| Some people that collect wine are able to get by | | | | essentially building a huge walk in refrigerator. |
| with a simple wine rack or small space in their | | | | If you are building your wine cellar in the |
| kitchen or dining room. However, if you are the | | | | basement, you won't have to worry about the |
| type of person that wants to really collect wine, | | | | floor as much as long as it is cement. All you will |
| then you are going to want to build yourself a | | | | need is a good moisture barrier and then a |
| proper wine cellar. The process can be quite a | | | | sealant. If you are not using the basement, then |
| task to put together, but once you are done, you | | | | the floors, walls, and ceiling will all need the |
| will find you have the wine cellar of your dreams | | | | insulation as well as a moisture barrier. Usually, 8 |
| in a very short period of time. | | | | mil plastic sheeting will make an effective barrier. |
| The first thing you need to do to build your wine | | | | Make sure you place the barrier on the "hot" or |
| cellar is find the right place in your house. Probably | | | | "warm" side of the insulation. If this barrier is on |
| the best place is to build your cellar in your | | | | the "cold" or inside of the insulation, it will cause |
| basement, but if you don't have one, you can | | | | condensation and can ruin your walls. |
| make it in a spare room instead. The most | | | | Once you have the room insulated and the barrier |
| important thing to remember is climate control. If | | | | installed, you will have to find your climate control |
| you do not have the right temperature or there | | | | system. Your wine cellar will require a |
| is too much or too little humidity in your wine | | | | temperature between 55 and 58 degrees, and a |
| cellar, not only will it ruin your wine collection but it | | | | humidity of between 50 and 70%. If you have |
| could inadvertently affect the structural | | | | built your cellar in the right way you should be |
| environment of your house. Keep this in mind | | | | able to use the smallest cooling system for the |
| when you start to build and make sure you have | | | | amount of space that you have available to you, |
| the right insulation in your walls. Most wine cellars | | | | and you will enjoy your wine for years to come. |
| will require R-19 type insulation, as you are | | | | |