I've been scouring the DIY forum for a while becoming more and more inspired. I've been staring at a small coat closet that is basically in the center of the 1st floor and under the stairs. It is really ideal because there is absolutely no direct light and the hallway it is off of stays fairly dark all day. Figuring I could find a home for whatever junk I've tossed in there, I think I could easily make it into a fermentation closet.
Reading a lot of the build threads here makes me think I have it. Here is my plan.
Build a frame within the closet. I will likely build this high enough for two fermentation buckets. The frame is more or less built so I can hang Polystyrene Insulated Sheets and be sure the shelf will be sturdy enough to actually hold a bucket of beer (5 gallons). Since there is a standard door on the closet that will often let the cool air out, I figure I can add two doors to the frame and put the insulated sheets on the inside.
For cooling, I figured I'd use a mini refrigerator (2.7 cu ft.) and do the whole temperature control mod that I've read about here. The fridge would sit on the bottom and the shelf that divides the "closet" will not sit all the way back against the back. I don't have an outlet in the closet but I have one on the other side of the wall in an entry hallway. I can have a guy (or figure out how to do it myself) pull the plug through to the closet. Also, do I need a small space heater?
I don't know if I need roll insulation. It seems like I wouldn't based on what I'm seeing with various builds. I assume there is no insulation in the walls in the first place being all interior walls.
I know it is hard without pictures or drawings, but does this sound about right? The closet's internal dimensions, once framed, will be approximately 2' 6" w x 4' h x 3' d.
Basically after brewing one batch I realize how important it is to control temps during fermentation and I'd really like to ensure I do that.
Reading a lot of the build threads here makes me think I have it. Here is my plan.
Build a frame within the closet. I will likely build this high enough for two fermentation buckets. The frame is more or less built so I can hang Polystyrene Insulated Sheets and be sure the shelf will be sturdy enough to actually hold a bucket of beer (5 gallons). Since there is a standard door on the closet that will often let the cool air out, I figure I can add two doors to the frame and put the insulated sheets on the inside.
For cooling, I figured I'd use a mini refrigerator (2.7 cu ft.) and do the whole temperature control mod that I've read about here. The fridge would sit on the bottom and the shelf that divides the "closet" will not sit all the way back against the back. I don't have an outlet in the closet but I have one on the other side of the wall in an entry hallway. I can have a guy (or figure out how to do it myself) pull the plug through to the closet. Also, do I need a small space heater?
I don't know if I need roll insulation. It seems like I wouldn't based on what I'm seeing with various builds. I assume there is no insulation in the walls in the first place being all interior walls.
I know it is hard without pictures or drawings, but does this sound about right? The closet's internal dimensions, once framed, will be approximately 2' 6" w x 4' h x 3' d.
Basically after brewing one batch I realize how important it is to control temps during fermentation and I'd really like to ensure I do that.
