Safe on an upper floor?

[Merlin]

Large safe in the basement for long guns, massive pistol collection, and infrequently-used valuables. Small safe (concealed) upstairs for jewelry and other small valuables that get frequent use.

That's a great idea assuming you're basement is not so damp were one day you notice surface rust over all your guns and safe one day.

 

[O2b4wln]

Unless you know the exact condition of the joist you're putting that type of point load on no amount of rule-of-thumb numbers are going to help. The main issue is point load not overall load of the joist.

Floor joists are designed for deflection, not strength, and the ends aren't calculated the same way the center is. So if you put it in the corner of the room you will be adding additional load to the hangers that you hope were installed properly.

If the only option is to put it on the 2nd floor get the area inspected by an expert otherwise you're putting a lot of faith in a structure that could have been installed by a kid who was told where to hammer the nail.

 

[safecracker]

That's a great idea assuming you're basement is not so damp were one day you notice surface rust over all your guns and safe one day.

A dehumidifier positioned next to the safe works wonders. There are also dessicants and golden rods that can be installed inside the safe to absorb moisture. An occasional wipe down of the safe's exterior may be in order and should be expected as basic maintenance.

 

[Merlin]

A dehumidifier positioned next to the safe works wonders. There are also dessicants and golden rods that can be installed inside the safe to absorb moisture. An occasional wipe down of the safe's exterior may be in order and should be expected as basic maintenance.

You can do all that, or you can be like me and forget to do all of that. But I would remember when I see all the rust.

 

[Merlin]

Unless you know the exact condition of the joist you're putting that type of point load on no amount of rule-of-thumb numbers are going to help. The main issue is point load not overall load of the joist.

Floor joists are designed for deflection, not strength, and the ends aren't calculated the same way the center is. So if you put it in the corner of the room you will be adding additional load to the hangers that you hope were installed properly.

If the only option is to put it on the 2nd floor get the area inspected by an expert otherwise you're putting a lot of faith in a structure that could have been installed by a kid who iwas told where to hammer the nail.

Besides insuring the joists are running in the right direction to have as many as possible under the safe, you can build a pedestal under the safe that's wider than the safe. It should be wide enough so it will gain the support from two or more floor joists to the right and left of the safe. If you have the room, the pedestal can stair step up to the safe making it wide enough to gain the support from additional four floor joists, other than the joists directly under the safe. Two more to the right of the safe and two more to the left of the safe. In the right room with the right design it would look very nice finished off in red Oak or even carpet.

If your lucky enough to have the floor joist on 12" centers and your safe was 43" wide, you could position the safe where it was supported by the best part of 4 floor joists and with the added pedestal you could easily gain the support from 4 more floor joists. See attachment. Just an idea.