DIY Concrete Top for a Ground Storm Cellar

Tornados, hurricanes and other strong storms can destroy property and cause serious injuries in a matter of minutes. People who live in areas that experience a high number of deadly storms often build storm cellars or shelters to protect their families. With proper warning before a severe storm, taking cover in a storm cellar can protect you from collapsing structures, falling debris and high winds. A ground storm cellar should be covered with a reinforced cement slab that can withstand intense winds or damage from falling debris.

Tape measure
2-by-4-inch wooden boards, quantity based on shelter opening size
Plywood sheet, 1-inch thick
Saw
Hammer
Wood nails, 1.5 inches
Concrete, quantity based on shelter opening size
Trowel
2 heavy-duty hinges
Cement nails
Nail gun
2 heavy-duty door handles

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the size of your storm cellar's opening. The cement cover should be installed after your cellar has been built and its cement has dried thoroughly.
- 2
  Cut the wood boards so they are slightly larger than the measurements of the storm cellar opening. Two of the boards should be about 2 inches wider than the horizontal width of the opening. The remaining boards should be about 4 inches longer than the vertical height of the opening. You will need two outer vertical boards, and the remaining supports will be nailed in place every foot along the shelter opening's width, so use as many supports as needed.
- 3
  Cut the plywood sheet so it is 2 inches wider and 4 inches taller than the cellar opening.
- 4
  Nail together a square or rectangular frame using four of the wooden boards. Nail vertical supports inside the frame using the remaining boards.
- 5
  Place the plywood sheet on top of the frame and nail it in place securely. Flip the frame over so the plywood is on the bottom and position it on a flat, level and sturdy surface.
- 6
  Mix the concrete following the manufacturer's instructions and pour it into the frame to the top of the wooden supports so the cement is 4 inches thick. Smooth the top of the poured concrete with a trowel and allow the cement to dry completely. The manufacturer's instructions should include guidelines for drying time based on the size of the concrete slab.
- 7
  Place the cement slab on top of the shelter opening, plywood-side down, with the assistance of at least one person. Slide the slab so it is flush with one vertical side of the shelter opening, which is where you will attach your hinges. The slab should hang out by 2 inches on the rest of its sides.
- 8
  Nail two heavy-duty hinges into the slab, about 3 to 4 feet apart, depending on the size of the slab. Use cement nails and a nail gun to drive the nails into the cement. Nail the hinges to the side of the shelter.
- 9
  Nail heavy-duty handles to the side of the slab opposite the hinges. One handle should be inside the shelter and another outside. This will make it easier to open or pull closed.

How Much Bleach Cleans Algae in a Fountain?

How to Build a Stone Moongate

Special Outdoor Projects