Materials & Finishes

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What we use: Mahogany

What we use it for: Individual wine racks, wine cellar doors, Tuscan tables, wine cellar paneling, modular wine cabinets

Why: Durability, longevity, ability to accept stain, non-aromatic, responsibly harvested

Benefits: Mahogany provides Vigilant with the ability to create gorgeous wine racks and wine cabinets that are guaranteed to stand up to the elements over a long period of time. Used throughout history for its durability and protection against rot, Mahogany is better than any other wood for making storage components that will be exposed to a cold and humid environment.

Learn more about mahogany

What we use: Pine

What we use it for: Classic and Estate wine racking

Why: Price, ability to accept stain, non-aromatic, responsibly harvested

Benefits: Pine is a great alternative to hard woods when used and protected in humid environments. Pine can last years and takes stain and lacquer well. Pine is a less expensive alternative to Mahogany or any other hardwood, but does not compromise quality or beauty in the cellar.

What we use: Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF)

What we use it for: Tabletops, modular cabinets, casework, bins and shelving

Why: Durability, longevity, ability to take stain, non-aromatic, environmentally responsible

Benefits: MDF is superior to particleboard in many ways -- machinability, appearance, joint strength, fastener holding, core density, lack of core voids, no inconsistencies in thickness. MDF has less variability in market specifications. MDF edges can be exposed and finished without edge banding. MDF can be routed and even embossed.

What we use: Ready To Assemble (RTA)

What we use it for: Bins and case storage, modular wine cabinets, custom cabinetry, wave cubes, Tuscan tables

Why: Ease of assembly, holds product better, improved durability

Benefits: RTA fasteners allow Vigilant’s wine storage products to fasten quicker and easier with less hassle and less tools. With only a simple screw driver most Vigilant RTA products can be assembled in just a few easy steps, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your wine and less time building your wine room.

Vigilant offers an array of stains and finishes to match any décor. Our fine wood products are expertly finished by our skilled woodworkers and hand-buffed before they leave the shop. Our finishes bring out the beauty of the wood and allow the natural grain to show through. The result is a long-lasting, heirloom quality piece of furniture that will enhance any setting.

What we use: Pre-stains, Stains and Clear Guard Satin Finish

What colors: Natural, Vigilant Shaker Maple, Vigilant Chestnut, Cordovan and Ebony

What we use it for: All wine racking can accept both an odorless pre-stain in a variety of colors, and a satin lacquer finish if desired. Pre-staining assures that finish colors are even and smooth, without the blotching that can occur with some species of wood. Modular cabinets, tabletops, Tuscan tables and wine cellar doors automatically receive both pre-stain and a satin lacquer finish.

Why we use these finishes: Our stains and lacquer enhance the durability and longevity of our fine wood products. The pre-stain is odorless and provides excellent coverage, allowing the natural grain of the wood to show over time. The finishes can be sprayed or wiped to bring out the wood's beauty.

Benefits: Both our pre-stain and satin finishes provide lasting beauty with an even tone and perfect coverage. They provide excellent protection from moisture and environmental factors. Your Vigilant wood product will age gracefully and become even more beautiful over time.

What we use: Benjamin Moore Moisture Resistant Interior Wall Paint

What we recommend it for: Build-out of all wine cellars, treatment for wine cellar walls and any climate controlled area of the house

Why: Superior wall treatment and superb coverage and aesthetics

Benefits: Since 1883, Benjamin Moore has produced interior and exterior paint finishes. Through ongoing, rigorous, scientific testing, they have developed products that meet or exceed environmental standards and provide a superb quality for both amateur and professional painters alike. In a House & Garden poll of top interior designers, Benjamin Moore was the No. 1 choice of paints, for use either by their clients or in their own homes.

Learn more about Benjamin Moore paints

What we don't use: Redwood

Why: Redwood is a scarce and endangered resource. It often produces a low quality product. White streaked heartwood is a typical example of a low quality and white streaked sapwood is unattractive to the eye. The wood is often too soft and brittle for fine woodworking and too porous to accept stain evenly.

What we don't use: Cedar

Why: Cedar is a very aromatic wood and is not appropriate in a wine room. It is often too soft and brittle for fine woodworking and too porous to accept stain evenly.

What we don't use: Poplar, Oak, Cherry

Why: These woods are not used because they easily mold and mildew in cold damp environments.