Humidor Plans

If you're a cigar smoker and a competent handyman, you can combine the two passions and build your very own humidor. There are a variety of humidor plans available from which to work. These should tell you everything you need to know, from materials, to building plan, to instructions to follow. Cigars require a specific environment. It's important your home-built humidor be precise and meet each requirement.

The first step is to plan before even choosing a plan. Where will you put the humidor? How many cigars will you store? What type of cigars? What style of Humidor humidor? Once you've made these decisions, you can find the plan best for you.

Building Materials and Humidor Components
No matter the humidor plan you work with, you'll need the same basic components. Any humidor needs a Hygrometer hygrometer for measuring the level of humidity. It will need a humidifier to maintain that level. Most will be made of hard wood on the outside, so they won't warp. (Your plan will likely specify a preference of wood.)

The interior should be made of Spanish cedar, which works best for holding in humidity. It also offers the aroma and flavor associated with fine cigars. Your humidor plan will also mention this, but don't confuse Spanish cedar with aromatic cedar (often found in closets and other clothing-storage units). Aromatic cedar can ruin good cigars. Use Spanish cedar only.

Putting It Together
Once you've chosen your exterior wood (cherry, walnut, and maple are possibilities), it's time to follow the plan. Remember, measure multiple times in order to get the cut right the first time. A humidor needs to be put together perfectly to keep its seal. The exterior can be assembled mostly with wood glue. The exterior wood should be sanded and finished to hold up to the humidor's humid conditions.

Your humidor plan will tell you, but you can often add hygrometers and humidifiers with magnets. Then you can attach the hinges -piano hinges are a nice option. The knob can be a final touch. If you've followed the plan, you should have a new humidor of which you have great reason to be proud.