Cost to Install a Wall Safe – 2021

| Last Updated: August 23, 2021

National Average Improvement and Repair Cost

Pro

DIY

Hours:

6

9

Cost:

$ 450

$ 250

Would you do this project? According to our survey, 69% of respondents preferred DIY compared to hiring a pro.

The average price to Install a Wall Safe noted above is cost data to compare a contractor’s estimate with doing it yourself.

How much does it cost to install a wall safe? The contractor cost to install a wall safe is $450 but you can do it yourself for $250 and save 44 percent.

You can get a safety deposit box at a bank, but home safes are becoming a popular alternative in many households because of their convenience. Install one in the wall of a closet or behind a wall-hung picture, and it offers safekeeping for jewelry, documents, and other valuables.

Since it’s in your home, which doesn’t operate on banker’s hours, you have access to your secret stash at any time, reason enough for some people who want their hidden assets safe at home.

A typical home safe is a flush-mounted 15-inch square unit that’s designed to fit into the recess between standard wall studs. A carpenter will charge $450, which includes the safe and labor to install it, but you can make the installation for $250, the cost of the safe, and save 44 percent.

When deciding on a location for a wall safe, choose an inside wall. Be careful to avoid cutting into any plumbing or electrical lines. To do that, check out the area on both sides of the wall and see that there are no electrical outlets or plumbing fixtures there.

To make the installation, you’ll need a drill, screwdriver, keyhole or drywall saw, and carpenter’s level. An electronic stud finder will come in handy. You’ll also need some nails and shims to level and adjust the safe in the wall opening.

See the instructions at Home Fixated on how to install a hidden wall safe.

The bottom line: compare the price of a contractor’s bid to install a wall safe with what it costs to do it yourself and make your decision.

Make sure to cleverly conceal your wall safe! We have more DIY guides that might help:

Welcome! We hope you’ll find the job costs of home improvement projects useful when you’re deciding whether to do a job yourself vs. hire a contractor. We’re the authors of 20 home improvement books, most notably Home Improvement for Dummies©, Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies©, Carpentry for Dummies©, Plumbing for Dummies©, and Painting and Wallpapering for Dummies©. Our most recent book Fix It and Flip It is in its second edition. We’ve appeared as home improvement experts on television programs such as CNN, Dateline, the Today Show, HGTV and many others.