Would you like a personalised cigar cabinet? Are you handy with your ten fingers? Why not make your own humidor?
Making a humidor is simple, it's within the reach of (almost) everyone.
Cigar humidors are an indispensable product for cigar lovers. They allow the preservation of cigars at a good humidity level to prevent them from drying out, getting mouldy or losing their flavour. But they can be quite expensive and not a priority for the occasional smoker.
However, if you feel like making your own humidor, you'll find it quite easy and rewarding.
Important points for building a humidor :
- Think about the internal dimensions of the humidor
- Find or make a container that will be lined
- Choose the right wood for the lining
- Make the necessary cuts
- Present and check the assembly
- Sand and level if necessary
- Fix with glue and nails
- Customise the cellar (hinges, filters, etc.)
In the following, we will see :
- what to make a humidor with
- the most recommended types of wood
- the steps to follow in detail
Let's start without further ado.
Before making a humidor
To make a humidor, you can use a box such as a wooden wine box or an old cigar box and modify it to make a humidor. It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended that it be made of wood.
If you don't have anything like it on hand, the best thing to do is to build a small wooden box yourself. The size of the box depends on your objectives, the number of cigars you intend to keep or the accessories you hope to store in it (cigar cutter, lighter, etc).
If you are not sure how to protect your cigars, you can see how to store your cigars with some really practical tips.
The most important thing about a cigar box, at least in its construction, is the lining. This is what we will be talking about in the following steps.
What you will need :
- A box of the required dimensions
- Wood to line the box
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (100-120)
- Hand saw
- Hammer and nails
If you are using a box you already have, you may need to add some accessories such as hinges and a handle.
The importance of wood in a humidor
The role of a humidor is to maintain a good humidification in order to avoid mould on your cigars by becoming too humid or, on the contrary, that they dry out. The component that allows this to be done in the best conditions is wood, which is why it is important to choose it carefully.
On the market, you will find models made of glass, acrylic, sometimes a combination of both, but wood is and will always remain the most suitable material for making a humidor. It protects the cigars from light and does a much better job of maintaining the right temperatures and humidity levels.
Good to know : Unlike glass and acrylic, wood breathes and allows for much better humidity regulation.
Recommended woods for a cigar cabinet
You know why wood is important, now let's see what kind of wood is recommended for this purpose.
1/ Spanish cedar
Spanish cedar is the best option, as it offers an excellent moisture absorption rate. It is also able to act as a repellent for insects that may find their way into your cellar.
Furthermore, it is the wood that best guarantees the flavour of the cigar. Indeed, it is the one that is least impregnated by the cigars, while diffusing a pleasant fragrance that most people appreciate.
2/ American cedar
American cedar is a more affordable alternative. However, keep in mind that it offers a more pungent scent, which may be less appreciated in a living room or office, and may slightly permeate your cigars.
It does an excellent job of maintaining perfect humidity, while preserving the aroma and flavour of the cigar quite well. However, it does not do as good a job of keeping insects away.
3/ Honduran mahogany
Honduran mahogany is another affordable option if your budget is tight. This type of wood absorbs moisture as effectively as Spanish cedar.
Unfortunately, it does not preserve the flavour and aroma of the cigar as well as the latter.
If you want the best and compromise is not for you, invest in Spanish cedar and your cigars will pay you back by staying fresh. If you are on a tighter budget, the other two types of wood are excellent alternatives, but you should be aware of their weaknesses.
Steps to build a humidor
The steps below are to be followed WITHOUT fixing (gluing) anything definitively before it is stipulated. The idea is to first present the different pieces to see if they fit together well before making any corrections.
-
Cut the wood to remove the larger piece which will be attached directly to the lid so that it will fit into the box.With the remaining wood, cut the piece that will go to the bottom of the cellar. Measure carefully to allow for the thickness of the sides that will rest on it all around
- Do the same thing when cutting the sides. If the measurements are right, they should fit perfectly between the edges of the box and the bottom plate.
- [Optional] Before permanently attaching all the parts, it may be useful, depending on the cuttings, to sand by hand with 100-120 fine sandpaper. This is to ensure that the pieces fit together perfectly without forcing and to take care of the finishing touches.
- When you are satisfied with the assembly and the lid closes well without leaving any gaps, you can glue and nail each piece to the sides and bottom of the box.
- This step is for any customisation you want to do to your cellar. This is where you add hinges, walls to delimit spaces, thin strips at the bottom to prevent cigars from rolling, a hygrometer in the lid (or elsewhere), a handle, etc.
- Allow to dry for at least 24 hours with the lid open.
-
Install the humidifier you want, close the lid and wait another 24 hours or so for the humidity to rise and become optimal.
- Congratulations ! You have just made a unique cigar cabinet that your friends will envy !
If you have the soul of a handyman, you are free to decorate it, for example with a double bottom to promote air circulation, a crumb basket or a lighting system...
As long as you have good wood and talent, anything is possible!
Now it's your turn to build your own cigar humidor !
You now know the essential points to make a cigar humidor yourself. It was impossible to present a humidor that meets everyone's needs, because these needs are quite different from one aficionado to another.
Some people store a lot of cigars for a long time, while others only need to store a few dozen cigars. Others smoke regularly and therefore often handle their humidors, etc.
Whatever the case, the most important thing when building a humidor is the wood and we have presented the three most suitable types for this project.
It is up to you to adapt it according to your desires and your talents of handyman to make your small pride!
>> And if this seems insurmountable or you prefer to save time, you can always choose a high quality cigar humidor from our premium selection !
