How Much Does It Cost to Build a Root Cellar? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to build a root cellar is $7,000. Most homeowners spend between $2,600 and $11,500, with the spread driven by cellar type, size, and whether excavation and concrete work are required. Above-ground builds are a budget-friendly alternative, coming in at $55,000 or less.

Root Cellar Costs: By Type

The type of root cellar you build is the primary driver of your total cost, with options ranging from simple above-ground structures to fully excavated underground builds. Costs vary significantly by type, so the breakdown below can help you compare your options.

Above Ground

Above-ground root cellars range from $200 to $25,000, depending on the construction method and materials involved. A basic crawl space conversion sits at the low end of that range, while a fully built structure using cinder blocks, concrete, insulation, and professional labor reaches the upper end.

Below Ground

Below-ground root cellars, typically built into a hillside or excavated beneath the surface, cost $10,000 to $55,000 and offer exceptional storage capacity for a wide variety of crops. Your final cost depends on the materials you choose, equipment rental, and labor.

Basement

Converting an existing basement into a root cellar costs $10,000 to $25,000 and requires remodeling work to add a gravel floor, proper ventilation, climate control, and shelving.

Garage Floor

A garage floor root cellar costs $3,000 to $9,000 and is a practical choice for homeowners who want underground storage without going outside. These units are smaller than fully in-ground builds, but they eliminate the need to clear snow or debris from an exterior cellar door.

FEMA Safe Room/Storm Shelter

Homeowners building an above-ground root cellar in storm-prone regions can apply for a FEMA P-361 Safe Room or Storm Shelter designation, which can cover up to 75% of the total project cost. Because tornado and hurricane shelter requirements closely mirror the dimensions of an above-ground root cellar, this funding path is a realistic option for those in storm-heavy areas.

Root Cellar Cost Breakdown: Materials

Materials

Materials represent one of the most variable line items in a root cellar build, ranging from near zero when using recycled materials already on hand to a significant portion of the total budget for a scratch-built structure. The table below breaks down typical costs by material type.

Excavation

Excavation is a necessary step for any underground root cellar, with the cost of excavation averaging $4,000 for a typical project. Uneven ground and unpredictable subsurface conditions make this a job best left to a pro excavation company, who can ensure your cellar has a stable, code-compliant foundation.

Concrete 

Concrete is a common root cellar construction material, and the cost of a concrete slab typically runs $3,600 to $7,200, with an average of $5,400. Your final cost depends on the volume of concrete needed, the desired thickness, and any reinforcement materials such as rebar.

Labor

Professional labor typically accounts for 30% of the total cost to build a root cellar, so factor that percentage into your overall budget from the start.

Humidity

Keeping humidity below 95% is essential to prevent crops from rotting, and climate control costs range from $100 to $3,500 depending on your region. Homeowners in cold climates often rely on natural below-ground temperatures, while those in warmer areas will need additional insulation to maintain safe storage conditions.

Cost per Square Foot  

Root cellar costs range from $3,000 to $30,000 depending on size, with the average build covering 100 square feet and smaller units starting at 5 by 8 square feet. The table below shows how costs scale with square footage.

Air Circulation

Installing intake and exhaust vents costs $300 to $6,000 and is essential for preventing overripening caused by ethylene gas, a natural byproduct released by fruits like apples and pears. Without adequate airflow, that gas can accelerate ripening across all of your stored crops.

Root Cellar Costs by Location: Where Is It Highest?

Root cellars require low temperatures, high humidity, ventilation, limited sunlight, and easy accessibility, which means your local climate plays a significant role in both the type of cellar you can build and what it will cost. Fortunately, the variety of root cellar designs available means most homeowners can find an option suited to their climate and available space.

Region

In naturally cold climates like New England, an above-ground root cellar suited for storing herbs, grains, squash, and alliums costs $200 to $25,000. Homeowners in warmer regions such as the Southeast, Southwest, and Far West should budget $500 to $25,000 or more, since additional insulation is needed to offset the heat.

State

High-rainfall, high-humidity states like Louisiana present a unique challenge: a high water table rules out in-ground root cellars, and outdoor humidity makes above-ground options impractical as well. In these climates, a freestanding refrigerated unit inside the home is the most viable solution, costing around $900 for a prefabricated fridge or an average of $30,000 for a custom-built refrigerated cellar.

City Center vs. Rural

Urban homeowners can store produce year-round using indoor coolers or insulated bins priced at $200 to $3,000, set to hold 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with the lid cracked 1/4 inch for ventilation. Rural homeowners with more outdoor space have a wider range of build options, with above-ground cellars averaging $3,000 to $15,000 and underground builds running $4,000 to $30,000.

Cost to Build a Root Cellar Yourself

Smaller above-ground root cellars are great for DIY enthusiasts. You can build a barrel root cellar, create a berm—a rounded mound of soil that creates a barrier to the outside, or dig a crawl space. 

You’ll save 30% on labor costs, and you can work on your root cellar at your own pace. You’ll need a drill, safety goggles, screws, storage baskets, and low-cost or recycled building materials. You can expect to spend $500 or less on these options.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

First, experienced DIYers can install small prefabricated root cellars for as little as $1,000. However, larger prefabricated root cellars cost between $10,000 to $30,000, and they require heavy equipment for installation, so it’s best to leave that to the pros.

Second, we recommend that only professionals take on building an in-ground root cellar. You’ll need to hire a local structural engineer or an architect in your area to draw up building plans for this project. 

Finally, you will need to hire a licensed contractor near you to properly construct your root cellar, following all local safety and building codes. You can expect to spend between $10,000 to $55,000 for professionals, materials, installation, and labor for this project.

How You Can Save Money While Building a Root Cellar

You can dig out an above-ground root cellar from an outbuilding, such as a metal storage locker, for a more DIY and less expensive approach. This option provides a cool, damp temperature and plenty of ventilation. 

Another inexpensive option is transforming the space underneath your deck into a semi-above ground root cellar with metal bins and plastic sheeting.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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