Can You Put a Gun Safe in the Garage?

Why Install a Gun Safe in the Garage?

There are a variety of reasons to install your gun safe in the garage. The most practical one being, that’s where you have room for it. Depending on the layout of your home and size of gun safe you purchase, it might be you don’t have a place big enough to handle your safe.

You might also decide to temporarily install your gun safe in the garage because of the current situation with COVID-19. This is an option we are strongly encouraging customers to take. It’s an excellent way to keep your circle small, while still getting the protection you and your family need.

How Do You Safely Install a Gun Safe in Your Garage?

1. Clear the Pathway to Your Safe’s Final Resting Place

Generally, garage installs have flat entry points and don’t require any stairs. But, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to have a lot of ‘stuff’ in their garage. To safely and correctly install your safe, our professional gun safe delivery crew needs a clear path from your garage door to your safe’s final resting place.

2. Level the Safe, Creating an Airflow Pocket Beneath It

Leveling your safe and creating an airflow pocket beneath it offers two advantages:

1. It reduces the chance of rust. Without proper airflow, moisture can accumulate under your safe.
2. Leveling your safe ensures proper door swing when you open the door. If your safe isn’t level, the door can unexpectedly swing further open or closed while you’re accessing the contents. This can range from annoying to dangerous, if a 500-pound door suddenly closes on you.

To level your safe, it needs to come off its delivery pallet and then be placed on some type of barrier. Our gun safe delivery service utilizes a proven technique to create this essential barrier.

With a combination of wood and composite shims, we make sure your safe is level and the door does not want to move from where you place it. We don’t recommend using a rubber mat or piece of plywood as this can trap moisture and doesn’t allow for proper airflow.

3. Bolting Down Your Safe to the Garage Floor

To make it more difficult for someone to take your safe or pry it open, we recommend bolting it to the garage floor. There are several popular methods used to attach a concrete floor. The most common are expansion or ramset anchors. While these methods are quick and easy to install, neither are very secure and if you ever want to move your safe, can cause difficulty and even damage your safe.

To provide the best possible security and make future removal easy, our delivery team uses a proven method gained from 30 years of experience. First, we use a Roto-Hammer to pre-drill the concrete and then use an impact driver to securely drive Simpson Titan anchors through the bottom of the safe into the concrete. For the best result, we typically place a ⅜” x 3” Anchor Bolt in each corner of the safe.

Note; Caution over tightening the anchors may cause serious damage to your safe and effect the ability to open and close the safe.

This technique threads bolts into the concrete. The major advantage with this technique besides being stronger is that when you want to move your safe, we can unbolt it and fill the holes with concrete patch, like the safe was never there.

Although there are cheaper techniques to bolt your safe down, our 3 decades of experience have led us to this preferred method. And, it’s one that allows this life-long investment to be passed down from generation to generation.

4. Use a Dehumidifier and a Desiccant

Whenever a customer asks, “can you put a gun safe in the garage,” the main concern is humidity. This isn’t something you should ignore. But, there are steps you can take to keep your safe protecting your contents from rust and mildew.

This is why we always recommend using a combination of a dehumidifier and a desiccant can. Not only does this substantially cut down on any moisture that may build up in your safe, it offers an extra layer of protection in the event one of your dehumidifiers stops working.

Heating Element

One of the dehumidifiers we recommend is a small energy efficient heating element, also known as a golden rod. This rod circulates warm air throughout your safe to keep rust, mold, and mildew from building up on your firearms and paperwork.

We recommend placing your rod at the bottom of the safe, to take advantage of how hot air naturally rises. But keep in mind, golden rods require access to electricity.

Desiccant Can

A desiccant can is filled with desiccant crystals that actually absorb moisture. We often recommend the rechargeable desiccant dehumidifiers, which allow you to use them again and again. But you can also buy one-time use desiccant dehumidifiers.

Another advantage of desiccant dehumidifiers is they don’t require electricity. This ensures they keep functioning if the power goes out and are particularly important if your safe doesn’t have access to an electrical outlet.

Although heating elements and desiccants perform different functions, they work together to achieve a common goal. Making sure your firearms and valuables are living in a healthy environment.

Can You Move Your Safe Later?

Most definitely! As we mentioned above, we can most definitely move your safe after it’s installed. This means if you want a garage install now, we can bolt it to your concrete floor and then unbolt it and relocate it where you ultimately want it — including on the second floor of your home.

Learn More About Safely Installing a Gun Safe