Wine Cellar Flooring Guide

Reclaimed Wine Barrel Floor in a Vinotemp Cellar

Not only does the floor add overall style, it provides insulation. Today we are discussing cellar flooring options as well as a brief introduction to the basics of cellar flooring. Combined with the help of a Vinotemp expert, you will be able to make an informed decision when selecting materials for your wine cellar floor.

Keep these important elements in mind when shopping for flooring:

1. Weight: Since 500 wine bottles can weigh up to 1 ton, it is critical that you select a material that will not buckle under substantial weight. If you are building your cellar over another floor, weight becomes an even greater factor; you do not want your flooring to crack and cause structural issues.
2. Vapor Barrier: Many cellar owners choose to build their cellars in the lower levels of their homes or businesses where temperatures remain cool and stable. For this reason, many floors are installed over concrete. It is important to remember that installing flooring directly over concrete may cause the flooring material to warp over time due to the humidity required to properly store wine. Thus, it is essential that a vapor barrier be installed prior to laying down any flooring material.
3. Just Say “NO!” to Carpet: In general, carpet is not an ideal choice for cellar flooring material. Since wine ages best under a certain amount of humidity, the moisture may cause the carpeting to mold over time. In addition, carpet does not fare well under spills.
4. Durability: Durability is also another important consideration; you want your cellar floor to age gracefully over the years, weathering through spills, footsteps, dirt, etc.

Wood: Wood is the most common flooring material utilized by the wine cellar industry. It is a natural choice since it is easy to match the wood used for racking with the wood used for flooring. If you decide that wood flooring is your best option, make sure that the chemicals used to stain and seal the wood are of low to zero toxicity so that it does not influence the taste of your wine.

Mosaic: Some cellar owners love to add a touch of flair to their floor. Mosaic tile is a decorative option that incorporates pieces of fine china, stained glass, and porcelain tiles. While mosaic adds a lot of visual interest, it should be used sparingly. It is best to place the mosaic at the center of the room or somewhere it will not be susceptible to the weight of many wine bottles.

Custom Wine Cellar by Vinotemp with Stone Tile

Stone: Stone is a beautiful and durable alternative for cellar flooring. The majority of stone will not stain, making it an ideal choice if you will be incorporating a tasting area inside your cellar. Marble, granite, and slate are the most common stones found in wine cellars.

Reclaimed Wine Barrel: A sustainable choice for eco enthusiasts, reclaimed wine barrel is an extremely popular option for cellar owners. Beautiful and unique, reclaimed wine barrel floors are constructed from old wine barrels that would otherwise rot in a landfill after their average shelf life of 5 years. Here are the different types of reclaimed wine barrel flooring:

• Cooperage – features the markings that are placed on the top and bottom of the barrel that once helped a winery identify different types of wine.
• Stave—repurposed from the vertical wood on the sides of the barrel. When the hoops (metal bands) of the barrel are removed they leave unique imperfections that will add character to a room.
• Infusion—the wood from inside the barrel that is naturally stained from the wine. This option adds a lovely dose of color to any cellar.

Cork: Cork is another eco-friendly option. Made up of air-filled cells, its porous surface provides a bit of cushion to the surface of the floor, making it a nice option for those with joint pain and a decent shock absorber. Cork floors are all natural, renewable, and easy to clean. They must, however, be sealed to safeguard against spills.

Vinyl: Laminate floors are a simple and quick solution for cellar flooring. Modern laminate floors often mimic wood, marble, or stone, making them a budget friendly option that will not detract from the beauty of your cellar. They are also easy to clean and will stand the test of time with proper care.

Now that you know a bit more about cellar flooring, contact a Vinotemp agent with our Contact Form to talk about your cellar.