Constructing a cellar

[Cellar dweller]

I am considering building either an above ground or bellow ground cellar at home.

I have tried to search for information on construction and building recommendations without luck. Does anyone know of a company that builds small cellars from scratch or a place where I can go to to get some help?

I am not looking for a major cellar just something to store about 500 bottles in the right environment. I have all the racks and everything to go inside its just the actual building itself that I need info on.

If anyone can help I would be very grateful

[Ian S]

It might be worth spending $10 on Tyson Stelzers "Cellaring Wine (DIY solutions)". ISBN is 0-9580628-0-3

It focuses on cheaper options than bespoke cellar construction. It requires a modicum of DIY skill (well beyond mine that is). However it might save you a lot of money, or at least give you some ideas (particularly on temperature/humidity measurement).

I'd read that before you do anything else

regards

Ian

[Ratcatcher]

People would need to know a bit more about your site for meaningful info.

I reckon any builder could give you decent advice. You just need to tell them the specs you require.

[albus]

I am considering building either an above ground or bellow ground cellar at home.

I have tried to search for information on construction and building recommendations without luck. Does anyone know of a company that builds small cellars from scratch or a place where I can go to to get some help?

I am not looking for a major cellar just something to store about 500 bottles in the right environment. I have all the racks and everything to go inside its just the actual building itself that I need info on.

If anyone can help I would be very grateful

don't know if any of the links below are useful

http://www.cellar-creations.com.au/cellar_pits.htm

http://www.hytekconcrete.com.au/

http://winecellarsystems.com.au/

http://www.winehaus.com.au/crucial.htm

http://classiccellars.com.au/faqs.php

I am currently contemplating whether i want to plough money into an underground cellar below a planned extension to the house - We are not likely to be living in the same house in ten years time and i doubt that i would get much return on the money when we sell the house.

I have also heard that installing a below ground concrete water tank with a hole cut in the top for access is a much cheaper alternative to custom designed cellars.

maybe i should read tyson's book too

would be interested in your progress
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[GraemeG]

For 500 bottles, you're hardly talking about a 'building' - more a large fridge. You might be better off looking at a stand-alone coolroom - perhaps checking commercial sellers or auctions of commercial refrigeration & storage. If I was starting over of looking to expand (I wish) that's the sort of thing I'd be doing.
cheers,
Graeme

[Waiters Friend]

... build a garden shed (3m x 3m), on a concrete pad.

Seal the gap between the floor and the walls.

Put car door seals around the shed door, to seal it.

Wire electricity in, and install lights and an airconditioning unit (at least 0.5 HP)

Get all of the interior (including the door, but not the aircon) sprayed with about 8cm of polyurethane foam for insulation.

I have 800 bottle capacity (with clumsy timber racks) - I reckon I could double that with a different racking system. Operational costs (for the aircon) is about $100 per year (it's switched off in winter).

Good luck! Maybe let us know what you decide.