How to Build an Underground Bunker Including Tips and Tricks

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Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton

How to Build An underground bunker Including Tips and Tricks

Building an underground bunker requires careful planning and preparation to ensure safety and longevity. Numerous factors must be considered as you embark on the journey to build an underground bunker.

• Location Choice: Find a suitable and safe location away from existing structures.
• Design and Layout: Create a blueprint considering occupancy, storage, and essential facilities.
• Foundation and Reinforcement: Build with reinforced concrete and steel for durability and safety.
• Excavation and Construction: Hire professionals to excavate and construct with proper techniques.
• Air and Water Systems: Implement robust air filtration and secure a sustainable water source.
• Power Supply: Install reliable power sources like solar with battery backup or generators.

Doomsday, biological warfare, deathly zombie apocalypse – If you’ve found yourself thinking about these, then you must have wondered about your security, too.

How do you survive missiles of nuclear power? A crazy zombie chasing you in your yard? The biggest storm? An underground bunker.

A hardcore survivalist dreams of having a secret underground bunker. These secret hideouts have acted as a haven for decades. Let’s go back to WW1. In those dire times, armies used bunkers to store artillery, ammunition, and supplies.

These were the first-ever tactical bunkers to be used by man. Following this in the Cold War and WW2, civilians used bunkers for shelter and protection.

Both these wars saw gruesome air raids and a potential threat of a nuclear war. Going underground was the easiest and safest way to survive, with the most minor damage.

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Quantum Tech HD

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Bunkers are underground, indelible, and unbreakable, making them reliable. They could store food and people for months or years if needed.

Bunkers proved to be an actual place of solace for humanity, a bunker stocked up with all the needed tools of the trade, from food to guns to the additional scopes.

Every survivalist knows the importance of accessories that can improve their shot, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on some good recommendations for scopes.

Fast-forward to 2024. Do bunkers still exist? Yes, bunkers are still very present in the fabric of our societies. You’ll find historical bunkers in the backyards of old British houses, abandoned valleys, and around army bases. That said, you will also come across bunkers for sale.

We are witnessing a pandemic, climate crisis, and failing international relations. Life has become unpredictable. You could get the virus or get hit by a tornado or bomb.

These burrow-like structures have endured wars and are built for survival. They protect from natural and manmade disasters. So, think about it: getting a bunker makes more sense now than ever.

Colonies and communities of bunkers are being constructed. You could buy one of these bunkers as a precautionary measure or for personal use. A bunker has many utilities, and the best part is that it’s buried, safe, and secretive.

Naturally, buying a preconstructed bunker is an expensive transaction. The bigger the surface area, the larger the expenditure. Most survivalists like to build their bunkers themselves.

Quality and efficiency are essential today. Let me walk you through, step by step, how to build your bunker.

Purpose

This is the first question you must ask yourself before taking concrete steps. Determining the purpose of your bunker is essential, as this lays the foundation for your plan.

Protection from armaments and after-effects

Although it’s been ages since the World Wars and the Cold War, the possibility of a war breaking out in the future doesn’t seem so bleak. Most countries are equipped with nuclear weapons and might not hesitate to wage war against their adversary.

Uncertainty is at its brink. Even international laws cannot protect civilians like you and me from this mass destruction. One way to live through this and survive its after-effects is by going underground.

The design and structural integrity of a bunker can withstand nuclear wars.

Also, extreme damage and the chaos of war. You sit inside a bunker, and you go practically untouched.

Protection from civil unrest

At the sound of a disturbance, most people lock stock and barrel and flee to less populated areas to protect themselves. But, in dire times, you have no choice but to make do with what you have and hide in the open.

Backyard underground bunkers usually go unobserved by the masses. They make for some incredible disguises. This protects you not only from civil unrest but also from disease breakouts and germ warfare.

The desolate nature of a bunker often keeps it clean and free of contamination.  You have no plausible threat of communicating those viruses.

Protection from disastrous weather

One-quarter of the world is now affected by some natural disaster. Tornados are one of the most common forms of air disasters. The US alone experiences about 1,200 tornadoes in a year.

You might want to consider getting an underground bunker if you’re directly in the path of a severe weather calamity. Remember to stock up on food and water resources.

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Grass Roots Gardening

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Extra storage space

Building underground cellars to store food grains that are easily perishable is not new. Bunkers are brilliant storage places due to their constant humidity and controlled temperature.

The absence of direct exposure to sunlight helps extend the life of the products. To avoid rodent infestation, you just have to keep the place clean and neat.

Location

Once you’ve determined the purpose of your bunker, we move on to the most important part: the location. You must choose a suitable location. Your bunker must be close enough to have access to resources but far enough not to be noticed easily.

Choose a desolate spot, not your backyard, if you have many curious neighbors. Building an underground shelter is heavy work and is bound to draw attention. Consider the location’s accessibility. In times of emergency, if it’s too far, you won’t be able to make it!

The properties and characteristics of the ground are key factors. Granular and sandy soils are ideal for underground shelter. The soil must be permeable and retain less water.

This helps regulate the moisture inside the bunker. The underground water table and natural gas spots are essential to remember.

Keep these things in mind when choosing your location. You don’t want to disturb the natural order of the ground.

Bunk Size & Layout

Your bunker size depends on your usage. If you want to store more things in it, you’ll probably need a bigger size. The primary dimensions of the shelter rely on the area you’ve chosen. But remember to consider the occupancy and utility of the space.

Bunkers need an efficient plan. The layout should include main doorways, living space, a storage unit, and communication systems. Other essentials you must keep in mind are the water and sewage systems.

You can choose a premade floor plan online or make your own to your preferences.

Budget

After all, if you don’t have a good budget, your bunker is not going to be safe. You must have a sizable budget to afford good insulation, communication, and purifying systems.

A bigger budget also means that you can wrap up the construction quickly. After all, a bunker is an investment.

Opting for the premade layout could be a better option if you have a tight budget. A pre-made bunker might also be a better option for you. This way, you don’t have to spend on the basics of the shelter.

You can change the details on the inside to suit your needs.

Construction

We’re finally down to the juicy bits. Now that you have sorted all your prerequisites, you can finally get to the hard work part. How you lay the foundation of your underground shelter is very important.

It is going to uphold the entire structure and ensure safety. Let’s get right into it.

Permissions

By now, you already know that this project is no cakewalk. Building a bunker is challenging and requires immaculate planning. You chose the location and the layout. What is next? The first and most important thing is getting the required permissions.

Permissions are required to ensure the safety of you and your neighborhood. You cannot just start digging a huge hole in your backyard, especially if you live in densely populated areas.

Getting a bunker permit for your backyard in a city can be difficult. Most metropolitan areas have gas lines, water pipes, electrical wires, etc., running underground.

You don’t want to nick and pay a hefty pipe or, worst-case scenario, have your project shut down. Depending on your state laws, the required permits may range from electrical and plumbing to grading and building.

I firmly insist on getting all the necessary permits before proceeding with this project.

Blueprints

Building an underground bunker is a lot like building a house. You need a layout, a blueprint! Now, keep in mind that your blueprint must be tactical and efficient. You only have so much space and must make the best of it.

You will find a lot of reference plans to suit your needs. Here are some tips you could use while designing your bunker’s blueprint:

You can merge spaces and create an open place for everyone in the bunker.

Since bunkers are compact, it makes more sense to utilize the ceiling-to-floor distance. Vertical units can be constructed for storage. This not only increases living space but also makes the most efficient use of the space.

Furniture. In this place, getting wall-mounted furniture makes more sense. At all points, you must remember that though this place is for you, it’s for your safety. Wall-mounted furniture is a great way to reduce space usage.

You should look around your space and choose to place your furniture accordingly. Ensure you don’t feel suffocated and have enough space to move around and breathe.

Materials

A significant portion of the durability of the bunker can be attributed to the material you use in its construction. A solid choice for your bunker would be concrete. It is easy to work with, robust and can last a lifetime with relatively little upkeep. Concrete is also an affordable alternative.

You can combine the concrete with bricks. Bricks are sturdy and affordable and make for great insulators. Like I said before, insulation is essential in your bunker.

Add steel to the mix for extra support. Steel makes for a sturdy and robust shelter. Some people also use metal sheets in their underground bunkers.

Although metal sheets are solid and durable, they’re costly and need insulation. I would not recommend going on metal sheets.

Likewise, using wood to lay the foundation of your bunker or for the entire construction is not very wise. Wood is highly prone to moisture and can weather and rot. You don’t want your underground bunker to cave in on you.

It is also vulnerable to infestation, which can cause major problems in your bunker. You can decorate the insides of your bunker with wood, such as hardwood floors, wooden tables, and chairs. But that, too, requires regular cleaning and upkeep.

Key Living Materials

You cannot just place a concrete box underground and call it a bunker. If you’re going to live in it, it ought to have basic systems for your survival. You cannot survive in a closed space without water. It’s imperative to have a safe water system.

The duration of your stay will determine the amount of water you need. If you plan on staying long-term, you can store gallons of water or set up a sturdier water system in your bunker. Smaller stays won’t require you to store so much water.

Regardless of your stay duration, a reliable water filtration system is something you should look into. This will help you secure a clean water source.

A UV filter is ideal for underground bunkers. UV technology uses different frequencies to kill the germs and bacteria in the water, making it safe for consumption.

This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to Atlas Survival Shelters

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Air and ventilation systems are also critical. They provide clean air inside the bunker. An NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) air filtration system takes the outside air and filters out impurities, germs, and other toxins.

This system runs on power but can also be automated to switch to backup energy whenever needed.

Another important system is your sewage and waste disposal system. If you’re staying for a short period, you can designate a spot for waste disposal in your bunker.

A makeshift toilet is a cost-effective choice but cover and seal the area and lids properly. Incorrect waste disposal is detrimental to health, especially in such an enclosed space. 

I recommend designing an elaborate system, which is better for the long haul. A wastewater pump is a good option. They pump waste from lower levels to higher levels.

Another route is a composting toilet. Albeit a little pricey, it’s an eco-friendly way of disposing of your waste while creating fertilizer. It would be great if you had plants in your bunker.

Lastly, food and electricity. It is ideal to get a generator to supply electricity to your bunker. Another option is the solar power generator, which is eco-friendly and pocket-friendly.

You can count the wattage of power used by the devices you will place in the bunker and choose your system accordingly.

Food is essential. You will also want to reserve food and stock up for your stay. Remember to get foods that are not easily perishable and store them in a clean, dry spot.

Canned and microwavable foods are your best bets. Check the expiration dates on your foods and avoid anything that doesn’t smell right.

Remember to regularly restock so that when an emergency strikes, you won’t have anything to worry about. Other things you should remember to stash are first aid, batteries, flashlights, ammunition, and communications.

Excavation

Once you have all your materials, you can begin digging for your bunker. The more intelligent choice would be to use an excavator, as a shovel is insufficient for a project of this magnitude.

Equipment designed for excavation helps you dig quickly and efficiently, even in tight, inaccessible areas.

An excavator can help you achieve the speed and accuracy you want. Excavators are machines used to move the earth. They are very versatile and are used for a variety of operations.

You will come across several excavator options, but choose the one that fits your bill.

Right off the boat, measure your plot and chalk up your perimeter. Using your trencher, outline your area.

A trencher helps cut the roots of trees, creating a pathway for drainage, cutting through rocks, and above-earth concrete constructions. Then, you excavate the area and dig.

One thing you must keep in mind is to abide by the local rules and your permits. Your bunker should be 10 feet under the ground and covered by soil above.

Reinforcement

Ensure that your underground bunker’s construction is solid and reliable. As I said, concrete is the best option. You can combine it with steel and bricks to strengthen your structure.

Water and moisture in the air can cause mold and fungus in your bunker and destroy structures. I suggest waterproofing your bunker with protective systems.

If your location is earthquake-prone, you must reinforce your bunker with methods similar to earthquake-proof buildings. This is a little pricey but will ensure your safety and the structural integrity of your bunker.

Once your bunker is built and systems installed, you must move in your furniture and food stockpile. You’re ready to live it out like a true survivalist!

That being said, building an underground bunker is a tough job. It requires cohesive planning and an iron will to complete this project. An underground bunker, in true survivalist fashion, will take years to finish.

But with patience and perseverance, I am positive you’ll actualize your plans.

What is the best power source for underground bunkers?

The best power source for underground bunkers often depends on the specific needs and constraints of the location. However, solar power has emerged as an incredibly viable option due to its sustainability and reliability.

Paired with efficient battery systems, solar panels can provide a continuous power supply, making it an ideal choice in various scenarios. On the other hand, diesel generators have been the traditional choice for emergency power systems.

Despite their reliability, they require regular maintenance and fuel supply. Hence, solar power is a clear front-runner when considering the best power source for underground bunkers due to its sustainability and low maintenance needs.

Wrapping Up

Building an underground bunker involves several intricate steps that require careful planning and execution. The first step is to choose a suitable and safe location for the bunker, away from existing structures, to avoid structural interference.

After identifying the location, the design and layout of the bunker need to be created, this includes considering the occupancy capacity, storage requirements, and essential facilities such as sanitation and sleeping arrangements.

The bunker’s foundation and reinforcement are critical to its longevity and safety. Buildings with reinforced concrete and steel ensure durability and can withstand harsh conditions or potential impacts.

Given the complex nature of the excavation and construction process, it is recommended that professionals who are well-versed in proper techniques for building underground structures be hired.

Implementing a robust air filtration system to maintain a healthy living environment and secure a sustainable water source is an essential step in building an underground bunker.

Lastly, the bunker needs a reliable power source. Installing solar panels with battery storage could efficiently ensure power supply for lights, heating, cooling, and other electrical needs.

You and your family will have a survival bunker! What are you waiting for if you’ve been thinking about building one? Harness your inner survivalist and get on it!

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