How to Build a False Floor for a Safe

Creating a false floor on the bottom of a safe adds another layer of protection for your valuables. This particular form of security is most effective against those who already have access to your safe, such as employees or family members, and can be useful for hiding presents. As a burglary deterrent, a false bottom can protect your valuables primarily in floor-mounted safes that cannot be moved. This false base can be even more effective, during a robbery, when there is limited time for the thief to access the contents.

Utility knife
Tape measure
1-by-1 inch square dowels
1/8-inch board
Drill with bits
1-inch wood screws
Saw
Carpentry stapler
Heavy magnets
Glue
Carpet remnant

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the carpet that lines the interior of the safe all along the walls about 1 inch from the bottom. Pull up the carpet and set it aside. If there is no carpet in the safe, purchase a low-pile carpet remnant and cut it to the internal dimensions of the safe, plus 1 inch in each direction.
- 2
  Measure the internal dimensions of the safe. Cut two 1-by-1 inch dowels to the same dimension as the safe's length. Cut a 1/8-inch-thick board to the same width and length as the safe.
- 3
  Position the board on top of the two dowels with their dimensions in the same relative positions they would be in the safe. Drill three holes through the board and into each of the dowels. Attach the board to the dowels with 1-inch wood screws.
- 4
  Stretch the carpet across the top of the board and the side of the dowels and staple it to the side of the dowels tightly. Space the staples every 3 inches.
- 5
  Force the platform to fit within the safe for a snug fit. Pull back the carpet and cut off a small amount from the length of the dowels and the plywood if they do not fit within the safe.
- 6
  Remove the false floor and position a heavy magnet on the center at the bottom of the safe. Glue it in place. Position another heavy magnet against the underside of the false bottom such that it will be attracted to the floor magnet. Glue it in place against the false bottom. Replace the false bottom inside the safe and snug the carpet over it.

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