It’s not uncommon for you to see a wine cellar crafted into many modern homes. They have the ability to raise the property value and provide a little touch of elegance for the homeowner and their guests’ enjoyment. You may walk into a home and find yourself in awe of some of your friends’ own wine cellars, wondering what exactly makes them so beautiful and ultimately deciding that you need one for yourself. But before beginning your journey into creating an attractive, custom wine cellar, you’ll need to know what materials work and look the best. So you don’t have to spend endless hours searching the internet or reading books, we’ve put together a guide on the best wine cellar materials and features to use to showcase your wine collection in a magnificent but practical way.
Choosing the type of wood to use for your wine cellar can be a daunting task. Not only are there several wood varieties out there, but you have to choose based on structure, style, durability, cost, and so much more. When it comes to choosing the wood for your wine cellar, not all types are created equal. You want a wood that is durable, resists moisture and warping, and is going to hold up in humid conditions for a long time. Some of the most common types of wood used are pine, redwood, and mahogany.
Pine, the most cost-effective of the three, is an easily customizable wood, as it takes to just about any color of stain quite well. Although, it’s main pitfall is that it is less durable than it’s other two top contenders. Redwood is the most popular choice for a wine cellar and with good reason. This type of eco-friendly wood contains natural oils that aid in preservation in humid conditions, such as a wine cellar. Mahogany is by far the most elegant of the three, but comes with a higher price. And although this type of wood is considerably more expensive, you can’t go wrong with its classic appeal and ability to resist warping and moisture decay.
While you may think wood is commonplace in a wine cellar, as of late, more modern materials are being used. The look and feel of a modern wine cellar is entirely different than that of a traditional one. Modern cellars are more contemporary, using materials such as frameless glass walls and doors and stainless steel racks. They offer a sleek look, incorporating clean lines and unique lighting.
Traditional wine cellars are warmer in nature, relying on rich woods to provide those intricate details that make you feel as though you’re wine tasting in Tuscany. Soft, muted lighting often compliments the brick or natural stone used in traditional designs. Traditional wine cellars shy away from frameless doors and walls, typically using arched doors made with classic woods and often including a window and artistic iron work.
Deciding whether you want a modern or traditional style wine cellar is the first step when choosing the materials you’ll use, including countertops, lighting, and decor. If you decide you want some counter space in your wine cellar, you’ll want to choose a countertop that doesn’t stain easily and is relatively low maintenance. A solid surface countertop such as corian, can be an excellent option. They have minimal upkeep and are a cost-effective solution. Quartz is another countertop that could be used in your wine cellar. While this option is slightly more expensive, if could be worthwhile, especially if you’ll only need a small section of countertop and want to accentuate the beauty of your cellar even more. Quartz is low-maintenance, long-lasting, and resists stains.
When it comes to lighting and decor, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Although, you should avoid lights that emit too much heat, as you want to ensure your cellar is always the proper temperature for optimal aging. When adding the finishing touches on your cellar, think about whether or not you want furniture to add a level of interactivity or art to highlight your style. If you opt to not include countertops, then a tasting table and chairs might be a good option for you. It’s important to remember that your wine cellar is ultimately yours, a domain that you have complete control over. With a touch of your personal style and creative flair, you can shape your cellar into something one-of-a-kind.
Creating a custom wine cellar allows you to choose exactly what type of materials and accessories you might want, but this also means making some tough choices. With our expert designers, Harkraft can help you select the proper wood, the right cellar cooling unit, and the perfect door to use without compromising on style, durability, or cost. We can help you determine the materials and accessories that best suit you, whether it be for 50 bottles or 500. If you’re ready to create your dream wine cellar, contact us today!
