How do you build a cellar?
Question:Would like to build a cellar into the side of a small hill beside of our house. Just want it to store canned goods so it isnt going to be too big. How is the best way to build one?
Answers:
Do as talon699 suggested; just dig out a portion of the hillside and insert a structure.
If you're going to build it out of wood, I would suggest you frame and enclose the structure using pressure treated-lumber and then sprayed with a sealant to prevent rotting. As well, the dirt will apply extra pressure on the walls and ceiling of the structure. I suggest using hurricane brackets (like those used to increase the fastening strength on roof-trusses) for the ceiling and joist hangers on the studs in the walls. Spacing the studs at 12 inches on centre than the standard 16 inches on centre will also be helpful. And the final bit of advice is to cut some re-bar into 12 inch length. Drill a series of holes in the bottom plates of the walls and drive these re-bar "spikes" into the earth through the holes. This will help prevent the structure from shifting and the walls from "kicking in" while back-filling.
Grab a shovel, dig a big hole,support the sides and top, add a door. then bury the whole thing except the door. Was called a root or cold cellar.
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