For wine enthusiasts, a home wine cellar is an ultimate dream. It’s a great way to further their hobby and learn more about the art of wine. However, designing a home cellar is a complex process and requires the right tiles for construction.
So ensure you only deal with a reputable floor tiles retailer to prevent getting faulty tiles that might cause structural damage in the long run.
What is a Wine Cellar?
A wine cellar is a storage space for wine bottles and casks. It is used to protect wine from external factors such as light, humidity, and temperature. They are a common feature in modern homes and wine enthusiasts. Besides their aesthetic appeal, wine cellars are helpful for preservation.
Wines are perishable, lasting between two and five days after opening a bottle. The liquid turns from a rich burgundy tone to a flat brown, and the fruity flavors fade. Wine is also sensitive to temperature fluctuations – high temperatures cause the chemicals to break down, causing it to lose its flavor.
Wine cellars are a convenient way to store wine systematically. However, you need a lot of bottles that you can get if you join one of the best wine clubs you know.
You can even label and record an inventory complete with categories. Lastly, wine cellars increase your property’s value. This is because wine cellars are a symbol of prestige.
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Proper Conditions for a Home Wine Cellar
There are two types of wine cellars:
- Active-cooled ones which have automatically regulated climate
- Passively- cooled cellars that do not have automated climate and are built underground to guard against temperature fluctuations.
Climate-regulated home wine cellars are better at maintaining and improving wine flavor and composition as it ages. Below are essential factors you should consider when constructing a wine cellar.
1. Vibration
Vibration causes sediments to not settle at the bottom of the bottle, disrupting the aging process. This ruins the wine’s flavor.
2. Temperature
The most appropriate temperature to store wine is between seven to eighteen degrees Celsius. However, for better maturity and improved flavor, experts recommend temperatures between ten to fourteen degrees.
3. Humidity
Wine is extremely sensitive to humidity. Low humidity causes the natural corks to wither and allow air to seep in; on the other hand, elevated humidity levels cause mold growth on the corks. The best humidity range is between fifty to seventy percent.
4. Light
When wine comes into contact with direct sun rays, it reacts with the chemicals and causes it to spoil. That’s the reason wine bottles are heavily tinted.
Factors Influencing Flooring for Home Wine Cellars
● Weight of the Wine Bottles
When looking for a sturdy flooring material for your wine cellar, ensure it can withstand the cumulative weight of all the bottles. If the material is brittle, it might crack or even collapse and affect your house’s foundation.
● Humidity Barrier
Wine is sensitive to humidity variations, so choosing a flooring material that provides a barrier to humidity is essential. Water vapor can also cause structural problems with your wine cellar.
● Don’t Install Carpeting
Wine requires a humidity reading of between fifty to seventy percent. Unfortunately, this can cause mold growth on your carpet. Wine spills may also damage the fabric.
● Durability
A good flooring material should be resistant to all elements, including humidity, dirt, and wine spills.
Different Types of Flooring for Home Wine Cellars
Below are some of the common flooring materials for home wine cellars.
1. Wood
Wood is a popular material for cellar floors. Most wine cellar owners use hardwoods, such as Brazilian Cherry and Walnut.
2. Tile
These come in varying patterns and color options. They are also resistant to scrapes and scratches.
3. Stone
Stone is a versatile option for wine cellar floors. It comes in diverse varieties such as marble, brick, and slate and doesn’t stain.
Why Choose Tiles for Your Home Wine Cellar
1. They Are Durable
Tiles are resistant to scratches and can withstand large amounts of pressure. They are also hard to break. Suitable tiles can last for twenty years and longer if well maintained. Besides, they are easy to replace and are relatively affordable to maintain.
2. Affordability
Tiles are a cost-effective solution for cellar floors, unlike materials such as expensive hardwood. They vary between one to twenty dollars per square foot, which is affordable for most homeowners.
3. They Are Resistant to Temperature Fluctuations
Tiles make excellent flooring materials for wine cellars because they don’t react to changes in humidity. They also aren’t susceptible to mold growth. However, ensure you use glazed tiles. Unglazed ones allow water to seep through and could compromise your home’s foundation.
