is between $1,000 and $3,000.
flooring
The material for the wine cellar is entirely up to you and your design goals for the room. Soft materials like wood are more forgiving of dropped bottles, but harder materials like tile are easy to clean. Regardless of your choice, you must properly seal the flooring to create an airtight environment.
Flooring costs vary by material; For example, vinyl costs around $1,500, but tile can cost as much as $5,000.
lighting
Incorrect lighting is a death wish for your wine, especially older vintages. To protect your wine, avoid UV and fluorescent lights; Use LED or thermally fused can lights (IC rated cans) instead. Consider installing motion sensors or a timer so you don’t have to worry about the lights staying on.
Lighting and fixtures range from $150 to $750.
Types of cooling systems for wine cellars
There are three primary cooling systems for wine cellars, self-contained, split and duct systems. Cooling systems are necessary for wine cellars to maintain a stable environment. The type of refrigeration system you need depends on the size of the wine cellar and your budget.
Independent
Self-contained cooling systems are the most convenient form of cooling system and the cheapest. A self-contained refrigeration system has all the elements in a single unit, including the condenser and evaporator. This makes them easy to install without the need for an HVAC technician.
split cooling systems
Split refrigeration systems have the condenser and evaporator in separate units, making them quieter than self-contained systems. They are connected by an insulated suction line and a liquid line. You can set up most units in a remote location and mount them on the wall, floor or ceiling.
directed
If you install a duct cooling system outside of the basement, it can be up to 25 feet from the basement. This reduces vibration and noise and is a flexible installation. Ducted cooling systems can be either self-contained or split and offer the highest capacity, making them ideal for large spaces.
Cooling systems for wine cellars by cost
| kind | average cost |
| Independent | $1,000 – $6,000 |
| split system | $6,000 |
| directed | $1,000 – $6,000 |
Cost of wine cellar doors
When choosing doors for your wine cellar, it is better to choose substance than style. Glass doors, for example, are attractive but inadequate for protecting your wine from UV light. However, glass that is ¾ inch thick, UV protected, tempered and double glazed is an acceptable option.
Exterior doors are a better choice, as interior doors have a hollow core and do not provide adequate insulation. The doors should have an automatic closing mechanism to maintain the airtight environment for the wine. When the doors are open, you should hear a distinct bang, signaling that you’ve unsealed the room.
The price of the wine cellar door varies depending on the dimensions and materials. The cost of a single door can range from $500 to $3,500.
Cost of wine cellar display racks
display stand are the heart of your cellar; the style and materials are up to you and your design goals. Remember to store the wine at an angle so it doesn’t spoil when exposed to air. This will keep the cork from drying out and the air from spoiling your wine.
Some popular shelving styles include diamond bins, corner shelving, sideboards and bars, and standard. The type of shelving depends on the size of your bottles and their storage needs. Many choose to invest in custom racks, but there are ready-made, easy-to-assemble rack kits available.
To determine how much space is needed for storage, the measurement is 0.5 square feet per 10 bottles.
Wine storage dimensions by cost
| bottles | square foot | costs |
| 100 | Small cabinet | $500 – $4,000 |
| 500 | 25 | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| 2,000 | 100 | $35,000 – $45,000 |
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Finally
You can build a wine cellar for as little as $5,000, but the average cost is $40,000. To build a full room to store 3,000 bottles, expect to cost $100,000 or more. The cost per square meter to build a wine cellar ranges from $300 to $600.
Now all you have to do is start making the wine cellar of your dreams a reality. Taking on the task of building a wine cellar can seem daunting, but it will be worth it.