How to Make a Meat Curing Cellar

Remove the glass from the window. Measure it and cut one piece of polystyrene sheeting to fit the window opening. Cut two pieces of exterior plywood the same size. Laminate the polystyrene between the pieces of plywood using the polystyrene construction adhesive, forming a sandwich. Use the saw to cut two three- or four-inch holes in the sandwich for the vents. Place these holes as far apart as possible to promote air flow around the cellar. Place one higher than the other. Cover the vent openings with the metal screening to exclude insects and small animals. Place the vents in the openings and put it in the window opening.

Measure the dimensions of the finished meat curing cellar. Mark the outline on the basement floor using the marker. Include the door opening in your outline. Frame the walls of the curing cellar by using the screwdriver and screws to attach lengths of 2" by 4" lumber to the ceiling joists. Build the bottom wall plates using the lumber and screws. Fit lengths of 2" by 4" lumber used as studs between the top and bottom boards. The studding can be on centers greater than 24 inches apart because they aren't bearing any load. Use the carpenter's square and plumb line to check the straightness of your work.

Build the door frame. Build the outer walls of the curing cellar from the interior plywood by screwing it to the studs and top and bottom plates.Check your work with the square and plumb line. Apply polystyrene construction adhesive to the interior surface of the plywood between the studding. Attach pieces of the polystyrene sheeting to the adhesive-covered surface. Build the inner walls of the meat during cellar from plywood. Install the door.

Paint the walls and door. Attach the vent piping to the vents. Install the shelving and hanging hooks. Hang the thermometer in the center of the cellar to monitor the temperature.