Quick Answer:
Above-ground and below-ground storm shelters can both provide strong tornado protection when properly designed and installed. For Oklahoma families, the better choice usually comes down to accessibility, property layout, stairs, water concerns, usable space, and personal preference. Sprague’s Backhoe installs both types and helps homeowners compare the practical differences.
Above ground or below ground?
It’s one of the first decisions Oklahoma homeowners make when shopping for a storm shelter, and there isn’t one answer that’s right for every family.
Some people want level entry and no stairs. Others have always pictured going underground when a tornado is coming and simply feel more comfortable with a traditional below-ground shelter.
Sprague’s Backhoe installs both. Here’s what actually matters when deciding between them.
Above Ground vs Below Ground Storm Shelters at a Glance
| Factor | Above Ground | Below Ground |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Level entry, no interior stairs | Stairs required |
| Usable Space | Full interior dimensions are usable | Interior stairs reduce usable floor space |
| Installation | Placed using crane equipment and anchored directly into the ground | Requires excavation, placement and backfilling |
| Typical Installation Time | About 2 hours | About 3–4 hours |
| Water Concerns | No groundwater intrusion from being underground | Some water intrusion can occur during heavy rain |
| Visibility | Visible above ground | Most of the structure is underground |
| Best Fit | Families prioritizing accessibility and level entry | Families who prefer traditional underground sheltering |
Are Above-Ground Storm Shelters Safe?
Yes. You do not have to be underground to have a storm shelter designed for tornado protection.
Modern above-ground safe rooms are engineered structures. The FEMA safe room guidelines include criteria for both above-ground and below-ground safe rooms.
The storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe are designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
FEMA does not certify or approve individual storm shelter products, so be cautious of companies advertising a shelter as “FEMA certified” or “FEMA approved.”
Why Choose an Above-Ground Storm Shelter?
For many families, the biggest advantage of an above-ground storm shelter is simple: no stairs.
Level Entry
You walk through the door at ground level. That can make an above-ground shelter easier to use for older adults, young children, people with mobility limitations, and anyone trying to get several family members and pets into the shelter quickly.
It also means you don’t have to climb back up a set of stairs when the warning is over.
More Usable Interior Space
Above-ground shelter dimensions represent usable interior floor space because there isn’t an interior staircase taking up part of the room.
For example, a 6×8 above-ground shelter provides the full 48 square feet of interior space.
Fewer Water Concerns
An above-ground shelter isn’t sitting below grade, so groundwater intrusion isn’t the concern it can be with an underground structure.
That can be an important consideration for properties with drainage or groundwater issues.
Simple Installation
Sprague’s Backhoe uses crane equipment to place above-ground shelters and secures them directly into the ground using a steel anchoring system.
An installation generally takes about two hours once the crew is on site and property conditions are suitable.
The Trade-Off: It’s Visible
The obvious disadvantage is that an above-ground shelter is, well, above ground.
It’s going to be visible on your property. Some homeowners don’t care at all. Others strongly prefer an underground option for that reason.
Why Choose a Below-Ground Storm Shelter?
A below-ground storm shelter remains a popular choice for Oklahoma homeowners who prefer traditional underground sheltering.
Traditional Underground Protection
For some Oklahomans, getting underground during a tornado simply feels right. Many grew up using storm cellars and are more comfortable with that style of shelter.
Personal comfort matters. You need to feel confident using the shelter when severe weather arrives.
Less Visible on the Property
Because most of the structure is below grade, a below-ground shelter has less visual impact on the property than a large above-ground concrete structure.
Different Entry Options
Sprague’s Backhoe currently installs Slope Front and Easy Access below-ground designs.
The Easy Access 6×8 has a gentler stair angle and double handrails, while the standard 6×8 Slope Front uses less interior floor space for its staircase.
Easy Access does not mean stair-free, however. Anyone with significant difficulty using stairs should carefully consider whether an above-ground shelter would be more practical.
The Trade-Off: Water Can Get In
Below-ground storm shelters are not airtight or watertight structures.
Some water can enter during heavy rain, particularly when surrounding drainage is poor or groundwater conditions are unfavorable. Below-ground shelters do not have drains.
If water enters, open the shelter during dry, sunny weather and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Which Type Is Better for Older Adults or Mobility Concerns?
Above ground is usually the first option worth considering when stairs are a concern.
There are no interior stairs, and the entire shelter is entered at ground level.
The Easy Access below-ground model can make underground entry easier than a steeper staircase, but it still requires going down and back up stairs. It should not be treated as the equivalent of a level-entry above-ground shelter.
Think about everyone who may need to use the shelter, not just the person buying it today.
Which Gives You More Room?
This is where comparing only exterior size can be misleading.
All Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelter dimensions are interior measurements, but stairs take up usable floor space in below-ground models.
How Does Usable Space Compare?
This is where comparing shelter dimensions can be a little misleading.
All Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelter dimensions are interior measurements. Above-ground shelters have no interior stairs, so the full interior floor space is usable. Below-ground shelters have stairs that take up some of that space.
| Model | Interior Size | Approx. Usable Floor Space |
|---|---|---|
| 5×7 Above Ground | 35 sq. ft. | 35 sq. ft. |
| 6×8 Above Ground | 48 sq. ft. | 48 sq. ft. |
| 7×9 Above Ground | 63 sq. ft. | 63 sq. ft. |
| 6×8 Slope Front | 48 sq. ft. | About 44 sq. ft. |
| 6×8 Easy Access | 48 sq. ft. | About 40 sq. ft. |
| 7×10 Slope Front | 70 sq. ft. | About 66 sq. ft. |
The difference is especially noticeable when comparing the two 6×8 options. A 6×8 above-ground shelter gives you the full 48 square feet of floor space. A 6×8 Slope Front has about 44 usable square feet, while the gentler staircase in the 6×8 Easy Access reduces usable floor space to about 40 square feet.
Comfortable capacity allows roughly 7–10 square feet per person so there’s room for people, pets, emergency supplies, and personal space.
Property Access Can Make the Decision for You
Sometimes your preference isn’t the deciding factor. Your property is.
Above-ground installations require enough access for Sprague’s Backhoe to bring in the crane truck, position it safely, and operate the outriggers. The truck is rear-set only, meaning the shelter is placed from behind the truck rather than off the side.
Below-ground installations require access for excavation and placement equipment, along with enough room to safely dig the installation area.
Underground utilities, septic components, fences, buildings, overhead lines, trees, drainage, and ground conditions can all affect where a shelter can be installed.
Before choosing a model based only on appearance, make sure it will actually work on your property.
What About Oklahoma’s Clay Soil?
Oklahoma soil conditions matter during installation, particularly for excavation and when the ground becomes saturated after rain.
But we wouldn’t choose an above-ground shelter simply because “Oklahoma has clay soil.”
Plenty of properly installed below-ground storm shelters are used throughout Oklahoma. The important question is whether the specific property has suitable access, drainage, utilities, and ground conditions for the installation.
What About Maintenance?
Neither type requires complicated maintenance, but there are differences.
Below-ground shelter door hinges should be greased every six months using the grease zerks provided. Owners should also keep the shelter clean and dry it thoroughly if water enters.
Above-ground shelters should be kept clean and periodically checked to make sure the door, latches, hinges, and ventilation openings remain in good working condition.
For either type, check emergency supplies at least once a year and replace expired batteries, medications, food, or water.
So, Which Storm Shelter Should You Choose?
Consider above ground if:
- Stairs are a concern for anyone in your household
- You want level entry
- You want all of the interior floor space available
- Groundwater or water intrusion is a concern
- You don’t mind having the shelter visible on the property
Consider below ground if:
- You strongly prefer being underground during severe weather
- You want a less-visible shelter
- Everyone who needs the shelter can safely use the stairs
- Your property is suitable for excavation
- You’re comfortable with the possibility of occasional water intrusion
If you’re still stuck between the two, take the Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelter quiz to narrow down which style may fit your family better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an above-ground or below-ground storm shelter safer?
Don’t choose solely on the assumption that underground automatically means safer. Properly designed and installed above-ground and below-ground safe rooms can both be built to meet FEMA safe room guidelines. Shelter design, construction, installation, and proper use all matter.
Can an above-ground storm shelter withstand an EF5 tornado?
Above-ground safe rooms can be engineered for the extreme wind and debris hazards addressed by FEMA safe room guidance. An EF5 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale represents estimated winds greater than 200 mph and does not have a 250 mph upper limit.
Do below-ground storm shelters have drains?
No. The below-ground storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe do not have drains. Some water intrusion can occur during heavy rain, so surrounding property drainage and routine maintenance are important.
Which storm shelter is better for elderly family members?
An above-ground shelter is generally easier when stairs are a concern because entry is at ground level. Easy Access below-ground shelters have a gentler staircase and double handrails, but they still require stairs.
How long does storm shelter installation take?
An above-ground installation typically takes about two hours once the crew is on site. Below-ground installations generally take three to four hours when weather, access, and ground conditions are favorable.
Can I finance either type of storm shelter?
Financing may be available for qualifying customers. Visit the Sprague’s Backhoe storm shelter financing page for current financing information rather than choosing a shelter based on an outdated advertised monthly payment.
Does Sprague’s Backhoe install both types throughout Oklahoma?
Sprague’s Backhoe installs above-ground storm shelters statewide. Below-ground installations are generally offered within about 60 miles of Blanchard, although the service radius is a guideline and some properties slightly beyond it may still be served. Additional delivery charges may apply.
Which Storm Shelter Do You Prefer?
Oklahoma families definitely have opinions on this one. Some wouldn’t trade their below-ground shelter for anything, while others want the easy access of an above-ground shelter.
What about you?
Key Takeaways
- Both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters can be designed to meet or exceed FEMA safe room guidelines.
- Above-ground shelters provide level entry, no interior stairs, and full use of the interior floor space.
- Below-ground shelters provide traditional underground protection and are less visible on the property.
- Below-ground shelters are not watertight and do not have drains.
- Accessibility, property layout, water concerns, usable space, and personal preference are more useful deciding factors than assuming one type is universally better.
- Sprague’s Backhoe installs both options and can help determine which models will work with your property.
Still deciding between above ground and below ground? Call Sprague’s Backhoe at (405) 600-4905 for a free quote and help comparing the options for your Oklahoma property.
