Congratulations on your purchase of an in-floor safe
An excellent step toward protecting your assets. Proper installation is just as important as the safe itself, and because homes and offices vary in design, there’s no single correct method. The guidelines below will help you through the process.
Important Notes Before You Begin
- Burglary protection: The strength of your safe lies in the time and tools required to break in. Burglars look for easy targets, and a safe installed in concrete presents a serious challenge.
- Water and moisture: Most floor safes are not watertight. If moisture or a high water table could be an issue, wrap the safe body in heavy-gauge plastic or tar before installation. Always store important items in waterproof containers. If you want a true waterproof option, consider the Sentry Round Floor Safe.
- Fire protection: When installed with at least three inches of concrete on each side and bottom, your safe may offer some untested resistance to heat and fire.
Preparation Checklist
- Test the combination at least six (6) times before installation to get comfortable with the lock.
- Seal the lid or dust cover with masking tape to prevent water or cement from entering during installation.
- Allow at least 48 hours for cement to cure before using the safe.
- Plan ahead — check the installation spot carefully to avoid underground electrical, plumbing, or other lines.
Installation Methods
1. Existing Concrete Floor
- Measure the outside dimensions of your safe and add 4 inches to allow for concrete around the body.
- Mark and score the floor, then use a jackhammer to remove the concrete.
- Dig the hole at least 3 inches deeper than the safe’s height.
- Pour a base of concrete at the bottom and set the safe level on top.
- Fill around the safe with cement, reinforcing as needed.
- Finish the top level with the floor surface, ensuring the safe sits flush.
2. Wood Floor
- Build a retaining form (wooden box or mesh wire basket lined with roofing paper) and attach it securely to the floor joists.
- Cut an opening i