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Posted: 2/11/2016 9:45:11 PM EDT
I'm working on a an addition to my house and I'd like to pour the entire basement addition (24x32), ceiling included.
Has anyone done this and could share any pointers?

How about a good safe door?




Thanks guys
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:47:41 PM EDT
[#1]
You mean you want to build a vault in your addition?
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:50:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:52:16 PM EDT
[#3]

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Quoted:


You mean you want to build a vault in your addition?
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Precisely! I just figured that more people have built smaller gun safe size rooms.

 


Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:53:16 PM EDT
[#4]
in on 1
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:55:09 PM EDT
[#5]
I forgot add that if you do a vault room pay close attention to the ventilation and look into fire dampers.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 9:57:47 PM EDT
[#6]
Use lots of rebar, including the ceiling.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:00:47 PM EDT
[#7]
Concrete produces moisture for years.  Install an active dehumidifier and ventilate.

My $0.02.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:03:44 PM EDT
[#8]
A friend of mine built one in his basement, pretty neat has to run a dehumidifier even here in Idaho. It is around 4 x10 so not very big but holds all his guns, reloading gear.   He did all the work himself son the cost was pretty small.  I want to do one on my house but I am unsure how I want to gon about doing it.  His advice to me was have some one else do the concrete, just do the rebar myself.  I would have to have a concrete pumper in order to do it at my house.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:06:29 PM EDT
[#9]


A member here built a pretty massively neat one (IIRC) around the mid to late 2000's. He had a buttload of pic's.


I would think it would still be in the archives but the pic's might not be hosted any longer...






Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:10:46 PM EDT
[#10]
There was a build thread several years ago, do a search on vaults or vault doors.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:11:18 PM EDT
[#11]
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:11:49 PM EDT
[#12]
There was a thread on here years ago where a guy built one, basically a gun room, off his garage.  It was impressive!  Probably 10 years back.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:17:02 PM EDT
[#13]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Concrete produces moisture for years.  Install an active dehumidifier and ventilate.



My $0.02.
View Quote

Yes, concrete is quite porous so is able to hold a lot of moisture.


Any chance you can build a 'secret' room, by that I mean one without hardened construction but that isn't even apparent that it exists?


A friend did that (closet shelf is a hinged hidden door to a 10'x12' room behind) and it's brilliant.....and pretty cheap by comparison.



 

Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:18:47 PM EDT
[#14]
Ask away - this is a concrete safe room / vault I built in my basement -


















































































































 
 
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:26:25 PM EDT
[#15]
Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:29:19 PM EDT
[#16]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
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It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.

 
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:29:47 PM EDT
[#17]
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:32:05 PM EDT
[#18]
We built one in our new home.  About 6x6 with 9 ft ceilng, which is actually part of the front porch.  It works great, and we put ina vault door from Smith Safe Company in Ohio.

Some pointers.

- Get the exact dimensions your door manufacturer recommends.  Make sure you concrete guy can pour to that, and keep it square and plumb.  I had to shave some concrete to get my door to fit.  That was messy.

- Plan your gun racks and storage in advance to make sure it will all fit.

- Be sure to have a plan for humidity control and air circulation.  You dont want it air tight unless it is a true bug out bunker.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:42:16 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  


well sure, now that you say it, it makes perfect sense.  I was thinking easier to push in for security / safe room situation.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:47:46 PM EDT
[#21]




Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:





Direct floor drain to run a dehumidifier.
Emptying the bucket on a regular basis sucks.
View Quote
Done - built a false bottom in the cabinet where I placed my dehumidifier which drains directly into the sump.  It's nice not emptying buckets anymore.



























 
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:47:48 PM EDT
[#22]
I built one n my basement out of a "storm cellar." Reinforced concrete over a masonry porch and a safe door. A dehumidifier is a must..



Here's the door I got, very happy with it. Not sure the exact model I got, it's been about 5 years but mine is fire rated and I have double locks and an interior "lock out" function. No, the girl doesn't come with it.....

http://www.sturdysafe.com/collections/2419-colletions/products/model-2822
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:50:22 PM EDT
[#23]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  




 
Right - the house may fall down around it but the door won't be blocked.  Also qualifies as a FEMA certified safe room which helps resale value.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 10:53:21 PM EDT
[#24]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
well sure, now that you say it, it makes perfect sense.  I was thinking easier to push in for security / safe room situation.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  




well sure, now that you say it, it makes perfect sense.  I was thinking easier to push in for security / safe room situation.




 
The door has both a panic button and a quick (well not so quick) release on the inside.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:07:01 PM EDT
[#25]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I forgot add that if you do a vault room pay close attention to the ventilation and look into fire dampers.
View Quote




Coolest gun room pictures I have ever seen.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:37:06 PM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Gator, why'd you have the door open in ??
It's my understanding that you want the door to open in so that if debris falls outside it doesn't jam the door shut.  

Bingo.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:40:55 PM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:




Coolest gun room pictures I have ever seen.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I forgot add that if you do a vault room pay close attention to the ventilation and look into fire dampers.




Coolest gun room pictures I have ever seen.


My gun room isn't solid concrete. The area below it is. The room I've posted pictures of in the past is a hybrid of construction materials that were fireproof, bulletproof, and tamper proof. I picked these materials because I could build with them myself and not worry about people seeing what I as building. My vault which is under my guy room is where I store ammo fort and other expensive items I own, it can also serve as a storm shelter and safe room.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:43:37 PM EDT
[#29]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.
View Quote



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:45:04 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir


It's Vaultpro. I own one. link
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:46:36 PM EDT
[#31]

My buddy built one on end of his garage,  dehumidifier is a must.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:53:18 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


It's Vaultpro. I own one. link
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir


It's Vaultpro. I own one. link



You're wrong!

Vault-Tec is the leader in high quality vault construction. Just keep an eye on them; they can be a bit treacherous and they tend to misrepresent themselves.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:53:58 PM EDT
[#33]
FEMA was paying for the costs of building a storm shelter when people rebuilt houses in the Joplin area.  At least one of them in Duquesne ended up looking pretty much like a gun vault.  I ain't saying it's right, I'm just saying.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:54:43 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



You're wrong!

Vault-Tec is the leader in high quality construction. Just keep an eye on them; they can be a bit treacherous and they tend to misrepresent themselves.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir


It's Vaultpro. I own one. link



You're wrong!

Vault-Tec is the leader in high quality construction. Just keep an eye on them; they can be a bit treacherous and they tend to misrepresent themselves.


I did my homework before buying and I have had it for a number of years. I said they were good in my opinion. Everyone has an opinion.
Link Posted: 2/11/2016 11:59:27 PM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I did my homework before buying and I have had it for a number of years. I said they were good in my opinion. Everyone has an opinion.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Don't really have any pointers on the concrete part except hire a good contractor.

Vaultpro makes great doors IMHO.



I believe it is Vault-tec good sir


It's Vaultpro. I own one. link



You're wrong!

Vault-Tec is the leader in high quality construction. Just keep an eye on them; they can be a bit treacherous and they tend to misrepresent themselves.


I did my homework before buying and I have had it for a number of years. I said they were good in my opinion. Everyone has an opinion.


If I'm reading this right, he is referring to the Fallout game series (where Vault-Tec was a rather nefarious builder of underground bunkers).  Thus the

Very cool room, I hope to build one similar soon.  I like the idea of the dehumidifier draining into the sump, and hidden in the cabinet.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:00:52 AM EDT
[#37]
Built a 12' x 14' room, Amsec outswing door..... Advice, go with an outswing, you loose a lot of space with an inswing door.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:07:12 AM EDT
[#38]
Id build my own door.  That project would be fun as hell.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:08:11 AM EDT
[#39]
An old shooting buddy added a concrete block gun room into his existing basement.
Each void in the block was filled with concrete and rebar. Each course used wall ties to
secure them to the next course  The ceiling was done with a concrete and rebar with a gap between the
ceiling joists and top of the vault room. He used a steel safe door that was tied into the blocks via rebar.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:08:42 AM EDT
[#40]
This is where I ordered my door from -



















































































 
 

 
 
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:14:57 AM EDT
[#41]
Ft Knox Safes makes a vault door. Purdy.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:21:01 AM EDT
[#42]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History


Is this is just sitting in the entry way couldnt you just run a recip saw all around it and push the door/frame in? Or is it recessed over the block? How does this work?
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:22:00 AM EDT
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


My gun room isn't solid concrete. The area below it is. The room I've posted pictures of in the past is a hybrid of construction materials that were fireproof, bulletproof, and tamper proof. I picked these materials because I could build with them myself and not worry about people seeing what I as building. My vault which is under my guy room is where I store ammo fort and other expensive items I own, it can also serve as a storm shelter and safe room.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I forgot add that if you do a vault room pay close attention to the ventilation and look into fire dampers.




Coolest gun room pictures I have ever seen.


My gun room isn't solid concrete. The area below it is. The room I've posted pictures of in the past is a hybrid of construction materials that were fireproof, bulletproof, and tamper proof. I picked these materials because I could build with them myself and not worry about people seeing what I as building. My vault which is under my guy room is where I store ammo fort and other expensive items I own, it can also serve as a storm shelter and safe room.


Your gun room is baller.

WAIT...YOU HAVE MORE STUFF DOWNSTAIRS???????
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:23:47 AM EDT
[#44]
I look forward to these types of threads
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:27:30 AM EDT
[#45]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Built a 12' x 14' room, Amsec outswing door..... Advice, go with an outswing, you loose a lot of space with an inswing door.
View Quote
Uuhhh balls.

 



Hee we go.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:29:44 AM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Your gun room is baller.

WAIT...YOU HAVE MORE STUFF DOWNSTAIRS???????
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I forgot add that if you do a vault room pay close attention to the ventilation and look into fire dampers.




Coolest gun room pictures I have ever seen.


My gun room isn't solid concrete. The area below it is. The room I've posted pictures of in the past is a hybrid of construction materials that were fireproof, bulletproof, and tamper proof. I picked these materials because I could build with them myself and not worry about people seeing what I as building. My vault which is under my guy room is where I store ammo fort and other expensive items I own, it can also serve as a storm shelter and safe room.


Your gun room is baller.

WAIT...YOU HAVE MORE STUFF DOWNSTAIRS???????


Yes but I will never share photographs of the room.  The ones I have taken on a USB drive and locked in a safe deposit box at the bank.

My only mistake when build the lower room was not thinking about storing 12.5k round drums in there.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:32:07 AM EDT
[#47]
To date, I have not built a concrete gun safe.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:33:14 AM EDT
[#48]
I'd be looking online for designs
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:36:43 AM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I look forward to these types of threads
View Quote

It comes with being new.
Link Posted: 2/12/2016 12:45:48 AM EDT
[#50]
Graffunder Safe and Vault..they have no equal. Trust me. I searched.
I built my room 8"thick with a double mat of 3/4" Rebar on 6" centers. All sides
. It also has two layers of 5/8" FireRok fireproof sheetrock. Each sheet has a 2 hour burn time.
Still waiting on my shelf guy. They will match the wood on the trim.
I opted for the black chrome handle and hardware. Also went for a mechanical lock.
Just dont trust a keypad..should the batteries die.etc..
Any other questions or pics just ask.its totally worth it. I have room for guns, and was planning ahead since i have a young son and daughter.





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