When it comes to safeguarding your most valuable possessions, investing in a reliable safe is a wise decision. However, simply owning a safe is not enough—securing it properly is the key to ensuring your personal or business property is not at risk of theft or destruction.   

A common question we get at The Lock Shop is, “Do I really need to bolt a safe to the floor?”—and our answer is, yes—absolutely! 

Whether it’s to secure valuables, confidential documents, firearms, or sentimental items—bolting a safe to the floor is what will give you peace of mind that your assets are properly protected. And you can’t get much more protected than an in-floor safe, which also has the benefit of being hidden underground and out of sight. 

Why Should You Bolt An In-floor Safe?

While an in-floor safe is substantially more discrete and secure than an above ground one, it still needs to be bolted properly. Otherwise, with enough time and determination, a cunning criminal could potentially remove it and open it elsewhere. Yes, we’ve even heard of them smashing through concrete to get to the goods! 

Bolting it to the floor adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly more challenging for burglars to make away with your valuables. And when it comes to securing a gun safe for example, you certainly don’t want to be taking any chances. 

A secured in-floor safe can also be highly effective in protecting your items from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, which is particularly crucial for important documents, heirlooms, and other irreplaceable items.

Steps To Bolting an In-floor Safe 

Firstly, DIY in-floor safe installation can be a tricky beast, and we strongly recommend hiring a professional for the job. If you do decide to DIY, please note this is a general guide only, so ensure you undertake thorough research beforehand. 

You’ll also need to check with your insurer that DIY installation meets their requirements.  

So, how to bolt a safe to the floor? In many cases, you’ll be bolting your in-floor safe at the time of installation, so we’ve included the full steps as follows: 

CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION

Check the floor surface is strong enough to hold your in-floor safe, and that it will be fully accessible in the chosen location, with the door able to be opened properly. Popular choices include inside wardrobes, under staircases, under beds, and the centre of a garage.

CHECK CAREFULLY FOR UNDERGROUND HEATING, CABLES, OR PIPES

Ensure you’re well away from obvious pipe locations such as bathrooms and kitchens. If in doubt, drill a small hole into the floor to investigate with a coat hanger.

TRACE AROUND YOUR SAFE TO MARK OUT THE HOLE AND CUT IT

Allow around 100 mm out on each side. To bolt a safe to a concrete floor, you’ll need to use a demolition or electric jack hammer. For wooden floors, a diamond blade saw may be enough

REMOVE SOIL

Allow 100 mm of concrete to surround your safe then pour some concrete into the bottom. Ease your safe in (ensuring it is lower than the top of the slab), and continue pouring slowly around the safe so the concrete gently brings it in line with the top of the slab. Allow the concrete to dry. Be very careful not to let any water come in contact with your in-floor safe as they are not waterproof.

There you go—you’ve just learned how to attach a safe to the floor in the most secure way possible!  

Alternative Security Measures

Now you know how to install a safe, what are some alternatives to an in-floor one? 

The following safes are also great options for protecting your prized possessions above ground – provided you bolt them to the floor in a similar fashion: 

A fire and theft safe, which boasts some of the most resistant fire and burglary prevention qualities available on the market. 

A deposit safe, perfect for businesses, with a convenient deposit drawer to allow anyone to place cash or important items inside without having to open it. 

A laptop safe – sized and designed specifically to hold laptops and other media devices.  

And if you’re looking for an alternative to bolting a safe to the floor—Some additional steps you can take to fortify your home or business security include:

• Installing surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and alarms to deter criminals, and capture footage in the event of a breach.
• Reinforcing entry points with strong, durable doors and windows with digital locks to make it harder for intruders to gain access.
• Investing in smart locks, doorbell cameras, and automated lighting systems to enhance security and provide real-time alerts. 

Secure Top-Quality Safes at The Lock Shop

At The Lock Shop, we’re all about delivering security solutions to keep your valuables safe, including educating on how to secure a safe to the floor. 

From cutting edge in-floor safes, to laptop safes ensuring data and device security, to specialised gun safes, deposit safes, and more, we cater to a spectrum of safety requirements. Reach out to our team and let’s discuss securing a safe to perfectly suit your needs!