Building Your Own Humidor? Here's How!

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To allow aficionados to store their cigars in optimal conditions for years while preserving full flavor, a humidor is typically required. A humidor is a container, usually made of wood and lined with various materials, designed to maintain a constant humidity level inside. Humidors can be purchased or constructed with the right instructions. Essential requirements include appropriate materials and a good level of craftsmanship.

Basically, there are two options for building a humidor:

• Veneer: Spanish cedar veneer is applied to an MDF base (medium-density fiberboard) on the inside, with a hardwood (often cherry) veneer on the outside.
• Solid Wood: The entire humidor body is made from solid wood, with a lining of Spanish cedar veneer on the interior.

Veneer or Solid Wood

Generally, there are two options for humidor construction:

On an MDF base (medium-density fiberboard), a Spanish cedar veneer is applied inside, with any chosen hardwood (often cherry) applied outside.
The entire humidor casing is crafted from solid wood, with a Spanish cedar veneer inserted on the inside.

Humidors are generally built on an MDF base. Since the humidity inside the humidor is higher than outside, the interior wood expands, which can lead to stress and cracks in the humidor’s walls.

Humidors based on MDF expand less, reducing stress within the interior.

Materials for a Humidor

A humidor should be as airtight as possible to prevent humidity from escaping. The walls must therefore be robust and of substantial thickness. Spanish cedar is recommended for this purpose.

Properties of Spanish Cedar:

Protection from tobacco beetles – thanks to the unique scent compounds in cedar
High moisture absorption – ensures a stable climate inside the humidor
Supports the aging process of cigars
Enhances the cigars' aroma

For more details, see: Spanish Cedar – For the Humidor & as Kindling

1. Humidor Exterior Walls

The exterior walls are lined with a 4-millimeter veneer, known as lining. A material that absorbs moisture well is needed. Spanish cedar is not recommended due to its high resin content. Instead, African hardwoods such as Okoume, Bosse, Sapeli, or Kondroti (also known as Alone wood) are ideal for lining.

2. Humidor Hinges

The hinges should ensure smooth operation for years, preventing the lid from warping over time. Quality humidors generally feature quadrant hinges.

3. Glass Lid or Wooden Lid

Glass lids are popular in hospitality settings to allow patrons a direct view of the cigar selection.

Wooden lids are recommended for long-term storage as they better protect cigars from light exposure.

4. Humidification Systems and Hygrometers

To ensure proper cigar storage, a completed humidor needs a humidification system and humidity control devices. There are two main types of humidification systems: active and passive.

Active Humidification Systems

Active systems include electronic humidifiers that automatically maintain the ideal humidity level inside the humidor. Electronic systems are mainly useful for larger humidors.

CigarSpa

Electronic Humidifier

5 5 variants

from 288.00 €

Adorini

Electronic Humidifier

6 6 variants

from 12.00 €

CigarSpa

Electronic Humidifier

5 5 variants

from 288.00 €

Passive Humidification Systems

Passive systems include sponge and acrylic polymer systems. To monitor humidity and temperature with passive systems, a hygrometer is required.

Adorini

Acrylic Polymer Humidifier

3 3 variants

from 10.00 €

Passatore

Acrylpolymer Humidifier

24 24 variants

from 5.35 €

Xikar

Acrylpolymer-Befeuchter

10 10 variants

from 3.45 €

There are various types of hygrometers. The main difference is between analog and digital models.

Analog Hygrometers

Analog hygrometers come with three types of measurement systems: metal coil, natural hair, and synthetic hair.

Adorini

Measuring Instruments

Digital Hygrometers

Unlike analog versions, digital hygrometers do not use a mechanical structure. They usually self-calibrate and provide an accurate humidity reading without requiring regular maintenance.