As responsible gun owners, we often focus on the critical aspects of firearm safety—things like child-proof access, theft protection, and fire resistance. However, one factor that’s sometimes overlooked is water damage.
Whether it’s from flooding, burst pipes, or humidity, water can be just as damaging to firearms and valuables as any fire or theft incident. This raises an important question: Are gun safes waterproof?
At Bellewood Designs, we’ve helped countless clients design custom concealment furniture and storage solutions for their firearms. In this blog post, we’re diving deep into the topic of waterproofing in gun safes—what it means, what it doesn’t, and what you should consider when choosing or upgrading your firearm storage setup.
Key Takeaways
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Most gun safes are not fully waterproof, but some offer water resistance.
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Water-resistant safes are rated based on submersion depth and time.
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Fireproof doesn’t mean waterproof—look for dual-rated options.
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Custom concealment furniture can be upgraded for water resilience.
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Bellewood Designs offers personalized solutions to safeguard firearms from water damage and more.
What Does "Waterproof" Really Mean in Gun Safes?
First, it’s essential to clarify what people typically mean when they say "waterproof." In the context of gun safes, "waterproof" generally refers to a safe's ability to prevent water from entering for a certain period during full or partial submersion.
Most major safe manufacturers do not claim their safes are completely waterproof. Instead, they may advertise water resistance or limited waterproof ratings, often based on the ability to withstand submersion in water for a set time—such as 12, 24, or 72 hours—at a certain depth.
Some safes are even tested to withstand up to 2 feet of water for 72 hours, while others may only resist minimal moisture for short periods.
Water Resistance Ratings You Should Know
When researching safes, look for the following common water-resistance standards:
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ETL Waterproof Certification: This indicates the safe has passed third-party testing for water submersion at specified depths and durations.
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IPX Rating System: While not as commonly applied to safes, some manufacturers use this international rating system to indicate water resistance.
Important reminder: These ratings do not guarantee indefinite waterproofing—they are typically valid only under specific controlled conditions.
Common Sources of Water Damage
You might wonder, “Do I really need a waterproof gun safe?” The answer often depends on your environment. Here are common scenarios where water damage becomes a major concern:
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Flooding due to natural disasters
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Basement installations, where humidity and water seepage are common
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Burst pipes or plumbing leaks in homes
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High-humidity environments, especially in coastal or southern states
In all these cases, even a few inches of standing water can penetrate a poorly sealed safe and ruin not just your firearms but also important documents, heirlooms, and digital media stored inside.
Fireproof ≠ Waterproof
Here’s a common misconception we hear all the time:
“If my safe is fireproof, it must be waterproof too, right?”
Wrong.
Fireproof safes are designed to maintain internal temperatures below a certain threshold (typically 350°F) for a given duration (e.g., 30, 60, or 120 minutes). However, the insulation materials used in fireproof safes are usually not waterproof.
In fact, during a fire, the extreme heat can cause steam to form if any moisture is inside the safe, which could actually damage your items even more.
That’s why we always recommend a dual-rated safe—both fire- and water-resistant—for those storing highly valuable items in high-risk areas.
The Role of Custom Concealment Furniture
At Bellewood Designs, we specialize in custom concealment furniture that not only secures your firearms from prying eyes and unauthorized access but also offers enhanced protection against environmental factors, including water exposure.
While furniture pieces aren’t designed to be submerged in water like traditional safes, there are several things we can do to increase moisture resistance:
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Use sealed hardwoods and moisture-resistant finishes
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Add hidden compartments with water-resistant liners or insulation
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Include dehumidifier packs and gasketed edges
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Design elevated base options for furniture stored in basements or garages
These strategies help keep your firearms dry and protected without sacrificing the beauty and functionality of your living space.
Additional Ways to Protect Your Firearms from Water Damage
Aside from choosing a quality water-resistant safe or custom concealment solution, here are a few more steps you can take to safeguard your valuables:
1. Install a Dehumidifier or Desiccant Pack
Moisture build-up inside a safe can cause rust over time. Keep a rechargeable dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing packs inside the storage area.
2. Elevate Your Safe
If your safe is installed in a basement or ground-level area prone to flooding, consider placing it on a platform or riser.
3. Use Waterproof Bags or Cases Inside
Double-up your protection by storing items like ammo, documents, or handguns in sealed waterproof containers within the safe or concealment furniture.
4. Schedule Regular Inspections
Like any major home fixture, your safe or furniture piece needs to be maintained. Check the seals, look for signs of moisture damage, and make updates as needed.
Our Advice: Don’t Settle for Just One Layer of Protection
We’ve seen far too many cases where clients thought their firearm storage was "secure enough," only to discover the devastating impact water damage can have. Whether you’re worried about a leaking pipe or a regional flood, it pays to layer your protection.
By combining a high-quality safe with custom concealment furniture and preventive measures, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your firearms and valuables are secure on all fronts—from theft, fire, and yes, even water.
Let Bellewood Designs Help You Protect What Matters Most
If you're unsure whether your current firearm storage is adequately protected against water damage—or you're considering a custom-built concealment piece that blends seamlessly into your home—Bellewood Designs is here to help.
We take pride in our craftsmanship and attention to detail, and we work closely with each client to ensure their needs are met in both form and function. Whether you want a stylish concealment cabinet, or enhanced water-resistant features, we'll do our best to bring your vision to life.
Call us today at 1-502-771-1596 to schedule a consultation.
Let’s design a solution that’s as secure as it is beautiful.