Quick Answer:
The 7×9 above-ground storm shelter accounted for 49% of Sprague’s Backhoe’s above-ground installations in 2024, making it the company’s most popular size that year. Oklahoma homeowners and businesses chose it for its larger interior, level entry, and flexibility for people, pets, and supplies without moving to a custom shelter design.
When we looked back at Sprague’s Backhoe’s 2024 installation records, one above-ground storm shelter size clearly stood out.
The 7×9 accounted for 49% of our above-ground storm shelter installations that year. The 5×7 represented 28%, while the 6×8 made up the remaining 23%.
That doesn’t mean the 7×9 is automatically the best shelter for every Oklahoma household. But the numbers do tell us something useful about what many Sprague’s Backhoe customers valued in 2024: more usable interior space, level entry, and room to plan beyond the bare minimum.
Our Most Popular Above-Ground Storm Shelter in 2024
Sprague’s Backhoe installs three standard above-ground storm shelter sizes. In 2024, the 7×9 accounted for nearly half of our above-ground installations.
| Size | Interior Space | Comfortable Range | 2024 Installations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×7 | 35 sq. ft. | 3–5 people | 28% |
| 6×8 | 48 sq. ft. | 4–6 people | 23% |
| 7×9 | 63 sq. ft. | 6–9 people | 49% |
Comfortable planning ranges allow additional room for pets, emergency supplies, and personal space. Installation percentages are based on Sprague’s Backhoe’s 2024 above-ground storm shelter installations, not statewide sales.
Why So Many Customers Chose the 7×9
The biggest difference between the three models is straightforward: space.
The 7×9 provides 63 square feet of usable interior room. Because above-ground models do not have interior stairs, the entire interior footprint can be used by the people and pets inside the shelter.
More Comfortable Space
FEMA safe room guidance generally allows 3 to 5 square feet per person depending on the occupant. Those numbers are minimum space guidelines, not necessarily the amount of room a family will find comfortable during a storm.
For everyday planning, Sprague’s Backhoe considers the 7×9 a comfortable option when allowing additional room for pets, emergency supplies, and personal space.
That extra room is one of the biggest reasons a household may choose the 7×9 even when a smaller shelter could technically accommodate everyone.
Level Entry With No Interior Stairs
Like the other above-ground models Sprague’s Backhoe installs, the 7×9 has level entry with no interior stairs or ladder.
That can make it easier to use for young children, older adults, people with mobility limitations, and families bringing pets into the shelter.
Room for Pets and Emergency Supplies
People aren’t the only ones taking up space during a tornado warning.
Pet carriers, large dogs, bottled water, flashlights, weather radios, medications, shoes, and other emergency supplies all use part of the available floor space.
A larger shelter gives families more flexibility to keep those items inside without making the shelter feel unnecessarily crowded.
Useful for Some Commercial Properties
The 7×9 is also used at some Oklahoma businesses and commercial properties.
A commercial storm shelter plan may involve one shelter or multiple shelters depending on the number of people on the property, layout, accessibility, and applicable requirements. A residential capacity estimate should not be used by itself to determine commercial occupancy needs.
How the 7×9 Compares With the Other Above-Ground Sizes
Sprague’s Backhoe offers three standard above-ground concrete storm shelter sizes. There are no custom sizes.
| Size | Interior Space | Comfortable Range | 2024 Installations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×7 | 35 sq. ft. | 3–5 people | 28% |
| 6×8 | 48 sq. ft. | 4–6 people | 23% |
| 7×9 | 63 sq. ft. | 6–9 people | 49% |
Comfortable planning ranges allow additional room for pets, emergency supplies, and personal space. Installation percentages are based on Sprague’s Backhoe’s 2024 above-ground storm shelter installations, not statewide sales.
These comfortable planning ranges allow roughly 7 to 10 square feet per person. FEMA minimum space guidelines are lower, so actual minimum occupancy calculations may be higher.
The right size depends on how your household plans to use the shelter, not simply how many people can physically fit inside.
If you’re unsure which model makes sense, take our storm shelter quiz to compare your household size, pets, accessibility needs, and property considerations.
Who Should Consider a 7×9 Above-Ground Shelter?
The 7×9 may be worth considering when your household wants more space than the smaller models provide.
- You have a larger household.
- You regularly shelter with extended family or neighbors.
- You have multiple pets or large dogs.
- You want room to keep emergency supplies inside.
- You have family members who need level entry without stairs.
- You prefer additional personal space during severe weather.
- You are planning for changing household needs over time.
Property access matters too. The 7×9 is a large, precast concrete shelter that requires adequate equipment access and room for installation.
What Is Required to Install a 7×9 Above-Ground Shelter?
Sprague’s Backhoe delivers above-ground shelters using heavy installation equipment. The truck generally needs about 10 feet of width and 14 feet of vertical clearance along the access route.
At the installation location, additional room is required for the truck’s outriggers, along with approximately 20 to 25 feet of overhead clearance above the truck.
The shelters are rear-set rather than side-set, so the truck must be positioned appropriately in relation to the installation location.
Utilities, fences, trees, overhead lines, septic components, property layout, and ground conditions can all affect where the shelter can be installed.
How Is a 7×9 Above-Ground Shelter Anchored?
The 7×9 above-ground shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs do not require a separate concrete foundation.
The shelter is secured directly into the ground using a steel ground anchoring system according to the manufacturer’s engineered installation design.
The complete shelter system, including the reinforced concrete structure, steel door system, anchoring, ventilation, and installation method, is designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
Is the 7×9 Still the Right Choice for Everyone?
No. Popular doesn’t automatically mean better.
A household of three may decide the 5×7 provides plenty of room. Another family may prefer the 6×8 because it fits their property better. Someone with six people, several pets, and emergency supplies may appreciate the additional space of the 7×9.
Choosing the right storm shelter means balancing household needs with property access, available installation space, accessibility, and personal preference.
You can compare all three models on the Oklahoma above-ground storm shelter page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the interior dimensions of the 7×9 storm shelter?
The 7×9 measurements are interior dimensions, providing 63 square feet of usable floor space. Because the shelter has level entry with no interior stairs, the full interior footprint is usable.
How many people fit in a 7×9 above-ground storm shelter?
Using FEMA minimum space guidelines, a 7×9 can accommodate approximately 12 to 21 people depending on occupant needs. For more comfortable everyday planning, Sprague’s Backhoe generally considers it appropriate for about 6 to 9 people when allowing additional space for supplies, pets, and personal room.
Was the 7×9 Sprague’s Backhoe’s most popular shelter in 2024?
Yes. The 7×9 represented 49% of Sprague’s Backhoe’s above-ground storm shelter installations in 2024, compared with 28% for the 5×7 and 23% for the 6×8.
Does a 7×9 above-ground shelter need a concrete pad?
No. The above-ground shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs are secured directly into the ground using a steel ground anchoring system. A separate concrete foundation is not required.
How long does a 7×9 installation take?
An above-ground storm shelter installation typically takes about two hours when property access, weather, and ground conditions are favorable.
Can Sprague’s Backhoe install a 7×9 anywhere in Oklahoma?
Sprague’s Backhoe provides above-ground storm shelter installation statewide in Oklahoma. Delivery charges apply to locations more than 60 miles from Blanchard.
Are 7×9 above-ground shelters designed for Oklahoma tornadoes?
Yes. The shelters Sprague’s Backhoe installs are engineered as complete storm shelter systems and are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines. Proper anchoring, door construction, ventilation, reinforced concrete construction, and installation all work together as part of the engineered design.
Key Takeaways
- The 7×9 represented 49% of Sprague’s Backhoe’s above-ground installations in 2024.
- It provides 63 square feet of usable interior space with no interior stairs.
- Sprague’s Backhoe generally considers the 7×9 comfortable for approximately 6 to 9 people when allowing room for pets, supplies, and personal space.
- Its level entry can be especially useful for children, older adults, and people with mobility limitations.
- The 7×9 isn’t automatically the best choice for every household. Property size, access, household needs, and personal preference should guide the decision.
- Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide in Oklahoma and has more than 20 years of storm shelter industry experience.
Think the 7×9 might be right for your household? Contact Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 to discuss your property and compare available above-ground storm shelter sizes.
