September 15, 2022 9 min read
Are you considering a functional and visually appealing way to display your gun collection? Building a DIY gun wall allows you to showcase your firearms safely and accessibly, whether they're for defense, sport shooting, or heirloom pieces.
If your home or garage is short on floor space, or if traditional gun safes don’t meet your needs or aesthetics, a DIY gun wall is an excellent alternative. This customizable solution maximizes vertical space and can be tailored to fit any room's decor, providing an impressive and organized display.
Create a safe, secure DIY gun wall is far easier than many people realize. This guide will provide all the information you need to construct a secure, stylish, and effective storage display that enhances the functionality and appearance of your firearm collection.
Gun walls have become increasingly popular among firearm enthusiasts seeking a customizable and organized method to display their collections. They not only offer a visually appealing showcase but also ensure that each firearm is accessible and securely stored.
As collections expand, the flexibility of a DIY gun wall becomes invaluable. This long-term storage solution can be effortlessly modified or extended to accommodate additional firearms, making it an adaptable investment for any gun owner.
DIY gun walls provide the distinct advantage of allowing owners to design and plan their layout to fit their style preferences and specific storage needs. Whether your collection is small or extensive, a DIY gun wall enables you to create a setup that perfectly suits the number of firearms you wish to display.
For many gun owners, part of the joy of owning firearms is enjoying them as mechanical art or, at the very least, enjoying them as part of a larger collection.
Gun walls are the perfect way to do just that. They display your guns and gear in an organized manner, where you can see and access each individual piece. Whether your collection is made up of long guns or handguns, you can lay out an inside wall with a custom design to really take advantage of the space you're working with and create the aesthetic you have in mind. With horizontal and vertical gun racks, display hooks, and gun hangers, a gun wall display is the perfect DIY gun room solution. And they're not just handy for firearm storage, you can incorporate a variety of gear into your gun display, including ammunition, helmets, optics, targets, and other accessories.
One of the best parts about a gun wall display is its ability to grow with your collection. Investing in a DIY gun room should prove to last long-term. Hold Up Displays designs gun walls with easy expansion and additions in mind, allowing you to build up your wall horizontally or vertically or add on any racks to accommodate for new gear.
When building a custom gun safe, it's important to consider a variety of factors to ensure that the storage solution is secure, accessible, and suitable for your specific needs. Consider the following aspects carefully when planning and building your safe.
When planning your DIY gun wall, it's crucial to maximize the available space to not only accommodate your current collection but also allow room for future additions. Designing with expansion in mind ensures that as your collection grows, your storage solution can adapt without needing a complete overhaul.
For estimating space requirements, the general rule of thumb is 12 vertical rifles per row every 36″ of linear wall space. For horizontal displays, estimate 4 rifles for every square yard. When storing rifles vertically, the length of the rifles will determine the vertical space required. We will go into more detail below.
One of the most basic considerations for a gun room is the amount of storage you need. That, obviously, depends mostly on the size of your firearm collection, plus any other items, like ammo, body armor, eye and ear protection, and tools that you want to store in your gun room.
Don't forget to allocate space for your collection to grow in the future, but you may need less storage space than you think, as long as you use efficient storage systems.
Horizontal storage can cause damage to guns over time. When stored horizontally, guns can develop stress points where the barrel meets the receiver. This stress can cause the gun to become misaligned or even damaged. On the other hand, storing guns vertically can help prevent this damage.
Horizontal storage can also help prevent accidents by reducing the likelihood of a gun falling over. However, vertical storage can also take up more space and may not be as convenient as horizontal storage. Additionally, the type of gun you have may affect which storage method is best for you.
Many gun safes are built to store guns in the vertical position. This is because you can store more guns in one place when you place long-barrel guns in a vertical position, as opposed to laying them horizontally.
Choosing the right layout for your gun wall is essential for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Horizontal and vertical gun racks, along with a variety of display hooks and gun hangers, offer numerous customization options.
Incorporating accessories such as ammunition shelves, helmet hooks, and optics cases can enhance the utility of your gun wall. These additions make it easy to organize and access your gear, ensuring that everything you need is readily available.
When planning your gun wall, consider the types of firearms you own and the overall design theme of the space. Long guns might benefit from vertical storage to minimize space usage and prevent damage, while handguns could be displayed on customized panels designed to highlight each piece uniquely.
Building your own DIY gun wall can solve many common issues for gun owners, such as inadequate storage space and the need for secure firearm storage. Addressing these pain points effectively ensures that your firearms are both accessible and safely stored.
Investing in high-quality mounts and materials for your gun wall is crucial for longevity and safety. Quality components not only enhance the appearance of your gun wall but also provide dependable support and security for your valuable collection.
Let’s run down the steps needed to build your own gun wall.
Determining the right design for your gun wall is crucial and should be tailored to the number and types of firearms you own. Consider whether a horizontal display or a vertical rack will best accommodate your collection and fit your space.
Think about the visibility and accessibility of your firearms: do you prefer them securely enclosed in a cabinet or openly displayed on gun walls? Making these decisions early helps in creating a gun wall that not only looks good but also fulfills your storage and safety needs effectively.
Before installing your gun wall, accurately measure the wall area where you plan to set up, taking into account any doors, windows, or other obstructions. Use blue masking tape to outline the size and shape on the floor first, which can help visualize the space and avoid measurement errors.
Choose the appropriate panel sizes based on your wall's height and the number of firearms you plan to display. For most setups, combining different panel lengths, such as 16-inch and 36-inch, can maximize the use of vertical space, allowing you to incorporate additional accessories like bins and shelves effectively.
Select the firearms you plan to display on your rack, considering the type and size of each weapon. Whether building a mount for handguns, shotguns, or rifles, accurately measure each firearm to determine the necessary space, especially if storing them vertically.
Use lengths of masking tape to help plan where you want to place your firearms as they will appear on the wall. It’s an easy way to help ensure that everything fits as intended and allows you to visualize the arrangement before making any permanent changes.
Selecting high-quality mounts and materials for your gun wall is crucial to ensure stability and security. Explore options like grid panels, right angle mounts, and standard hooks, choosing those that best fit the setup of your firearms and personal aesthetics.
Consider investing in reputable brands known for durability, such as Spartan Mounts, which offer heavy-duty solutions made from top-quality materials in America. These mounts not only provide a secure display but also often come with perks like free shipping on bulk orders, making them a cost-effective choice for building a robust gun wall.
Choosing the right backing material for your gun wall not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to the overall functionality and protection of your firearms. Options range from solid wood backing to more distinctive choices like reclaimed pallet wood or barn wood, each adding a unique aesthetic to your display.
Consider incorporating additional elements to elevate your gun wall, such as LED lighting for visibility and style, or themed backdrops like a gray fabric or a wooden American flag. These extras can transform your gun wall from a simple storage solution into a standout feature of your room.
After selecting and purchasing the necessary mounts and materials, it's time to assemble your DIY gun wall. Carefully transfer the layout plan to the wall, using tools like a drill, hammer, screwdriver, and level to ensure everything is installed accurately and securely.
Once all components are mounted, place your firearms on the rack, checking each one to ensure they are secure and properly aligned. Regularly evaluate your gun wall setup to confirm that all firearms are safely mounted and that there are no risks of accidents or damage.
Gun enthusiasts often seek to showcase their personal style and organizational skills through the creation of DIY gun walls. It’s an approach that not only ensures secure and accessible firearm storage but also allows for a display that reflects your personal style and preferences.
A gun wall is an excellent option for those looking to display their firearms in a way that is both safe and visually appealing. Whether you have a modest collection of handguns and long guns or an extensive array of firearms that could fill a vault room, a well-designed gun wall offers a modular and stylish solution to meet all your storage needs.
You’ll find no shortage of great gun wall ideas. Here are a few popular types:
The display above is an excellent example of the core principles that apply to every gun rack: simplicity and organization. Using only simple materials, this gun owner has created a clean and easy way to securely store his firearms.
A locking cabinet offers secure storage underneath with additional display space on top. Plus, wheels allow for easy rolling to ensure the cabinet never gets in the way.
Here’s an excellent example of how you can easily and affordable add colorful designs to practically any gun wall, regardless of shape or size. Flags, sports team logos, and many more options are available.
Whether you're aiming for a minimalist design or an elaborate display, the flexibility and adaptability of a DIY gun wall can meet all your storage needs. From initial planning to final setup, you know understand how to create a secure and stylish display for your firearms.
For those looking to purchase high-quality gun mounts, Spartan Mounts offers an extensive range of options, including some of the best selling Spartan gun mounts on the market. As an experienced seller known for durability and innovation, Spartan Mounts can provide the perfect accessories to complement your DIY gun wall project.
Navigating the best practices for storing firearms safely and legally can often bring up various questions. Below, we've addressed some of the most common concerns to help ensure that your gun storage solutions are both secure and compliant with regulations.
When setting up a gun room, using 1/2" or 3/4" plywood over existing walls offers a robust structure suitable for mounting gun racks securely. If constructing new walls, integrating plywood directly or layering it over drywall provides the necessary sturdiness and flexibility for installing various gun storage systems, taking into account the room's layout and any fixtures like doors, windows, or electrical setups.
While wall-mounted gun racks are generally legal, the specifics can vary significantly by state, with some requiring additional security measures such as trigger locks or cable locks to ensure safe storage. It's essential to familiarize yourself with and adhere to local, state, and federal regulations concerning firearm storage to ensure compliance and promote safety in your home.
Ideally, guns should be stored in a dedicated gun room that provides secure, organized, and easy access, especially if the collection is extensive and cannot be accommodated by a standard safe. If a gun room isn't feasible, choose a location that minimizes access to children and other unauthorized individuals, such as a locked room on the first floor, away from common fire hazards like kitchens.
I purchased 2 balance bike mounts, 1 of which broke on the wall. Spartan replaced the mount no questions asked and both have held up very well since installing the new mount. Great company, great products.
Excellent mounts!!
I use them in my hunting cabin.
Lockable with a cable lock.
The Spartan custom mount fits like a glove on this unusually shaped Tavor TS-12 shotgun, which now is in a location accessible to me at short notice should the need arise.
Great stuff!
My 50 looks great hanging on my office wall.
My 50 looks great hanging on my office wall.
This is a great magazine holder for my pmag 308 mags. The mount doesn’t flex when mounted to the wall and holds the mags securely
Excellent product. Its for sure better then any other mount i've purchased. Love the design. 10/10 Highly recommend
These mounts are great. I love the thought that went into their design. The one hole is oblong to give you some wiggle room to adjust level when you’re mounting them. The magazines fit snuggly in the mounts. The mounts didn’t change shape when mounted on the wall with the provided hardware.
These mounts are amazing I love it. Will be purchasing more to complete my wall. Need at least 4 more to complete all my AR mags
Perfect, low cost, easy to install solution.
I was skeptical about it at first but after it arrived and i mounted it it is perfect for this weapon