Is a Wall Safe right for you?

NOTE: This information is provided as general advice only.

A wall safe is just what it sounds like – a safe that can be installed in a wall. Most of these safes are designed to fit between standard 16” on center stud walls. The depth of these safes can vary from one to the next. If you have 2×4 walls with another room behind the room you plan to install the safe in, your options may be limited. Be sure to check the depth of your wall prior to purchasing your safe as you may find that you only have 3 1/2” of space. There are safes that will fit in this space, but they will not offer fireproofing and will only allow you 1-2 inches of interior depth to store your valuables. If you only plan to put cash, jewelry and maybe a small pistol in the safe then this may be perfect for you. Some walls are much deeper and can accommodate a wall fire safe which usually are 10 – 20 inches deep depending on the model.

These safes are perfect for inside a closet, behind a door or even hidden behind a picture that you hang on the wall. Many are designed to only stick out 1/8” so there will be limited interference with the picture in front of it.

Installation of these safes is usually very simple. The manufacturer will likely give you the dimensions of the hole you will need, just be sure to place it between the studs in the wall. If the dimensions are not provided, just measure the back of the safe and cut the hole to that size. The next step would be to slide the safe into the hole. While holding the safe tightly against the wall, drive the provided lag bolts from inside the safe out into the wall studs on each side. That’s it, your safe is now installed in your wall.

Nearly every safe manufacturer makes some type of wall safe. Common models are made by AMSEC, Gardall, Cobalt, Stack-On and Sentry Safe. Keep in mind, the less you spend the less you get. Cheap safes are usually made with 1/8 or 1/16″ steel. A quality safe will have at least a 1/2″ plate steel door and 1/4″ plate steel body.