Orange County’s Expert Wine Cellar Builders: An Understairs Wine Storage Solution

Custom Wine Cellars Orange County has some of the best wine cellar builders in the business if you’re looking for an aesthetic and advanced way to store your wine collection. Using the space under your stairs is also a terrific way to keep your wine collection organized and maximize the area of your home.  

In this article, we’ll learn what makes an understairs wine cellar so unique and why it’s becoming a popular trend these days. You’ll also learn how our team of wine cellar designers at CWC Orange County constructs a one-of-a-kind custom wine cellar for every home. 

Trusted Expert Wine Cellar Builders and Designers in Orange County, California 

Whether you are a beginner in wine collection or a seasoned wine connoisseur, you will need a place to store your wines that maintain their perfect quality and aging conditions. That’s where our California-based Custom Wine Cellars team comes in.  

The team of wine cellar builders is led by Steve Pantalemon, a master designer specializing in creating functional and beautiful wine cellars for residential and commercial spaces. They only utilize the highest-grade materials and work with experienced artisans to ensure that your dream wine cellar is built to last.

How our Professional Wine Cellar Builders planned and Designed this Understairs Wine Cellar

There are countless options available regarding wine storage, as you can store wines in many ways. Steve and the team designed an understairs wine cellar in this modern California home for this project. The underutilized space beneath the stairs also features spray foam insulation, further protecting the wine room from the most common problems every wine collector face. 

Before beginning the construction of an under-stairs wine cellar, they carefully planned the design and layout of the space. The process includes determining the size of the wine room and the placement of the wine racks, shelving, door, and refrigeration unit. The overall style and aesthetic were considered by our wine cellar contractors so they will blend seamlessly with the structure and design of the home. Other additional features or amenities the client wanted to include, such as temperature controls or lighting. 

How was the Spray Foam Installed in the Wine Cellar? 

Custom Wine Cellars Orange County has more advanced equipment and a team of trained wine cellar technicians knowledgeable about the proper installation techniques and safety measures. Before starting the installation process, they will typically conduct a comprehensive inspection of all areas that have to be insulated.  

All gaps or cracks that need to be sealed are identified, and the type and thickness of the required foam insulation are. After preparing the area and setting up the equipment, the team sprayed the foam application onto the walls. They used specialized spraying guns to apply the foam evenly and fill all gaps and voids. 

After the application of spray foam, it was allowed to cure. The ideal curing time of spray foam insulation depends on what type of foam is used, the ambient humidity and temperature, and how thick the foam is.  

In general, the foam should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours. Closed-cell types of foam insulation may require up to 48 hours to fully cure as it is a more rigid and dense type of foam. Open-cell foam insulation, however, may need 72 hours of curing time because of its softer and more flexible properties. 

Advanced Wine Storage Solutions with Spray Foam Insulation 

One of the most effective ways to safeguard your wine collection is by applying spray foam insulation. This kind of insulation creates a protective barrier between the cellar walls and its exterior, keeping the bottles safe from temperature fluctuations and humidity. The spray foam also prevents molds from growing from cracks or crevices because of its airtight sealing effect. 

The Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation to the Wine Cellar

Spray foam is a superior method to keep the wine cellar cool and the wine’s quality at top condition. Here are some impressive benefits of spray foam in constructing a wine cellar. 

1. Temperature control: The spray foam works hand in hand with the refrigerating unit to regulate the temperature inside the wine cellar, keeping it cool and stable.
2. Humidity control: Spray foam also maintains ideal humidity levels by sealing out moisture entering the cellar. This application is vital for preventing spoilage and keeping the wine labels from damage.
3. Pest control: Any creaks or crevices in the wine cellar are blocked out or covered by the spray foam, sealing out pests and insects to prevent infestation.
4. Energy efficiency: The spray foam provides an effective barrier against heat transfer which makes the wine cellar cooling unit generate less energy usage. This can save you money on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Compatible Wine Refrigeration Systems for a Compact Understairs Wine Cellar 

When choosing a cooling system for a small-sized wine cellar, the best option is to select one that is appropriately sized for the cellar space and could effectively maintain the right temperature and humidity levels. 

Some options for wine cellar refrigeration systems that are suitable for small or compact understairs wine cellar spaces include: 

1. Ceiling-mounted cooling units are split wine refrigeration units designed to be installed between standard ceiling joist constructions in compact wine cooling spaces. The Rack Mounted Cooling Unit (RM Series) is an exceptional example of a ceiling-mounted cooling unit that is quiet to run, with an R134a refrigerant and a capacity from 2,600 to 6,600 BTU per hour.
2. Ductless split system: This unit consists of an outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit by a small conduit. WhisperKOOL split refrigeration systems are excellent choices for an understairs wine room because it does not require ductwork and is easy to install in a small room area.  
3. Through-the-wall cooling units: These units are installed through a hole in the exterior wall of the wine room, wherein its compressor, condenser, and evaporator are already housed inside the unit, working together to cool the air inside the room. Wine Guardian through-the-wall cooling systems are also easy to adjust and maintain, making them an excellent option as they have a temperature gauge and display for temperature and humidity. 

Custom Wine Cellars Orange County: Your Trusted Experts for Wine Cellar Cooling and Insulation Needs 

CWC Orange County’s professional wine cellar builders can assist you in converting any unused space in your home into a functional and stylish wine cellar. You can leave everything to us, from choosing the best refrigeration system and installing the spray foam insulation to upgrading your wine cellar to its most total wine-storing capacity. Contact us now at +1 (714) 202-0989 to get started.