How to Make a Cheap Root Cellar by Yourself

A root cellar is similar to a basement, but is often small and made of dirt walls. It was a common sight fifty years ago, and is still used by many individuals, farmers in particular, for preserving food, as well as a shelter from storms. If you are looking into making a root cellar but are worried about the price, don't be. It is relatively inexpensive to make your own root cellar, but does require a bit of hard work and preplanning.

Step 1

Identify a hill at least 6" high if you have one. If the land is flat, making a cellar will be more difficult. Dig a slot into the ground approximately 6'Wx8'Hx8'L. Build walls around it made of reinforced treated and sealed wood so that a strong cube is made. Be sure that all of the walls, as well as the roof, has proper support to keep them from caving under the weight of the dirt. If you are uncertain about how to do this, consider consulting with a professional for your safety.

Step 2

Either purchase dirt (if the location you are building on is flat) or move the dirt you removed from the hill and fill in the area around the building. If the walls are remaining stable, as they should be, fill in the roof as well.

Step 3

Mount a door on the opening of the root cellar. It should be able to withstand any wind that blows against it, but doesn't have to be as secure as a house door. Do not allow any large air gaps, as freezing air will be able to get in during winter and freeze the food stored inside. Insulating the door with a long flap of plastic or rubber may be necessary depending on the temperatures outside and the exposure of the door.

Step 4 - French Drain

If the bottom of the door to the cellar is in such a location that it is prone to flooding, consider putting a French drain in front of it. A French drain is essentially a ditch of various length that is filled with gravel. If the flooding is relatively minor, dig a trench at least 6 inches wide and 12 inches deep and fill it with gravel. As water reaches it, it will fall through the stones.

If the level of water at the door is frequent or reaches a high level, consider installing vertical pipes under the French drain that will aid in ushering away a larger amount of water.