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Wine Cellar Construction & Planning Charts

This handy construction guide includes charts and tips for planning your wine cellar. Not ready to do a deep dive on your own? Check out our expert resources to get the ball rolling or contact us for more information via the form below:

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Determining Wine Cellar Size

Common questions when building a wine cellar are: How big do I need to make my wine cellar? How many wine bottles can I fit into space? Determine usable wall space and average wine bottle capacity by entering your wine room dimensions in the table below.
Room Length (ft)Room Width (ft)Room Area (SF)Usable Wall Space (ft)Avg. Bottle Capacity*
5'5'25 sq ft.9'495
5'10'50 sq ft.19'1,045
10'10'100 sq ft.29'1,595
10'15'150 sq ft.39'2,145
15'15'225 sq ft.49'2,695

*Assumes an 8′ ceiling height and a 3′ door.

Average Wine Cellar Construction Costs

This chart provides key project element cost estimates for sample room sizes based on our historical data. These estimates are an average and can vary greatly based on the nature of your wine storage project.
Room AreaCapacityBuild OutRacksInstallCoolingTotal
25495$6,000-$9,200$6,000-$7,500$1,725$2,950$16,675-$21,375
501045$9,500-$13,200$11,000-$14,000$2,475$3,300$26,275-$32,975
1001595$14,000-$17,200$14,000-$16,000$3,225$4,500$35,725-$40,925
1502145$19,500-$25,200$25,000-$28,000$4,725$5,000$54,225-$62,925
3003245$26,000-$30,000$28,000-$32,000$6,000$6,000$66,000-$74,000

Construction Material Thicknesses and R-Values

This chart shows the relationship of insulation values for sample wall thickness and material types. We recommend a minimum R-value of R-19 in wine cellar walls and R-30 in ceilings.
Wall Frame ThicknessInsulation ThicknessR-Value Fiberglass BattingR-Value Rigid Foam
4"3.5"R-11R-25
6"5.5"R-19R-39
10"9"R-30R-65
*Rigid foam insulation R-values range from R-4 to R-8 per inch of thickness (2.54 cm), depending on the manufacturer.

Wine Racking Costs

A simple wine cellar design involves features available in our kit line, whereas an advanced design would include elements like true curves, arch tops, and cabinetry. To estimate your wine cellar rack costs, simply enter your estimated bottle capacity to see a range of pricing.
BottlesSimple RackingMultiple Design ElementsAdvanced Design Elements
500$2,000$4,000$6,000
1000$4,000$8,000$12,000
1500$6,000$12,000$18,000
2000$8,000$16,000$24,000
2500$10,000$20,000$30,000
3000$12,000$24,000$36,000
3500$14,000$28,000$42,000
*Max bottle capacity 9999

What is R-Value?

In construction, R-value is the measurement of a material’s capacity to resist heat flow from one side to the other. R-values measure the effectiveness of insulation and a higher number represents more effective insulation.

R-values are additive. For instance, if a material with an R-value of 12 is attached to another material with an R-value of 3, then both materials combined have an R-value of 15.
MaterialR-Value/in3.5"5.25"10"12"15"
Fiberglass (batt)3.1 - 3.410.8 - 11.916.3 - 17.831.0 - 34.037.2 - 40.846.5 - 51.0
Fiberglass blown (attic)2.2 - 4.37.7 - 15.011.5 - 22.622.0 - 43.026.4 - 51.633.0 - 64.5
Fiberglass blown (wall)3.7 - 4.312.9 - 15.019.4 - 22.637.0 - 43.044.4 - 51.655.5 - 64.5
Mineral Wool (batt)3.1 - 3.410.8 - 11.916.3 - 17.831.0 - 34.037.2 - 40.846.5 - 51.0
Mineral Wool blown (attic)3.1 - 3.410.8 - 14.016.3 - 21.031.0 - 40.037.2 - 48.046.5 - 60.0
Mineral Wool blown (wall)3.1 - 3.410.8 - 14.016.3 - 21.031.0 - 40.037.2 - 48.046.5 - 60.0
Cellulose blown (attic)3.2 - 3.711.2 - 12.916.8 - 15.032.0 - 37.038.4 - 44.448.0 - 55.5
Cellulose blown (wall)3.8 - 3.913.3 - 13.619.9 - 20.838.0 - 39.045.6 - 46.857.0 - 58.5
Polystrene Board3.8 - 5.013.3 - 17.519.9 - 26.238.0 - 50.045.6 - 60.057.0 - 75.0
Polyurethane Board5.5 - 6.519.2 - 22.728.9 - 34.155.0 - 65.066.0 - 78.082.5 - 97.5
Open Cell Spray Foam5.6 - 8.018.2 - 28.029.4 - 42.056.0 - 80.067.2 - 96.084.0 - 120.0
Polyisocyanurate (foil-faced)3.5 - 3.612.2 - 12.618.4 - 18.935.0 - 36.042.0 - 43.252.5 - 54.0
Closed Cell Spray Foam6.0 - 6.521.0 - 22.731.5 - 34.160.0 - 65.072.0 - 78.090.0 - 97.5