How Much Does A Wood Wine Rack Cost?

Wooden wine racks are a smart and attractive way to store your prized collection of reds and whites. But wood wine rack prices can vary greatly depending on the wood type, finish, and degree to which your wood wine rack is customized.

Wood wine racks come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties. They can be extremely simple or incredibly complex—it’s all a matter of what you want out of your wine storage. Keep reading for a high-level guide to help you budget for your new wine storage solution.

Wood Wine Rack Cost Considerations

In general, kit-based, do-it-yourself, unfinished wine cellar racks will start at around $4 a bottle, or about $50 per case of wine. However, it’s important to note that this will differ based on the size of your space and any additional features you’d like to include.

Keep in mind that it’s not always the best or smartest decision to go with the cheapest option. You might wind up with a rack that will break down and cause damage to your prized collection.

With good planning, you can create a beautiful wine room, wine cellar, or storage closet that will serve your needs and keep your wine in good condition for years to come. Custom wood wine racks may be more appropriate for some installations. Here are some things to consider as you think about building a wine storage space:

1. Storage Size

The size of your custom wine cellar or rack is among the most important considerations for constructing your storage solution and determining your wood wine rack cost. Based on the location or room size alone, wood wine rack prices can start anywhere from $500 to $25,000.

Consider where you want to have your wine rack. The location shouldn’t be in direct sunlight and should maintain a steady temperature throughout the day. You may need to install a wine cooling system to maintain constant temperature and humidity conditions.

Installing a wine storage system can be as simple as hanging a few wall-mounted racks or as involved as undergoing an entire renovation project with custom wood wine racks. Think about the size of the room and how large you plan to grow your collection. This will help you determine the best location for wine storage.

2. Wine Capacity

The planning process for your new wine rack or cellar also needs to include the number of bottles you plan to store, as previously mentioned. Are you a casual collector or a wine connoisseur?

You’ll need to plan for half a square foot of space per 10 bottles. A small cabinet holding about 100 bottles averages anywhere from $500 to $4,000, depending on finishes and additional features. Wood wine rack prices for a collection of 500 bottles can reach $15,000 to $22,000.

Your ideal solution should be not only functional, but also beautiful. Take into account the overall wine cellar design and aesthetic you want. Just because your wine rack is small, doesn’t mean it can’t be a true work of art.

Keep in mind the type of wine you like. Red wines usually only require a rack on a wall, whereas whites and rosés will need to be kept cool using more complex storage solutions. The type of wine you collect and the number of bottles in your collection can be a major factor in the total wood wine rack cost.

3. Building Materials

When choosing the material for wooden wine racks, you’ll need to consider the look you’re going for, as well as the finishes you currently have in the space.

At Wine Racks America, we offer three superior wood types to choose from. Ponderosa Pine is a clear, quality softwood that is sourced from the Pacific Northwest. Our Premium Redwood is a gorgeous, mildew-resistant redwood native to the Northern Coast. And, our Grand Mahogany from South America is a straight-grained hardwood with pink to light-brown coloration.

4. Floors and Walls

Floors and walls don’t serve a real functional purpose for your wine storage, and including them entirely depends on your design preference. The cost, as with most design features, will differ depending on the materials you choose.

Think about the overall durability. Softer materials (like wood) are more forgiving if a bottle is dropped, whereas harder surfaces (like tile) are easier to clean. As for the walls, we recommend opting for wood, wood paneling, insulated drywall or glass. Expect to pay between $2,500 and $8,000 for flooring and walls for your new wine cellar. It may cost more if you decide on luxury materials.

5. Custom Lighting

Custom lighting is an affordable way to upgrade wooden wine racks. Most professional lighting projects cost between $150 and $800 for the fixture and installation. But, you can also easily add strip lighting or your own wine rack lighting system for much less.

You’ll want to avoid direct natural light as it can poison your high-quality vintages. With your custom lighting, be sure to use LED or fluorescent bulbs to protect your collection.

6. Refrigeration Control

The ideal temperature for your wine will depend on your collection. Red wines don’t require cooling and are best kept between 60 and 68°F. Tart whites and rosés should be kept at 45 to 52°F. 

But if you’re looking for a more sophisticated option, you can choose to install split systems (starting at around $3,000 to $9,000) or ducted systems (starting at around $3,500 to $9,000). These will vary in price based on the size of your cellar.

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7. Humidity Control

Controlling humidity is just as important as refrigeration. Your wine cellar is recommended to stay around 60% humidity with little swings in variation. Consistency is key to keeping your wine in good shape. 

Humidity control systems can include humidifiers, thermostats, and air-tight insulation. Costs will vary depending on the technology you choose. Wine cellar cooling units from Wine Racks America are made to keep your collection at both the ideal temperature and humidity level.

8. Air-Tight Doors

Wine cellar doors are a show-stopping element, providing a grand entrance into your wine room or cellar. Don’t skimp on this important feature.

The cost of a wine room door will vary greatly based on your building door materials, dimensions, and cellar location. The cost of a single, air-tight door can be anywhere from $500 to $3,500. While this may seem high, understand that an insulated, air-tight door keeps your bottles secure within the temperature-controlled space you’ve created. Your wine collection is an investment, so make sure you’re protecting your investment with reliable storage.

When done right, adding wood wine racks to your home can provide a considerable return on your investment. The storage will keep your expensive wine collection safe while increasing your home’s value to potential buyers. Ensure your passion will live on for years to come with premium wood wine racks from Wine Racks America.