Floor Safes: Concealed, Fire and Burglary Protection

Floor Safes Installation Guide: Why Choose a Floor Safe?

West Coast Safes offers floor safes (in ground safes) of all shapes and sizes. Included are square and rectangular floor safes of varying sizes.  Many in stock and all with the very best pricing.

A floor safe is one of the most secure and discreet ways to protect valuables—but only when it’s properly installed and used in the right situation. This guide covers how to install a floor safe correctly and when a floor safe is the right choice for your security needs.

How to Properly Install a Floor Safe

Correct installation is critical. A poorly installed floor safe can be easier to remove or compromise, while a properly installed one becomes extremely difficult to access or extract.

1. Select the Right Location

Choosing the right spot is key for both security and practicality:

• Install in a hidden, low-traffic area (closets, corners, under furniture)

• Avoid obvious locations like the center of a bedroom floor

• Check for plumbing, electrical lines, or post-tension cables before cutting into concrete

2. Floor Safes should be Installed in Concrete Only

A floor safe must be installed in solid concrete for maximum security:

• Never install in wood flooring alone

• Ideal placement is fully below floor level, with only the lid exposed

• A minimum 4-inch concrete base is required, though deeper is better

3. Proper Excavation

• Cut a hole slightly larger than the safe (typically 2–4 inches of clearance on all sides)

• Ensure the base is flat and compacted, not loose soil

• A stable foundation prevents shifting over time

4. Anchor the Floor Safe Securely

Most floor safes are secured by being encased in concrete, not bolted:

• Use built-in anchor tabs or rebar hooks if available

• The goal is to make removal require breaking the surrounding concrete

5. Reinforce with Concrete

• Pour high-strength concrete around the safe

• Eliminate air pockets by tamping or vibrating the concrete

• For added strength, tie into existing rebar reinforcement

6. Keep the Floor Safe Flush and Hidden

• The safe lid should sit flush with the finished floor

Conceal it using:

• Carpet or rugs

• Furniture placement

• Tile overlays

• The best floor safe is one that cannot be easily found

7. Address Moisture Protection

Floor safes are not inherently waterproof:

• Use desiccants inside the safe

• Store items in sealed or waterproof containers

• Consider a moisture barrier during installation, either encasing the safe in plastic or coating the safe with a waterproof barrier.

When Is a Floor Safe a Good Option?

A floor safe is not ideal for every situation, but it excels in specific security scenarios.

1. Maximum Theft Protection

Floor safes are extremely difficult to remove:

• Encased in concrete

• Require heavy tools and time to extract

• Ideal for protecting against smash-and-grab burglaries

2. Discreet and Hidden Security

One of the biggest advantages is concealment:

• Can be completely hidden under flooring or furniture

• Unlike large safes, they are not visible targets

• Perfect for keeping valuables out of sight

3. Limited Space Environments

Floor safes are ideal when space is tight:

• No wall or floor footprint above ground

• Great for smaller homes, offices, or apartments

4. Storing Small, High-Value Items

Best suited for:

• Cash

• Jewelry and watches

• Important documents (with moisture protection)

• Precious metals

5. Moderate Fire Protection

While not as fire-resistant as dedicated fire safes:

• Being below ground provides natural insulation

• Offers some protection during short-duration fires

When a Floor Safe May Not Be the Best Choice

Despite their advantages, floor safes have limitations:

• Not ideal for frequent access (requires bending and uncovering)

• Not suitable for large items or firearms

• Can be affected by moisture if not properly sealed, moisture is the enemy of a floor safe

• Installation is permanent and labor-intensive

Final Thoughts

A properly installed floor safe offers:

• Exceptional theft resistance

• Superior concealment

• Long-term, space-saving security

However, its effectiveness depends on:

• Correct concrete installation

• Strategic placement and concealment

• Proper moisture management

If your goal is to secure small, high-value items discreetly, a floor safe is one of the most effective security solutions available.

Stealth Floor Safes offered at West Coast Safes:

We offer Stealth Floor Safes (in sizes, B1500, B2500, B3000, B3500, and B5000).  In ground safes (properly installed) offer superb fire and burglary protection.

Installing a safe in your concrete slab is a great way to hide cash, jewelry and valuables, without anyone knowing that the safe is there.

Delivery/Installation for Floor Safes

Delivered by our Independent Contractors

Don’t want to install it yourself? We’ve got you. West Coast Safes offers professional In Home/Garage/Business installation services to our Southern California customers.

Pricing can vary depending on the needs of your installation. Prices are based on the size your floor safe as well as the location of the install.

Nationwide Shipping

Naturally, shipping is available at the absolute lowest possible price.  Call our showroom (1-800-933-3515) to see just how affordably we can ship your new safe to you.  We offer curbside shipping nationwide.  In many cases, we can also facilitate in home installation out of our Southern California area

Will Call/Warehouse Pickup

Wanna install it yourself? Purchases can be picked up at our showroom/warehouse.  We will help you get your new safe into your truck, trailer or box truck.

Need Help?

Talk to one of our safe specialists about Floor Safes or read “What is the Best Safe For Me?“.  West Coast Safes also offers professional and discreet delivery and installation of your new safe.