Many homeowners are adding a wine cellar to their list of must-haves when working with us on the design of their “lower level” (a fancy design name for a basement). Calabria Cabinetry designs and builds wine cellars that are both beautiful and functional. We start with a space that is about the size of a walk-in closet (under a large staircase or tucked in the corner behind the bar).
DESIGN
We discuss the style- sleek contemporary with floor-to-ceiling glass and metal bottle holders; craftsman-whittled wooden bottle racks with exposed brick; or Tuscan or French-inspired old world enclaves with stone columns and arches, plus authentic wood beams and wood plank ceilings. Our CAD design team creates a design and 3D rendering of the space, including architectural lighting. Once the design is approved, we prepare fully dimensioned building plans.
CONSTRUCTION
We start by framing the space, followed by electrical and plumbing. A drain is piped for the condensation from the cooling unit. Then we prewire for the LED lighting that will be inside the wine racks and illuminating the key features. We use greenboard (a type of drywall product that is impervious to mold and mildew) and insulation. Meanwhile, at our factory in Mokena, the entry door, wine racks, wine barrels and liquor cabinets (chilled vodka?) are fabricated from woods like knotty alder (chosen for its appearance and performance in a cooled space). They are stained and sprayed with a clear poly coat so they will look great for years to come. Our clients enjoy visiting our factory to see this.
INSTALLATION
After the room is taped and mudded, the fun begins. Our mason builds the stone columns and other design features, such as a brick barrel ceiling. Real stucco is applied to the walls, and painted with our unique aging process. We then install stone floors and stone base trim, which looks better and lasts longer than wood trim.
As we install the cooling unit, we insert a temperature sensor in a wine bottle filled with water and resealed. This will assure we get accurate wine temperature. Then the wine racks
If you are interested in having Calabria Cabinetry build a wine cellar, bar or entertainment center in your home, call us at (815-469-2000) or visit our design center at 10355 W. Lincoln Hwy. in Frankfort.
