Will a Safe Ruin Your Carpet?
It is possible to install your Liberty gun safe on top of carpeting. Here is what you need to know if you want to reduce the risk of your carpet being damaged by your gun safe. We've got tips to help you keep from damaging your gorgeous new safe, too!
Can Carpeted Floors Hold a Safe?
Most carpeted floors can hold a gun safe. If you plan to install yours on the second floor of your home, you may want to consult with a professional contractor to evaluate the area. This will ensure the flooring is strong enough to support your safe, especially if you’re buying one that is large and heavy.
Will a Gun Safe Damage a Carpeted Floor?
When installed properly, a gun safe won’t damage carpeted floors. It should be placed in a location where it will be level so that its weight is evenly distributed. You want to prevent the safe from shifting around, which could damage your carpeting as well as put you and your family at risk of injury.
We always recommend bolting your safe to the floor with the proper anchor kit. If the idea of putting bolts through your carpeting to your subfloor makes you nervous, you could possibly have it bolted to wall studs. Just keep in mind that most safes come with pre-drilled holes in the floor for anchoring it down, rather than in the back of the safe. If you decide you'd rather anchor your safe to your wall, you'll have to drill through your safe on your own, or (as we always recommend) with the help of a professional safe-moving company.
Will a Carpeted Floor Damage Your Safe?
Carpeted floors could potentially damage your safe, especially if you live in a flood-prone or humid part of the country. Moisture can build up under safe. If the safe is bolted to the floor, there may not be enough airflow. This could cause rust to form on your bolts.
You can prevent this from happening by having your gun safe installed on top of a base. A steel base that you can anchor into the floor, then anchor your safe to, would be best. You can also use a wooden platform or even cinder blocks to allow water to flow underneath.
Just keep in mind that elevating your safe on a base could cause a security risk. If it's high enough, thieves can put a jack underneath it and tip your safe off the base, which makes it easier to haul off or pry the door off. You also won't be able to anchor the cinder blocks to your floor, or your safe to the blocks, which presents security and safety hazards. You may be able to anchor your safe to the wall, but be aware of the ramifications of elevating your safe on a base.
How to Protect Your Floor
Installing your safe on a base protects your floor in 2 ways:
- Adding a base helps evenly distribute the weight of your safe.
- It improves airflow to reduce moisture that could cause mold or mildew under the safe.
If a base is not an option for you, a rubber mat is also a good idea. It can protect your carpeting and be secured in place when your safe is bolted to the floor.
If you have questions about the best way to install your gun safe Liberty’s friendly and helpful customer service team is always available. We always recommend having professionals deliver and install your safe. For more information about what to expect from a safe delivery, watch this video.
