Javascript required
Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / How to Install a Safe in the Floor

How to Install a Safe in the Floor

Instructions for proper installation of floor safes

Instructions for proper installation of floor safes.

floor safe applications

The diversity of floor safes give you the opportunity to use it in many different places.


  • Determine the location you would like to install your floor safe based on accessiblity, how you plan on concealing the safe (i.e. under rug, furniture, etc.), and its proximity to water soures (i.e. plumbing lines).
  • Pick a location that supports the lifestyle of your home, is easy to conceal, and will protect against accidental discovery from burglars.
  • Be careful to rotate the safe so that the combination dial will be oriented to the proper direction for operating when safe is installed.

An in-the-floor safe installed in a concrete

You need to break through the concrete and dig a hole to cement the safe in the floor.

  1. Determine desired location. Using the tool of your choice, break through concrete floor and create a hole that is 12" both longer and wider than the length and width of your floor safe.
    • A padding of 6" of concrete surrounding the safe is recommended. The greater the amount of reinforced concrete that can be placed around the safe, the greater the security.
  2. Dig a hole underneath floor about 6" inches more than the depth of the safe.
  3. Partially fill the hole with about 5" of concrete mixture and let set.
    • CAUTION! Over filling of the hole at this step will cause your floor safe to protrude out of the floor. This will create a trip hazard and make the safe difficult to conceal later.
  4. Pour 1.25" - 1.5" of fine sand or gravel onto the bottom layer of concrete.
  5. With the dust cover on, position floor safe into the center of the hole. Carefully twist and apply pressure to the safe until the dust cover is flesh with top of floor. Use a level to ensure accuracy.
  6. Fill remaining sides of the hole with concrete mixture, making sure not to disturb the position of the safe.
  7. Make sure the top of the safe is level with the finished floor.
  8. Use a trowel to smooth the concrete and use shop towels to gently clean any excess concrete from the dust cover.
  9. Allow the concrete to set and dry.
  10. Congratulations! Your floor safe is now installed.

The installation of a floor safe into a new concrete/cement floor is similar to that of installing it into an existing concrete/cement floor. However, the installation of the floor safe should take place during the same time the foundation is poured. You may need to build a form to secure the concrete's placement around the floor safe (please consult a contractor). Make sure that you account for the thickness of your floor (i.e. wood panels) so that when it is installed, it will be flush with the top of the safe.

  • We recommend that you install the safe after you have the walls and roof up. This way the safe will never get rain in it (and less people will know that you have a safe).

An in-the-floor safe installed in a wood floor
Wood Floors are usually in raised foundations and when you install a floor safe in a raised foundation, you need to either build a wooden form to hold the safe between the floor and the ground or a basket made to attach to the floor joists (depending on the size of the safe). The purpose of the form is to hold and mold the concrete around the floor safe. The form is best made from wire mesh lined with roofing paper. Wooden forms can be used but should be removed after concrete has set to prevent termites from traveling into your building's structure. This process is also similar to that of installing into an existing concrete floor. Cut a hole in floor, set safe into the hole, and finish off with cement to make the top of the safe flush with the floor.


We highly suggest consulting a contractor before beginning the installation process.
  • Concrete Mixture: Use a concrete mixture of 1, 2, 4 (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts 3/4" rock). Thoroughly mix with water to desired consistency.
  • Seal the cover plate with masking tape in such a way that excess concrete cannot seep between the door and the body of the safe and set, thus cementing in the door. After installation please allow the concrete/cement to dry for 24 hours before using the safe.
  • If safe is placed where water might run into safe, raise safe above floor level not more than 1" above finished floor, then bevel off new cement from safe level to floor level, or leave protrude as desired.
  • Place moisture sensitive items in sealed bags before storing in safe to prevent damage.

How to Install a Safe in the Floor

Source: https://www.deansafe.com/pages/instructions-for-proper-installation-of-floor-safes