You’ve finally purchased your dream house! You’ll spend plenty of time there relaxing and enjoying the amenities you recreated. However, you do have one problem.
You don’t know where you want to set up your bar area or home bar. Which room should you construct it in? The cellar or the basement?
If you’re confused about the differences between the cellar vs basement, then you’ve come to the right place for answers. In this article, we’ll tell you all you need to know; read on.
What is a Cellar?
A cellar is an underground room entirely or mostly below ground level. So, all cellars are basements, but not all basements are cellars. It is a specific type of basement used to store food and wine.
Cellars are typically found in older homes. Also, they are dark and damp and smaller in size.
What is a Basement?
A basement is any house level entirely or partially below ground level, which is more common in newer houses. It can be finished to be dry and comfortable. Basements are also the room where the home’s mechanical systems, such as the furnace and water heater, are located. To make the basement into a dry, usable living space, a basement encapsulation can be done.
Cellar vs Basement Differences
A house can either have a basement or a cellar. They are often confused, but there are significant differences between the two.
Location
One of the most significant differences between cellars and basements is that cellars are not part of the main house. They are often located outside the house, and you must go downstairs to get to them. Basements, on the other hand, are part of the main house. They are typically located near the main floor, and you can usually get to them from the main floor by going down a short flight of stairs.
Purpose
A home cellar is not typically used as living space because they are often damp and lack natural light. However, cellars are the perfect place to store food and wine because they are superb and dark. On the other hand, basements are usually used as storage space or laundry rooms but can also be finished and used as livable spaces.
Structure
A basement is typically higher than a cellar and has windows that let in natural light. The walls in a basement can be finished or unfinished. In contrast, a cellar is entirely underground and has no windows. The walls are often made of stone or brick and are more finished than those in a basement.
Cellar vs Basement: Know the Difference
Though a cellar and a basement may appear to be the same, there are significant differences between the two. A cellar is typically found underground and is used for storage, while a basement is a whole level of a building that can be used for living space, storage, or anything else. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider what you need the space for.
A basement is better if you need extra living space or storage. A cellar will suffice if you need a place to store things. Understanding the differences between a cellar vs basement can help you decide which is suitable for your needs.
We hope this cellar and basement guide was helpful, and remember to check out our blog for more articles on all things home.
Michelle Wilde is a stay-at-home mom and avid plant lover. Armed with a post-graduate degree in Computer Science (no kidding!), she loves researching plants and landscapes. When she is not caring for her 4 kids, she spends time on her passion for plants.