As responsible gun owners, we’re constantly thinking about how and where we store our firearms. Whether you’re expanding your gun collection or exploring different storage options, one question that often comes up is: Can a gun cabinet be kept in a garage?
At Bellewood Designs, we’ve worked with countless clients across the country to create safe, secure, and stylish firearm storage solutions. One thing we’ve learned over the years is that while gun cabinets offer an effective way to store firearms, their location can significantly impact their performance and longevity, especially when placed in a garage.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of keeping a gun cabinet in the garage, the environmental risks to consider, how to properly secure your cabinet if the garage is your only option, and tips from our team to help you make the best decision.
Key Takeaways
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Garages can be harsh environments for gun storage due to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and security risks.
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Proper insulation, dehumidifiers, and added security measures can make garage gun storage safer.
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Choosing a high-quality cabinet and implementing preventive maintenance will help protect your firearms.
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Bellewood Designs can create custom solutions to help you securely store your firearms anywhere, including your garage.
The Pros and Cons of Storing a Gun Cabinet in the Garage
We get it—space inside the home can be limited, and the garage often becomes a logical place to store larger or more cumbersome items. But before you move your gun cabinet out there, let’s take a closer look at what you’re up against.
Pros
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Extra Space: Most garages have room to spare, making them an appealing location for large cabinets or safes.
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Discretion: A gun cabinet placed in the garage is often out of sight from guests and children, offering a level of privacy.
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Convenient Access: For those who use firearms for hunting or outdoor recreation, the garage is often a stop on the way out.
Cons
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Moisture and Humidity: Garages are typically not climate-controlled, which means your firearms may be exposed to condensation, rust, or corrosion over time.
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Temperature Fluctuations: Drastic temperature changes can compromise both your gun cabinet and the firearms inside. Wood warps. Metal rusts. Ammunition degrades.
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Security Concerns: Garages can be easier targets for burglars, especially if they’re detached from the house or if you leave the door open during the day.
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Pest Intrusion: Mice, insects, and other pests can make their way into the garage and potentially damage the cabinet or its contents.
Is It Safe to Store Guns in a Garage?
The short answer is: it depends on how well you control the environment and security of the space.
Let’s break down the major risk factors and how to address them effectively.
Moisture and Humidity: The Silent Killers
One of the biggest concerns with garage storage is moisture. Unlike the interior of a climate-controlled home, garages are prone to fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Over time, this can lead to:
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Rust on barrels and actions
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Corrosion of internal components
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Mold in wooden stocks
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Mildew on cabinet surfaces
How to Combat It:
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Use a Dehumidifier: Invest in an electric dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing desiccants to reduce humidity inside the cabinet.
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Add Weather Stripping: Seal gaps around the garage doors and windows to limit outside moisture from getting in.
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Choose a Rust-Resistant Cabinet: Choose a rust-resistant cabinet to protect your firearms from moisture damage and ensure long-term reliability.
Temperature Swings and Gun Safety
If your garage experiences temperature extremes—hot summers and freezing winters—it can pose serious threats to your firearms and ammunition.
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Ammunition Breakdown: High heat can degrade the gunpowder inside ammo cartridges, reducing reliability and potentially creating dangerous misfires.
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Material Stress: Repeated freezing and thawing can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to warping, cracking, or other failures.
What You Can Do:
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Insulate Your Garage: Consider adding insulation or even a mini HVAC unit for climate control.
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Install a Thermal Liner in Your Cabinet: Have a thermal liner professionally installed in your cabinet to maintain stable internal temperatures and protect against heat or moisture damage
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Monitor with a Thermometer/Hygrometer: A simple digital device can help you keep an eye on your cabinet’s environment.
Enhancing Security in the Garage
Security is another crucial factor. A gun cabinet, unlike a heavy-duty safe, may be more vulnerable to tampering if not properly anchored or reinforced.
Security Tips:
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Anchor Your Cabinet to the Wall or Floor: Secure your cabinet by anchoring it firmly to the wall or floor to prevent tipping and enhance safety.
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Install Garage Security Systems: Motion-sensor lighting, surveillance cameras, and alarms can act as strong deterrents.
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Upgrade Your Locks: Consider biometric or combination locks instead of basic key locks.
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Avoid Obvious Placement: Keep the cabinet out of direct view from windows or open doors.
Can Wooden Gun Cabinets Be Kept in the Garage?
As artisans, we at Bellewood Designs specialize in custom wooden gun cabinets, and we’re often asked if these can withstand garage storage.
The answer is yes, but with precautions.
Wood is naturally affected by humidity and temperature changes. However, with proper sealing, climate control, and maintenance, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the beauty of a wooden gun cabinet in your garage.
We use premium hardwoods, sealed finishes, and structural reinforcements to ensure your cabinet stands the test of time, even in less-than-ideal environments.
Maintenance Is Key
If you do decide to keep your gun cabinet in the garage, routine maintenance becomes more important than ever.
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Inspect your firearms regularly for signs of rust or corrosion
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Oil moving parts frequently to preserve performance
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Check seals, locks, and hinges on the cabinet every few months
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Wipe down the cabinet interior and exterior to remove moisture buildup
By staying proactive, you can keep your collection in top shape even in a garage setting.
Better Alternatives (If Available)
If you’re still unsure about placing your cabinet in the garage, consider alternatives like:
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A closet or spare room inside your home
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A basement with proper ventilation
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A secure storage shed with insulation and locks
But if the garage is your only option, don't worry—you’re not alone, and you can make it work with the right setup.
Custom Gun Cabinets for Any Location
At Bellewood Designs, we understand that every home and firearm collection is different. That’s why we specialize in building custom gun cabinets designed to fit your space, style, and safety needs.
Whether you’re outfitting a garage, basement, or home office, we can craft a solution that blends beauty with protection.
Our cabinets are:
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Made from high-quality, durable materials
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Finished with weather- and rust-resistant coatings
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Built with optional thermal and moisture barriers
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Designed to include hidden compartments, lighting, and more
Final Thoughts: Should You Keep a Gun Cabinet in Your Garage?
Yes—but only if you take the proper precautions.
With the right insulation, humidity control, security enhancements, and routine maintenance, a gun cabinet can absolutely be stored in a garage without sacrificing safety or longevity.
However, cutting corners in a garage environment is not an option. Firearms are serious business, and their storage deserves serious thought and investment.
Ready to Build Your Custom Gun Cabinet?
If you’re considering storing your gun cabinet in the garage—or anywhere else—and want something safe, durable, and beautiful, Bellewood Designs is here to help.
We build custom gun cabinets that offer style, function, and peace of mind—no matter where you plan to store them.
Give us a call today at 1-502-771-1596 to speak with a design expert and start planning your next project.
Let us help you protect what matters most.