The importance of keeping your firearms safe and secure cannot be overemphasized. A gun safe can generally only hold a few weapons and ammo. If you’re a gun collector or own multiple guns that differ in size, you should look beyond gun safes and focus on a gun safe room.
Generally, a gun safe room is suitable for a large scale or large number of guns. This might mean simply having a room in the house for gun collection for some people. However, leaving several guns in an easily accessible room is also a security risk.
That’s why with this article, we will walk you through how to build a gun safe room with vault doors, proper ventilation, cinder blocks, and concrete walls. By following these simple methods, you will be left with a secured room that won’t pose a security risk to the owner or guns.
What Is a Gun Safe Room?
A gun safe room or a gun vault room is a highly secured room used to store guns, precious stones, arts or artifacts, currencies, and other valuables.
These rooms are generally built to be protected from moisture, fire, human, or other destructive invasions and offer a high level of protection.
A gun safe or vault room warrants security and protection from all and every type of attack, ranging from a prying neighbor or house guest to a burglar, home invader, or curious children.
Although all entry points require protection, a gun safe room is not to be confused with a panic room. A gun safe room is not built out of the same materials as a panic room and does not offer the same type of protection.
They differ in fire and safety measures as well as door types and formations. They also do not serve the same purposes.
Types of Gun Safe Room
As earlier explained, you can use a gun safe room for multiple purposes. It can be used as a safe, storage, or display room in case of any attacks or emergencies.
For a DIY gun safe room, the first step is identifying which type of gun safe room you are looking to build. Depending on your location and environment, there are two types of gun safe rooms.
Underground Gun Safe Room
An underground gun safe room is built underground, mostly in a basement. This is a good idea for keeping guns secure against fires, hurricanes, natural disasters, or home invasions.
For this type of room, gun owners should build a separate power outlet if possible, as this keeps the room secured even during unplanned power outages. These types of rooms should also have internet connections and security cameras installed for easy monitoring and management.
The only downside to this option is humidity, which can cause rust or corrosion on the gun. This type of room mostly requires an air vent or moisture barrier to keep out the moisture.
Above-Ground Gun Safe Room
This type of gun safe room is built in any room within or outside the house. This room is less prone to humidity issues and only requires an air conditioner to keep the moisture out. Gun safe rooms above ground also require wall paddings and a strong steel door for maximum security.
What to Consider Before Building a Gun Safe Room
There are a few considerations firearm owners should keep in mind before starting construction on a gun safe room. These factors include:
Space
Identifying the space required for your gun safe room is an important factor, as your room is only as big as the allocated space. Carefully consider other additional materials such as a cabinet, table, chair, or even gun safes.
Finally, there should be enough room for proper movement and aeration. Choosing a discreet location is also important to keep unwanted attention away.
Sorting
The second important factor is gun sorting. This arrangement is dependent on the space you have and the aesthetic design intended. You can opt for racks or panels depending on gun size and type.
Utilities
Most gun safe rooms can also double as an emergency retreat room. In this context, you should plan towards installing a toilet, sink, ventilation system, internet connection, and power source. First aid and survival kits may also come in handy.
Door
A gun safe room is only as secure as its door. For maximum security, choosing a steel door is the best option. There are different models designed specifically for safe or vault rooms that vary in size and thickness.
There are also simpler door options for individuals who aren’t as concerned about safety.
Budget
Budget is an essential factor in constructing your own DIY gun safe room. Your budget determines the type of materials you can purchase and how elaborate and extensive you can make the room.
Gun Safe Room Plan
This is the last and arguably the most important factor in building a gun-safe room. This plan contains every detail and information regarding the room, including room arrangements, materials used in construction, lighting, utilities, ventilation systems, and other vital factors.
You can also mark out places that require drilling for power and internet cables as well as spaces for cameras and other additional equipment.
How to Build a Gun Safe Room
Once you’re finished with drawing out the blueprint and planning the room’s layout, the next step is to start building the room. The first step during construction is planning.
Planning
To avoid overlooking any detail, you should have a design plan that helps keep you organized. After planning out the room, you should prepare the materials, mark out the drill and camera points, and gather all necessary tools and gear.
Walls
Underground gun safe rooms must be built from scratch. This requires you to fortify the walls on the inside and the outside. You can use cement, cinder blocks, and rebars for this, and you can also use sheet or brick walls for extra reinforcement.
For above-ground rooms, all you need to do is fortify the inner walls in an already-built room. It’s best to choose a room without windows for this purpose. You can also purchase ready-made or 3D panels that are easily customizable.
Door
A secure door must protect your gun safe room. A strong door prevents unauthorized or unwarranted entry. There are door designs and models built to withstand extreme force or assaults.
You can also choose between electronic and manual locks. The door emplacement walls and hinges should also be extremely strong, as these doors can be heavy. You can also install a regular door outside the steel door for concealment purposes. Another hack would be to add a door safe organizer to maximize space.
Ventilation and Extra Accessories
Ventilation is an essential factor to consider during construction. This is needed to provide the right environment for the guns and keep out moisture and humidity. It is equally important to pay attention while installing air vents or air conditioning units to avoid security breaches.
Set up all extra or complimenting accessories such cabinets, spy cameras, LED lights, racks, and other fittings that will enhance the room’s aesthetics and assist in monitoring and organizing the space. It is also important to have one or two fire extinguishers within the room in case of a fire outbreak.
Follow State Laws for Gun Safe Storage
The laws for gun safe storage vary from one state to another, and as such, you need to read through the laws in your state for more guidance. Always double-check to ensure that your gun safe room complies with your state’s gun laws.
You should also consider the fire and insurance policy, making sure to follow the required code for your building. Lastly, keep your rooms fireproof in case of a sudden fire outbreak.
Conclusion
We have outlined all you need to know about how to build a gun safe room, including the materials required and the steps involved in building one. A gun safe room can equally secure your documents and other valuables and be used as an emergency escape or retreat.
Your design and aesthetics are down to your budget and personal preference. However, building this room cannot be done in a rush and requires patience and proper knowledge.
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