We believe that the choice of woods used in wine racks is very important, for two reasons:
- Decay Resistance – Woods vary considerably in decay resistance and durability. Woods like cherry and redwood are generally more resistant to decay.
- Tendency to Warp – Cherry and redwood are among those with the lowest tendency to warp.
Fungi & Mold
Deter the growth of fungi in wine cabinets and wine racks by considering the following four requirements.
- Temperature – Between 75 and 90 degrees Farenheit is optimum for the growth of fungi. Beyond the extremes of 40 and 105 degrees Farenheit, growth essentially stops.
- Oxygen – Fungi needs oxygen to grow.
- Moisture – Fungi can develop in wood with an average moisture content as low as 20%, so be aware of how humidity can impact your cellar interior.
- Food – Woods vary considerably in decay resistance or durability. Where it is impossible or impractical to keep wood below 20% moisture content, the next best approach is to choose a durable wood or wood that has been impregnated with a chemical preservative.
The first three requirements all exist inside a wine cabinet, so the only way to control against fungi is #4. Therefore, the choice of wood used to build wine racks is very important, and it should be a wood that is resistant to decay, such as redwood, black walnut or cherry.
For more information, check out the book by R. Bruce Hoadley called “Understanding Wood, A Craftsman’s Guide to Wood Technology” or see our wine cellar frequently asked questions article.