What is a floor safe?
Before I give you my findings of the best floor safes currently on the market and which one would work the best for you, I would first like to explain a bit more about, what a floor safe is and important details to consider before buying one:
So, what is a floor safe?
A floor safe or in-ground safe is a safe that needs to be secured in the floor of a building, strengthened by concrete on at least 5 sides. The safe is installed in such a way that the safe door cover is flush with the floor and it’s generally then covered by a rug or other floor coverings to conceal it totally.
Typically floor safes aren’t quickly accessible so people tend to use them for items they would not need regularly like gold, documents and other highly valuable items. If you need quick access to your safe I would rather recommend something like a bedroom safe you can mount at the back of a wardrobe or if you require something bigger, maybe a more conventional safe mounted to a wall and or floor.
Protection from Fire and Water
Since floor safes are commonly not water or moisture-proof and you choose to store documents or computer media like hard drives or flash drives, to name a few in a floor safe, it would be certainly advisable to first put them in a waterproof container or a zip lock bag. Various other waterproof holders and moisture absorbents for safes are also available on the market if you wish to go that route.
You might also think that since the safe is in the ground and protected by at least 2 feet of concrete that it is also fireproof. Well, in a way, yes, but the lid or door is usually exposed and this might not be fireproof. It’s best to check the specs of each safe first before making a decision. If you are worried about fire protection and can’t find a floor safe to satisfy your requirements, then you can also look at other types of safes which are specifically made to be fireproof.
Security Ratings of floor safes
Unlike regular burglar-resistant safes which have to qualify at certain TL Ratings, floor safes carry a B or C Rating. Generally, they are not classified as floor gun safes.
- A B-rated safe’s walls are less than ½” thick, and its doors are less than 1” thick. A locking device also needs to be present to earn a B-Rating.
- To qualify as a C-Rated Safe, the safe walls need to be at least ½” thick and the doors at least 1” thick. A lock also need to be present
Where to buy a floor safe?
Most local security shops or even hardware shops will have the basic safes on sale.
If you are looking for a wider range to choose from then I would suggest going to the specialized safe shops. Some have an online ordering and delivery system in place and some will even be able to assist with the installation of the safe. The drawback is that you might find the safe you want but they might not service your part of the country.
Another option is then also the widely used online retailers which have the widest variety and reliable delivery systems in place.
Where to put a floor safe?
Okay, so now you have decided that a floor safe is the way to go and you would like to go ahead and buy one. That’s all well but have you decided where are you gonna put the thing once you have it?
You need to decide where to hide the floor safe, somewhere where YOU can get access to it when needed and somewhere where THEY don’t see it. Also, you want it to be out of sight and hidden away from any unwanted eyes. Also, somewhere where getting to it, is not so much of an encumbrance, that you would rather not use the safe at all.
A point of consideration is the lock type. If you choose to place your floor safe in the place with poor lighting, you might struggle to see the combination on the dial lock type. Consider getting a key version or a backlit electronic keypad lock type instead.
Burglars usually know that if you have a safe, it is usually in the master bedroom or the office. Rather put it then in a second bedroom or any other place they would not suspect. Just remember if they have time to look for it they will probably find it. O… and please don’t tell anyone you have a new safe? Word might just get around and that might make you a target.
Installing a floor safe.
After you decided where you want your safe, you now have to figure out how to install the floor safe.
Planning is key. It’s best to install the safe while busy with the construction of the building, might it be your new home or new office space. If you need to install it afterwards, there is luckily no need to demolish and start over, but you need to be prepared for some additional costs to get it installed.
You’ll need at least an extra two feet around and below the safe to fill that space with concrete and get the most protection. Floor safes are mostly not very big or heavy on their own, ranging from 17 to 116 pounds. It would be no match for a criminal to carry away the whole safe if it is not installed properly.
For installation in a wooden floor construct with a crawlspace, you would need to construct a concrete formwork with the safe in the middle to pour the concrete around it. Some safes will fit nicely between the joists of the floor but they might not be as secure as in concrete.
In concrete floors, you will need to dig a hole consequently big enough in the floor first. If you are like me and don’t have one lying around, you would most likely need to visit your closet equipment rental company to get yourself a jackhammer to assist with the digging.
For a bit of extra protection against rust, you can add a moisture barrier of your liking before you pour the concrete around and under the safe.
Once the concrete is set and cured, the metal lip at the bottom of the safe will then prevent anyone to easily remove the safe.
What is the best floor safe to buy?
All right, here it is. Below I’ve listed and shortly reviewed seven of the top-rated floor safes, each with its unique qualities and each one, best in their class.
Stealth B2500 – Best Large Floor Safe
Known by customers as a USA made, heavy-duty, and high-quality floor safe.
This safe offers a spacious storage space of 1.36Cubic feet. The largest on this list. Big enough to store documents, jewelry, cash or any other most valuable possessions.
The ½” thick steel plate door together with the 3 1” solid steel locking bolts and UL approved LP UR2020 high-security electronic lock, has earned this safe a B-Rating in security. Furthermore, the 1/4″ thick Rockwell 45 Hard Plate Protecting Lock and Relocker will keep the bolts in place to make it basically immune to drilling and punching attacks.
The heavy door with strong internal hinges has a hydraulic lift assist on the lid which makes opening very easy. The bolt detent also ensures that the safe locks as soon as the door is closed, no need to remember to lock it again.
The manufacturer also offers the best warranty among these safes on the list namely 2 years on parts and labour and 5 years on hinges and welds.
If installed correctly in concrete, this reasonably priced safe will offer maximum protection being nearly impenetrable and pry-resistant. Great for use in private homes and small businesses equally.
Amsec C5 – Best Protection
This American Made safe is one of the smaller types of floor safes. For its size, it packs quite a punch.
The Amsec C5 offers the best protection of all the seven safes listed here against water, fire and burglary. It has a B security rating on the body while the door has a C Rating.
The thick sturdy lift-out door is made of 1.75” solid steel. It securely locks by three bolts which the manufacturer claims require over 25,000 pounds to shear.
The UL Group ll Key changeable combination lock is resistant to manipulation and is protected by a revolving carburized hardplate. In plain English, very strong lock and you can change the combination using a key.
While the spindle is drive and drill resistant the dial is also removable for some extra security and can be stored off-site should you wish to. This would be particularly useful in a hold-up situation where the safe will not be accessible then.
The uniquely designed dust cover has a rubber O-ring fitted which gives this safe a water-resistant property and it also prevents the cover from rattling or sliding.
It carries a 1 year warranty on parts and labor.
Being one of the “STAR Safes” range with its advanced security features it’s no wonder that this safe carries the largest price tag on this list. The brand has been trusted by homeowners and businesses for over 50 years to give maximum fire and burglary and now even water protection.
BARSKA Solid Steel with Key Lock – Best Light Duty Floor Safe
Some say that this is more of a lockbox than a safe due to its 0.22 cubic feet size and lightweight construction but for the price, this one is way better than a lockbox.
It is a solid 1/16” steel safe and comes standard with a protective floor mat. This makes it ideal for small amounts of cash, jewellery, documents or even a tablet and other compact electronics.
With its unique outer dimensions and predrilled mounting holes, can, as a result, be easily installed between the beams underneath most floorboards.
Mounting hardware and 2 keys are included in the purchase.
The key-operated lid features a locking system with 2 steel locking bolts and fits in level with the surrounding floor. It can be cover with a rug or any light furniture like a nightstand to completely conceal its presence.
Since it doesn’t have a lipped or anchor baseplate for installation in concrete, it gives the impression that this safe was made for installation only in wooden floors. You can, however, dig a hole big enough and pour concrete around the safe covering the mounting bolts, which might be a viable alternative.
Equal to most floor safes, this one also doesn’t carry a fire rating and is also not waterproof.
Barska also offers a one year limited warranty on their safe to give you further peace of mind.
Whether you are only looking for temporary secure storage before you transfer your valuables to a safety deposit box at the bank or if you just don’t want to spend too much on a safe right now, this one is then made just for you.
Protex IF-1212SC – Best Small Business Safe
The drop slot with anti-fish sawtooth baffle makes this the perfect small safe for small businesses which handles cash. Cash or envelopes can conveniently be deposit through the 5″ x 5/8″ slot into the safe without it needed to be opened. This safe has an interior storage space of 0.37 cubic feet
The lift-out door is made out of ½” A36 solid steel and has a lift handle to easily grip the door when one is opening and closing the safe.
The safe has a B-Rating for security and it features a LaGard group II combination Lock with drill resistant carburized hard plate. Together with the Full-Length Dead Bar for optimal pry resistance and Spring-loaded relocking device, Criminals will have a hard time trying to open this safe.
Once this safe is properly installed in concrete the Body Anchor Base Plate with 1/2″ lip all around will prevent it from being removed. The sturdy steel cover is even with the floor which enhances the concealment of this safe.
The Protex IF-1212SC in-ground floor safe also has a Powder coat finish to protect it from chips and scratches and overall more durable protection
As the norm is with floor safes, there is no fire rating on this safe and it is also not water or moisture-proof.
The Warranty on this safe is for 1 year.
Hollon B1500 – Best Medium Safe
“A high-quality floor safe at a reasonable price” that’s what recent customers had to say about this safe.
This B-rated safe with Drill resistant hardplate to protect the lock is strong enough to suit private as well as commercial use.
The interior of 0.56 cubic feet is spacious enough to store a variety of valuables. Your valuables are secured by a UL Listed S&G Group 2 lock with external relocker and even more 5 steel locking bolts and a full-length dead bar.
The dial lock is set up in the factory and cannot be reset. There have been some customer complaints regarding the lock but others again have praised the smoothness of the lock mechanism and handle action. I suppose it’s all about customer preference.
The door is made out of ½” Thick Solid Steel and features a spring-loaded relocking device. Although an air-spring bar enables the door to be opened easily, the heavy door, unfortunately, does not have a hydraulic arm and has the tendency to slam shut if not careful.
The Hollon B1500 was designed with burglary protection in mind, thus it does not come with a fire rating and also no water or moisture insulation. It is therefore advisable to store your valuables which are prone to moisture damage in a moisture-proof container before securing it in this safe.
To add to the durability and quality of the safe it has been finished off with a grey powder coat.
The manufacturer offers a warranty of 90 days on parts and labour. This is relatively short in comparison to others on this list. They do make up for it though, with their excellent customer service.
Protex IF-1500C – Best Value for Money
I named this medium size floor safe best value for money due to its size, price, solidness and ease to install. Customers are generally surprised when they get more than what they expected.
It boasts with a 0.75cubic feet interior space while the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is way less than others on this list.
Security features include a LaGard group II combination lock attached to the ½” A36 Solid steel door with no less than five 3/4″ Chrome plated locking bolts. The dead bar ensures utmost pry resistance while the Spring-loaded re-locking device safeguards the safe from impact tools. All of this together with the drill resistant carburized hard plate gives this safe unique security properties.
The Body Anchor Base Plate with 1/2″ lip all around will prevent this safe being removed if installed correctly in the ground with concrete.
The sturdy 1/16” steel cover guarantees that the safe is completely flat and level with the floor to hide it from unwanted eyes. It does, however, rattle a bit when one walks over it so a quick DIY solution would be to fit rubber pads under the lid.
The door has been fitted with a hydraulic damper to assist with opening and keep the door open while putting away or removing any valuables.
Also, the IF-1500C has a powder coat finish, therefore adding to the durability of the safe.
This safe carries a standard 1 year warranty from Protex.
As expected with floor safes, this safe also does not have a fire rating or any waterproof insulation.
This safe is definitely worth looking at if you have not decided on which one to buy yet.
Hollon B2500 – Best Constructed
This is the second Hollon safe on this list. This one is reputably a high-quality B-rated floor safe at a reasonable price. Strong enough for commercial use, affordable enough for home use.
The Hollon B2500 interior space of 0.91 cubic feet offers enough space for storage of cash, precious metals, documents and perhaps even a handgun.
To protect against burglar attempts this safe comes equipped with a UL Listed Group 2 combination lock with external relocker and 5 Solid steel locking bolts. The spring-loaded relocking device and full-length dead bar and no exposed hinges also secure the safe against the attack of impact and prying tools.
Although the dial fitted is standard for the industry and should work smoothly, some people might find it difficult and time-consuming to operate. An alternative would be to replace it with a digital lock.
The door is constructed out of ½” drill-resistant hardplate solid steel and this assures that the lock is protected. The safe is then rounded off with a powder coat for more durable protection.
There is a warning from the manufacturer though that due to its weight and absence of a hydraulic arm, the door might slam shut and can cause serious injury, if not careful. The door is fitted with an air-spring bar though to help to open the door more easily.
The cover plate makes this safe flush with the surrounding floor and therefore making it completely undetectable if this safe is installed correctly as intend in concrete.
Like with the Hollon B1500, Hollon also offers a 90 day Warranty on Parts and Labor.
This safe does not have any fire rating and also does not have any water or moisture-proof qualities.
Overall this sturdy safe has been rated very well. It is a well-constructed safe which offers plenty of internal space and superior security features.
To sum it all up
If all the above was just too confusing and wordy, then below you will find the comparison table for quick reference of most prominent features of each.
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