Cedar lined safe?

[mkk41]

Decided I need a larger handguns only safe. Thinking about the best way to add shelves , and got the idea to make them from cedar. Then I thought , heck , why not cedar line the whole thing?!

Anyone else ever done this or see this before?

 

[diamonback68]

Not sure I would. Doesn't wood absorb and hold moisture?

 

[mkk41]

Not cedar. That's why the used cedar chests and cedar lined closets for expensive , delicate clothing. Also repels moths!

 

[diamonback68]

Not cedar. That's why the used cedar chests and cedar lined closets for expensive , delicate clothing. Also repels moths!

Cloth doesn't rust or care about a little moisture, guns do and I don't think moths care to eat guns either. I don't think the cedar chest analogy applies to gun storage. But hey, try it and let us know the results in a couple years. Just my $.02.

 

[NKJ nut]

Putting a wood lining inside the safe would serve no purpose whatsoever and would decrease available space. And that is very bad considering that safes get filled up quick enough anyway.

 

[ohiococonut]

Brownings Platinum series grade VI gun safe uses cedar for the side walls and a mirror in the back. Don't know if it's treated with any fire retardant or not but that may be something to consider as well unless you space it away from the steel walls so you have an air gap. I'd hate to have a fire and have the inside spontaneously combust.

 

[Stevie]

I don't think it would hurt anything...my gunsafe has a bunch of Walnut..beech..birch...and mystery-wood not to mention plastic inside of it anyhow.

Before society went to ****...gun-cabinents were made of wood and glass. I've still got a wooden/pine conventional gun cabinent in use.

 

[longhair]

Woods, other than cedar, have a finish coat on them that keeps moisture from seeping into, or seeping out of the wood. Cedar is left unfinished, for the aroma, and will hold and release moisture, like a sponge, which is bad for guns.

 

[truckemup97]

I don't see any problem with it. Make sure your cedar is dry before you install it, and use a Golden Rod or other drying agent. You'll have the best smellin' guns at the range!

 

[mkk41]

I don't see any problem with it. Make sure your cedar is dry before you install it, and use a Golden Rod or other drying agent. You'll have the best smellin' guns at the range!

Have Golden Rods in all my safes for years. I swear by them.

And yes , I'll be using aromatic red cedar.

 

[hotmerc]

My cigar cases are cedar lined so they will hold moisture.

 

[azalea]

Just another person's two cents:

I see more risks here (wood lining) than benefits. On that basis, I personally wouldn't do it.

If you elect to go ahead with the wood lining, I would use a lot of moisture-absorbing devices (Golden Rod, etc.). Doing this should eliminate the potential moisture risks.

 

[diamonback68]

I guess my final question is, why take a chance if you don't have to do it? The safe manufacturers probably know what they're doing.

 

[mkk41]

I guess my final question is, why take a chance if you don't have to do it? The safe manufacturers probably know what they're doing.

Because there's no really neat way to add shelves to the safe I'm using unless I go with a wood lining.

 

[65kaiser]

Most of the safes I have seen are lined with carpet or some kind of fabric. Last I checked both of these will hold moisture. There are plenty of dehumidifier units available for safes. I say go for it.
My safe is a 1923 Diebold that I restored. Lined with wood and covered the wood in carpet.The wood enabled me to make adjustable shelving. So far it has worked out fine.

 

[rburg]

I liked the answer about storing cigars inside.

I've been retired for 1 full year now...but back when I was a productive member of society (my wife and sons question both of those), we had a commerical humidor. We distributed tobacco was well as a full line of groceries and candy. The humidor was lined with Spanish Cedar. We heard a bunch of bunk about it giving off odors that improved the cigars, etc. What it really did was act as a buffer for humidity. Once you got it stabilized, any increase or decrease in humidity from things coming in would either be absorbed or taken out of the wood.

If you put the wood lining in (or even if you don't), go to an upscale tobacco shop and look for a humidistat. They're just cheapo little electronic thermometers that give temp and humidity. If you're really interested in your guns, you can get one that records and gives high and low for temp and humidity. While cigars need to be 70-70, temp and humidity, guns are probably better off with humidity near 30 or 35%. Too dry is as bad as too moist. Unless you have no wood on your firearms.

Back to the OP..Are you just going to line the thing, or are you intending on placing blue firearms directly on unfinished cedar?

 

[mkk41]

Back to the OP..Are you just going to line the thing, or are you intending on placing blue firearms directly on unfinished cedar?

Of course not. the actual shelves will probably be 3/8" plywood , covered with thick felt or thin carpet of some sort. And all pistols are in silicone treated Sock-Ups.

 

[BigRich315]

If nothing else, it will make for a great Job Finished pic!