Where to Install a Gun Safe - Get the Most out of Your Gun Safe

When it comes to boosting home security, a gun safe is an essential component. Not only does this keep firearms out of the wrong hands but also protects items when burglary level safes are purchased. But, where you choose to install the gun safe can either help its security, hurt it, or make it a pain to use.

The best place to install a gun safe is in a location where the gun safe is surrounded by walls on as many sides possible, bolted to a concrete floor, with enough space so that the door swings fully open and doesn't block you from getting into the safe. Basements and closets are great locations.

Key Takeaways

Where you install your safe can boost its ability to protect its content.
Consider size, weight, threats & accessibility when choosing a location for the safe.
Securely anchor the safe in its location, if possible, for maximum theft protection

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Gun Safe

The best location for your gun safe can be influences by: size, weight, accessibility, flooring and door swing.

Size and Weight of the Gun Safe

Is it possible to place the safe where you want it?

Weight:

Many large heavy safes may be too difficult to be taken up more than three stairs. Are you able to safely get the gun safe's weight up the stairs to the first floor or is it too heavy? Will removing the door help? You also need to consider if the floor joists in the area are of strong enough to support both the gun safe’s weight AND what you're putting into it.

Size:

Many people find that perfect spot. The safe will fit into with 1/2" inch to spare on the sides and top of the safe. Unfortunately, the reality is that you need to install the safe in a location that gives you enough room to get the safe back into its resting spot. If you only have an inch or two of extra space, how are you going to push a 1000 lb safe straight back, without tilting, or wiggling it into its location?

Give you self enough room to get the safe in. We recommend 12" of clearance in all directions. When measuring the available space, don't forget to account for the floorboards, if any. The dimensions at floor level will differ due to the floor boards.

Hinges:

If you are looking at locations for the safe that will have a door or something in front of the safe (say for example you're putting it in a closet), don't forget to include the depth of the hinges and handle in your overall depth of the safe. They can add as much as 3" to the depth of the box of the safe.

Assessing Potential Threats

Location: Take into account where someone would look first to find valuable possessions. Avoid the master bedroom and master bedroom closets as install locations.

Mobility: Consider how long it might take someone to move the safe out of your home. Often, when faced with a difficult safe, a burglar will try to haul the safe out so they have more time to work at getting into it.

Securability: Can it be bolted down in the location you are choosing? Securing a safe to a concrete floor is the way to go. Safes can be bolted into wood flooring, but you'll likely just be securing the safe to plywood and it can be more easily ripped out.

Accessibility and Convenience

You want to make sure that your gun safe is easily used.

Door Swing:

Can the door be fully opened to 90 degrees in the location you've chosen? It is more difficult to get things in and out of the safe when the door can only partially open.

Does the door swing so that the space stays open or does the door swing close off the space? Choose a location where the door swing keeps the space open.

Security First

One way burglars attack gun safes is by knocking them over on to the floor so they can use leverage to try and force the door open with a 6' pry bar.

Flooring Material:

Gun safes come with pre-drilled anchor holes. If the safe is being placed on a concrete floor, consider bolting down to prevent its being tipped over.

It's much better to bolt a safe into concrete than to bolt the safe into particle board flooring. Concrete will hold much better.

Does the concrete have post tension slab? Gun safe anchor bolts can be used in post tension concrete slabs but you will want to consult with an engineer.

Side Protection:

Is the location surrounded by walls? This not only prevents it from being knocked over and the door being attacked, but it also prevents it from being easily accessed from the sides of the safe, another popular place to attack a safe.

The Ideal Locations to Install Gun Safes

Potential areas that could serve as a suitable space include bedrooms, closets, living rooms, study spaces in homes, basements or garages.

We've already discussed that you want the safe secured to a concrete floor so it can't be removed or tipped, and want the safe surrounded by walls so someone can't get leverage to remove or tip it.

Bedrooms and Closets

A gun safe in a bedroom or bedroom closet area of a ground floor or basement, will be easily accessible and easily secured. But avoid the master bedroom and closet. They are the first place someone will look and is not a recommended location.

If a small gun safe is big enough for you, closet gun safes are designed for the dimensions of a typical closet (being no wider than 24" and depths of 21". One of these placed in a secondary bedroom closet is a good location. The safe will be protected on two sides by the walls of the closet.

Basements and Garages

Gun safes can be placed in basements and garages for extra security as they can be bolted into the concrete flooring. However, environmental factors such as humidity levels, temperature changes and flooding should always be taken into account.

When deciding where to put the safe it is essential to consider any potential damage that could occur due to moisture or fluctuating temperatures inside these areas.

Basements are good because a safe can be lowered into a basement much more easily than it can be lifted out.

Some manufactures make safe cloaks that serve as camouflage for a safe in a garage. The cloak covers the safe and makes it look like a cabinet when viewed from the road.

Protecting Your Gun Safe from Environmental Factors

To ensure the lasting condition of your firearms and valuables, it is vital to give proper protection for your gun safe against extreme environmental factors like humidity and temperature variations, flooding risk as well as fire. This will go a long way in preserving their integrity over time.

Humidity and Temperature Control

If you are in a humid area, it can be essential to keep the humidity and temperature in the safe regulated. An excellent way to accomplish this goal is by placing a dehumidifier in the vicinity while avoiding areas where moisture may accumulate which could result in deterioration or damage.

SecuRam has a product that can be placed in the safe to measure both the humidity and temperature of the safe. You can see our YouTube video of the SecuRam Safe Senser here.

You can also place a rubber mat under the safe before setting it in its location to protect the bottom of the safe and prevent rust.

Handgun Safes and Small Gun Safe Placement

For the most secure protection and ease of access to handguns, small gun safes should be placed in concealed areas.

You can view our video on the Best Places to Put Hand Gun Safes on YouTube.

Hide Them

The goal is to prevent potential burglars from spotting them. Handgun safes should remain discreet and protected to stop any potential theft or unpermitted entry. Make sure they are hidden from view while also securing them to the wall or floor for added protection. Keeping your gun safe out of sight but still secure will help you maintain both security as well as safety over all firearm assets and possessions.

Child Safety and Accessibility

To ensure the safety of children and facilitate ease of use, consider installing handgun safes at least five feet off the ground in a location that is quickly accessible for those authorized. Teaching kids about proper gun usage as well as its associated risks can help them recognize their duty in respecting these tools.

Summary

When properly planned and installed, a gun safe can give you the confidence that your home is secured and firearms are stored safely. Factors such as size, weight, potential risks to security and accessibility must be taken into account when installing one for optimum protection from environmental damage. Tips concerning placement of location should also be followed in order to ensure secure storage of weapons and valuables.