Thorough Instruction on How to Install a Wall Safe in the Basement
Want to install your wall safe in the basement but have no idea how to do it? This article may help shed some light. Keep reading to find out proper ways to do it.
Wall safes are widely known as a popular way to hide away your valuable things and confidential document. Until now, more and more people opt for a wall safe, in some cases, a heavy one in their house.
That said, installing a wall safe is definitely not a simple task as it involves lots of planning to do. If you choose the wrong place to install, you could have a higher risk of exposing your safe to thieves.
Here we are showing you proper instruction on everything you should know when installing a wall safe, especially in uncommon places such as your basement. Let’s take a look to find out!
What to Prepare
Figure out the correct size of the safe
Before starting to install your wall safe, it is important to determine the size of the safe. This helps you choose a perfect spot in the basement without having to reinstall over and over again.
In most cases, an ideal wall safe would have a width of fewer than 16 inches and a depth of 3.5 inches. The height depends on the amount of content you put inside.
Find the right location
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a place for your wall safe. If you need to use the content inside frequently, we recommend you choose a location that is accessible so you can get right to it effectively.
Basement is one of the best places to install wall safes as it has lots of stuff to cover your safe.
However, the safe should not be exposed too much as it may attract lots of attention. Locations such as behind a closet, a bookcase or a painting are good suggestions.
You may also want to figure out exactly the size of the wall you are going to work on, too. If they do not match, choose another place to install.
How to Install
Step 1: Locate the studs
What you need at this point is a stud finder. Run it across the wall to locate the studs behind the wall. Fixing a safe using studs is a good way to make it less noticeable.
For those who may not know, a stud finder can be bought from any local hardware store at a pretty low price.
In case you can’t buy it, you may want to knock on the wall to listen for a hollow and solid sound. The solid sound indicates a stud in most cases.
Use a hammer to knock a nail into the wall. You will feel it immediately if you hit a stud. And do not worry about the holes as they will be perfectly covered once you finish.
Step 2: Mark the studs
Use any pen you have to mark the location.
Step 3: Cut a square
The next thing you would do is to cut a square using a drywall saw.
Be careful at this step because the square’s size needs to be perfectly fit.
Step 4: Check for electrical wires
You need to be extra careful when checking if there is an electrical wire in the square. If there is indeed, then the best option is to look for another place.
Step 5: Mark the size of the wall safe
Use a pencil to mark the size of your safe on the wall. Then use a level to make lines between the four corners.
In addition, you should check if the top and the bottom lines are parallel with the ground or not. No one wants to end up with an uneven or a wrongly measured size.
Step 6: Create a hole
Start at the bottom edge and cut along the side. The top line should be cut last to avoid an unevenness.
Step 7: Slide your safe
You may need an extra hand if the safe is too heavy. Remember to hold it up with your hands. The door of the safe would be the heaviest part so be careful! It may fall on you at any time.
Step 8: Drill holes in the sides
Drilling holes in the sides help the safe stay firmly in the wall. Tighten the screw carefully.
This is where you should pay attention!
Most people neglect this part. It is important to drill holes and drill in each screw to tighten them carefully as burglars may cut the whole safe out of the wall and take everything inside easily.
Step 9: Cover your safe
Use a bookcase, a painting or any furniture to cover the location.
Related post:
- Best Gun Safes for Any Budget
- Best Gun Safes Under $300
- 5 Best Gun Safes Under $500
- 5 Best Gun Safes Under $1000
Some Practical Concerns
Locate studs
The standard distance between studs is 16 inches apart. If the studs are too close to each other, you may want to search for another wall in your basement or simply opt for another type of safe.
Careful practice
Although it seems simple to install a wall safe, you may want to seek an experienced handyman or consult with someone who did it before to avoid unnecessary injuries.
Last but not least, using proper tools is crucial to ensure your safety during the whole process. These are some recommended tools you need to use:
- A stud finder
- Pen or pencil
- Ruler
- Drywall saw
- Level
- Drill
The Bottom Words,
Above is everything you should know about how to install a wall safe in the basement. Installing a safe into the wall is not as complicated as most people think. However, you need to be extremely careful when proceeding to avoid injuries.
We suggest you follow the instruction carefully to save time and effort. It would be better if you consult with someone who has experienced the situation before. Let us know if you have any comment.
