Gun safes are used to hold and secure guns, ammunition, etc. These safes should weigh at least 25 pounds, and are able to go up to 1500 pounds. With that being said, it can be difficult to find the right location to set them up.
Is it OK to put a gun safe on laminate flooring? You can place your gun safe on laminate flooring, but be aware that this type of material expands. Laminate floor is durable and is typically resistant when heavy material is placed on it.
With some safes being extremely heavy, where are gun owners supposed to place their safes? On the floor? Under the bed? On the wall? In Cabinets?It is important to know where to place your gun safe, especially if you plan to use it, have children around, or don’t want anyone touching your belongings.
Is It OK To Put a Gun Safe On Laminate Flooring?
You shouldn’t have issues with placing your gun safe on laminate flooring when bolting it to the grown, but be aware it may create some scratches depending on the weight of the safe. Before you begin your project, read below some background information about laminate flooring.
You Can Place Your Gun Safe on Laminate Flooring
- Laminate floor is a durable surface
- Laminate floor is water resistant
- Laminate floors are easy to maintain
Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood (and other unique layers) at high temperatures, creating a durable surface. With a durable surface, it typically creates a scratch resisted surface, which is OK for safes to be placed on.
Laminate flooring, to a certain extent, is resistant to water and does not “wear and tear.” If the gun safe is placed on the floor then it should be resistant to creating damage.
If the safe is too large and owners decide to move the safe a lot, it may create minimal damage (and it is hard to replace/fix laminate flooring), so it is suggested to not move safes too often.
Laminate floors are easy to clean and maintain. Safes, over time, can collect dust, which can make it messy or dirty for the safe. Although this can happen, it is easy to clean around the floor and the safe.
Overall, laminate flooring is durable, water resistant and does not wear and tear. It is easy to clean and maintain, so you shouldn’t have any issues with placing your safe on this particular flooring.
The Best Flooring Material For Gun Safes
Where are you supposed to place your gun safe? On Carpet? Concrete floor? Tile? Durable, moisture resistant floors are great for safes.
These are the best flooring materials for gun safes:
- Concrete
- Carpet
- Tiles (depending on the size)
It is OK to place your safe on concrete, but to avoid erosion, place a rug or matt underneath the safe. This will help avoid any damage to the safe and the guns, ammunition, etc. inside.
Since it is OK to keep a gun safe under a bed, you can keep also keep it on the carpet as well. As long as it is not too heavy, the room isn’t too humid, then it shouldn’t damage the carpet or the safe.
Ensure this type of safe does not need to be bolted, if so, then you cannot leave it on carpet.
Gun safes can be placed on tiles, but they cannot be over 1000 pounds (and cannot be bolted onto the ground). Tiles may break and may need to be replaced if the safe is too heavy and has other things inside.
Can I Keep a Gun Safe In My Garage?
Many gun owners ask if it is OK to leave your safe in the garage. Some say it is fine and some do not.
You can keep your gun safe in the garage (if you have no other space in your house to place it and if it is bolted to the ground), but practices are to leave them elsewhere.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave Your Gun Safe In the Garage:
- Your neighbors may know what you have in your garage
- Potential robbers or burglars
- Your garage may not be insulated
If your garage is open on a daily basis, people, neighbors, etc. passing by will know that you have a safe in your home. Attempt to leave your garage closed for privacy and any unwanted visitors.
Try to keep it to a minimum that you do not talk about your safe to others (unless trust people within your community, friends, family, etc.).
Robbers typically go through the living room (because families spend the most time there), the master bedroom (the most valuable items are in there) and the garage (because of tools, safes, etc.). With that being sad, if the safe is inside the garage and the safe is not heavy enough, the burglar may be able to steal it with a car.
Safes are not resistant to moisture, so if exposed to any water or moisture then it could get damaged. Temperature levels (if it is too hot or cold) could also damage the safe, along with the items inside of it.
Unless your garage is maintained by the temperature or moisture, it is suggested to not leave it within the garage.
Best practices suggest not to leave your safe in your garage due to others knowing you have a safe, potential robbers, and moisture within the garage.
If you do place your safe in the garage, keep the moisture at a minimum, bolt the safe to the ground and create a closet of some sort around it so burglars cannot get inside.
What Is The Most Ideal Place For a Gun Safe?
There is much debate on where to place your gun safe in the house. Do you place it in the kitchen? Should you place it in the bedroom? How about near the fire places? You should place it in areas that are secured.
Provided below are some areas where you can place your safe.
The Most Ideal Places For a Gun Safe:
- In your basement (ensure there is no to little humidity within the basement)
- The first floor within your home
- Under a bed
- In your home office
Basements (if resistant to floods) are a safe space for your safe, but only if the moisture is kept at a minimum so it does not damage it. To ensure minimal damage, use a dehumidifier and ensure the possibility of a flood to occur is at a low.
If the safe is too heavy, it is best to leave it on the first floor of your home. You don’t want to leave it upstairs due to carpet (if you don’t have laminate flooring) and if it is too heavy, it may create damage to the second floor of your house.
If your safe is around 25 pounds, you can place your safe under a bed. It is suggested to leave your safe in another bedroom, like a guest bedroom, due to the possibility of robbery, unwanted guests, etc.
Another spot you can place your safe is in a home office. Depending on the size of the office, you shouldn’t have issues placing your gun safe in there.
If you use your gun for personal protection, and you spend you a lot of time in the office, leaving your safe in there is a great idea. It is convenient and you will know where it is at all times.
Basements, first floor of your homes, under the bed, and home offices are ideal spots to leave your safe in.
Tips For Bolting Your Gun Safe On The Ground
What are some best practices for bolting your gun safe on the ground? You’ll need an anchoring hole, specific floor, drill, and bolts (or other materials) within the kit.
Best Practices For Bolting Your Gun Safe On The Ground:
- Locate the anchoring hole
- Choose a floor (laminate, concrete, or some materials that are durable)
- Ensure you have a reliable drill
- Use bolts (or other materials) within the kit
If you plan to bolt your gun safe on the ground, you’ll need to locate the anchoring hole and ensure you have the correct screws for bolting the safe to the ground. The holes are typically on the bottom of the safe and are easy to access.
Choose a floor you plan to keep your safe on. If you choose to use carpet, you’ll need to cut some of the material out because it will be extremely difficult to bolt a safe onto. Laminate, concrete, etc. are best to use.
Ensure you have a reliable, durable drill to use when drilling the hole. You also will want to keep the drill clean of dust and other particles so it does not run the drill and the safe itself.
Use the bolt (or other materials) within the kit to ensure the safe is in place. If the bolt is not, it can loosen and the safe may not stay in place.
Ensure you locate the anchoring hole, choose appropriate flooring, reliable drill and necessary materials to keep your gun safe in place so you do not have any issues.