🖼️
The project:
What started as an unused room has become one of my favourite spaces in the house. The goal was to create a functional wine cellar that not only stores bottles in the right conditions but also feels like somewhere you'd actually want to spend time. Here's how I transformed the space from bare walls to a climate-controlled cellar with custom timber racking, feature lighting and plenty of room for the collection to grow.
- Materials:
Materials Used
- Tools:
Tools Used
- AEG Circular Saw
Used for cutting framing timber, MDF sheets, VJ panels and acoustic panels. - Ryobi ONE+ Drill & Driver Combo Kit (18V)
Used for drilling, fixing framing, installing wall linings and general assembly work. - Ozito Pull Down Saw / Drop Saw
Used for accurate cross-cutting of framing timber, trims and feature panels. - Ozito Hammer Drill
Used for drilling into masonry and heavier fixing applications. - Hammer
Used for general framing, adjustments and fixing. - Tape Measure
Used for measuring framing, panel cuts and layout. - Spirit Level
Used to ensure walls, framing and panels were installed accurately. - Utility Knife
Used for cutting insulation batts, wall wrap and foam insulation boards. - Caulking Gun
Used for applying construction adhesive and sealants. - Clamps
Used to hold panels and timber during cutting and installation. - Pencil & Marking Tools
Used for accurate cutting and installation marks.
- Step 1:
Step 1 – Prepare the space, install sarking and build the frame
The first step was preparing the room and creating a thermally stable envelope for the cellar. A breathable sarking membrane was installed before constructing the internal timber frame using 90 × 45mm framing timber. Careful planning at this stage allowed space for insulation, services and the final wall finishes.
- Step 2:
Step 2 – Install insulation system
To improve temperature stability, the walls were insulated using a combination of rigid XPS foam boards and insulation batts. The foam panels helped provide additional thermal resistance, while wool insulation was installed in the ceiling to improve insulation performance and reduce temperature fluctuations.
- Step 3:
Step 3 – Complete electrical rough-in
Before closing up the walls, a qualified electrician was brought in to complete all required wiring. This included running cables for lighting, power and any other electrical requirements while access was still available behind the wall linings.
- Step 4:
Step 4 – Install wall and ceiling linings
Once insulation and electrical rough-in were complete, the walls were lined with Easycraft VJ panels to create the classic vertical groove finish. The ceiling was sheeted using 6mm MDF, providing a smooth surface ready for finishing.
- Step 5:
Step 5 – Electrical fit-off and final preparation
The electrician returned to complete the fit-off, installing switches, lights and power points. All surfaces were checked, and any imperfections, joins and fixing points were prepared before the decorative finishes were installed.
- Step 6:
Step 6 – Install trims, beading and cornices
The finishing details were added with timber trims, beading and cornices to create a clean transition between the walls and ceiling. These details helped give the cellar a more traditional, high-end built-in feel.
- Step 7:
Step 7 – Install and prepare the cellar door
The door was hung using hinges and fitted with a roller latch system to provide a secure closure. The door surrounds were prepared and painted before installing the feature acoustic panels to ensure a seamless finish.
- Step 8:
Step 8 – Paint the acoustic panel surrounds and install feature panels
The door surrounds and backing areas were spray painted black before installing the SpecRite Black Oak acoustic panels. This helped create a shadow-line effect through the timber battens and gave the feature wall a premium finish.
- Step 9:
Step 9 – Install acoustic panels and hidden door hardware
The Black Oak acoustic panels were carefully installed, transforming the cellar entrance into a feature wall. The door was designed to blend into the surrounding panels, making it almost invisible when closed. The final touch was installing the matte black barn door handle, which reveals the hidden door opening.
- Step 10:
Step 10 – Final sealing, painting and smart entry upgrade
All remaining gaps and joints were sealed before final painting and finishing touches were completed. The project was finished by installing a Bunnings Orion fingerprint smart door lock to the external entry door, providing secure keyless access and completing the modern cellar entrance.
