Best and Worst Wood Types for a Wine Cellar

Deciding to create a custom wine cellar is a big decision. There are several elements you want to consider when designing a wine cellar at home, but arguably one of the most important is choosing the right kind of wood to build with. Wood is typically used for wine cellars because of its ability to withstand high humidity levels without being damaged.

There are several types of wood out there, but not all are created equal when it comes to your wine cellar. Of all the wine cellar wood types used, the most common are redwood, mahogany, and pine. While aesthetic appeal is important when choosing a wood, you may also want to look at how durable, affordable, and eco-friendly each one is to find the one that best fits your needs.

The Best Wood for a Wine Cellar

With so many options to choose from, you want to consider which types of wood will provide the best value for your custom wine cellar. There are three main wood species that are typically used when building a wine cellar.

Redwood

Redwood is one of the most common types of wood used in wine cellars. Redwood contains natural oils in it that help preserve the wood in humid conditions, making it a great option for wine cellars. This type of wood is also eco-friendly as it is easily renewable and biodegradable.

Pine

Pine is one of the more cost-friendly types of wood. It has the ability to be stained by almost every type of wood finish, making it very customizable. The downside of pine though is that it is not quite as durable as redwood or mahogany.

Mahogany

Mahogany is another top choice for wine cellars. This wood species provides a beautiful aesthetic appeal and is also extremely durable, as well as resistant to warping and moisture decay. Mahogany is considerably more expensive than redwood or pine, but for those willing to splurge it can be an excellent option.

Elements of Wood to Consider

While redwood, pine, and mahogany are some of the most popular wood species used in a wine cellar, they certainly aren’t the only ones. When choosing a type of wood, you want to consider the durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost. Durability is by far the most important element to consider. You want a type of wood that will hold up in humid conditions and be less likely to warp, rot, or shrink.

Aesthetic appeal is also an important factor. If you’re building a custom wine cellar, chances are you have a distinct taste and style. Choosing a wood that will show off your personality, but will also be a long-lasting and durable wood is essential.

Last, the cost of the wood will likely determine which species you choose. If you are building a small cellar, choosing a more expensive wood, such as mahogany, might be more affordable, but will also provide peace of mind in the long-run knowing your cellar will age better. If you’re building a larger cellar and looking to save a little money, redwood might be a better option. This wood is less expensive than mahogany but durable enough to last for years.

The Worst Wood for a Wine Cellar

While there are several types of wood that are great for a wine cellar, you want to avoid those that will not hold up. Try to steer clear of wood types that don’t do well with humidity. These types of wood will not last as many years and may cause problems in the long-run. Also, avoid woods that might be more prone to insect damage.

Build Your Custom Wine Cellar with Harkraft

The best part of creating a custom wine cellar is getting to choose the materials you want and design it to your exact style. With so many wood species to choose from it can be hard to determine which is right for you. With our expert designers, Harkraft can help you select the proper wood to use without compromising on style, durability, or cost. While all of these factors are important to consider, it comes down to your personal preference, so choose the type of wood you feel will provide the best wine experience for you. Whether you’re looking to store 5 bottles or 500, at Harkraft, we can help you create the wine cellar of your dreams.