Above Ground vs Below Ground Storm Shelters: Which Is Right for Oklahoma Families?

Quick Answer:

Both above-ground and below-ground storm shelters can provide very high protection in Oklahoma when properly installed to engineering standards. Most families choose above ground because they’re easier to access, install faster, and avoid Oklahoma’s clay soil issues. Sprague’s Backhoe installs both types but recommends above ground for most Oklahoma properties.

If you’re ready to protect your family with a storm shelter in Oklahoma, you’ve got two options: above ground or below ground. Both will keep you safe during tornadoes, but they work differently and have different advantages.

We get this question a lot from Oklahoma families, and honestly, there’s no wrong choice here. The decision usually comes down to your property, your family’s needs, and your personal preferences. Let’s break down both options so you can make the best choice for your situation.

Safety First: Both Types Protect You Very Well

Here’s the most important thing to know: when both types are properly installed to engineering standards, they can provide very high protection. Our shelters are designed to meet FEMA and ICC standards for protection against extreme winds, including those of EF5 tornadoes (up to 250 mph), when properly installed.

The protection level is very similar between both types. Whether you choose above ground or below ground, you’re getting excellent wind resistance, impact protection, and structural integrity. So safety isn’t the deciding factor – it’s everything else that makes the difference.

This means you can focus on practical considerations like accessibility, installation requirements, and long-term durability without worrying about compromising your family’s safety.

Installation and Timing Differences

One of the biggest practical differences is how long each type takes to install and what’s involved.

Above Ground Installation:

• Often takes 2–3 hours depending on site access and conditions
• Minimal site preparation required
• We handle foundation prep and anchoring
• Ready for use the same day

Below Ground Installation:

• Typically takes 3–4+ hours including excavation and backfilling
• Requires digging and site preparation
• We handle all excavation work
• Ready for use the same day

Both install pretty quickly, but above ground is often faster since there’s no digging involved. The time difference isn’t huge, but it can matter if you need protection installed fast. All of our pricing includes installation regardless of which type you choose.

Oklahoma-Specific Considerations

Living in Oklahoma creates some unique factors that affect storm shelter choice, especially our soil and weather patterns.

Clay Soil Challenges:
Oklahoma’s clay soil expands and contracts with moisture changes, which can stress underground structures if not properly engineered or drained.

Flooding Potential:
Oklahoma gets heavy rains, and below ground shelters can potentially accumulate water during heavy rains if drainage isn’t optimal. Above ground shelters largely avoid groundwater flooding risks, though proper site grading is still important.

Emergency Access:
When tornado warnings hit Oklahoma (and they hit often), you need to get to your shelter fast. Above ground shelters are typically easier to access quickly, especially for families with young kids, elderly members, or pets.

Weather Frequency:
Since we deal with severe weather regularly in Oklahoma, you want a shelter that’s always ready to use without worrying about water pumping or accessibility issues.

The Complete Comparison

Here’s how the two types stack up for Oklahoma families:

Why Many Oklahoma Families Choose Above Ground

When we talk to families across Oklahoma, the majority end up choosing above ground storm shelters in Oklahoma. Here’s why:

Easy Access for Everyone:
When you’ve got seconds to get to safety, you don’t want to deal with stairs. Above ground shelters are especially great for families with small kids, elderly members, or pets. Everyone can get in quickly and easily.

Reduced Water Concerns:
Oklahoma gets plenty of rain, and you never want to worry about your storm shelter having water in it when you need it most. Above ground shelters largely avoid groundwater flooding risks.

Oklahoma Soil Considerations:
Our clay soil can stress underground structures over time if not properly engineered. Above ground shelters avoid soil-related stress concerns entirely.

Often Faster Installation:
Most families want protection as soon as possible. Above ground shelters often install faster and are ready to use immediately.

Potential Long-Term Advantages:
While above ground shelters often have higher initial material costs, they may offer longer lifespan and better accessibility over time, depending on maintenance and use.

Simplified Maintenance:
Above ground shelters require routine inspection including hinge maintenance and checking for leaks, but don’t require drainage management or water removal.

The bottom line is that above ground shelters provide excellent protection with more convenience and fewer potential long-term concerns in Oklahoma’s climate.

When Below Ground Makes Sense

Below ground storm shelters aren’t wrong – they just work better for some specific situations:

Aesthetic Preferences:
If you prefer not to have a visible structure on your property, below ground shelters stay more hidden.

Property Layout:
Some properties work better for below ground installation due to landscaping considerations.

Personal Preference:
Some families just feel more secure being underground during storms. That’s completely understandable.

Lower Initial Cost:
Below ground shelters have a lower upfront cost, which can matter for budget-conscious families.

We still install below ground shelters for Oklahoma families, and they provide excellent storm protection when properly installed. It’s really about what fits your family and property best.

Making Either Choice Affordable

Cost doesn’t have to be the deciding factor between above ground and below ground storm shelters. Sprague’s Backhoe offers financing for both types with payments as low as $112 per month. All of our pricing includes installation.

Think about it this way: that’s less than most families spend on streaming services and cable combined, but it could save your family’s life. While above ground shelters often have higher initial material costs, they may offer longer lifespan and better accessibility over time, depending on maintenance and use.

Both types are investments in your family’s safety. The cost difference usually makes sense when you consider long-term durability and potential maintenance considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type is safer in Oklahoma tornadoes?
Both can provide very high protection when properly installed to engineering standards. Our shelters are designed to meet FEMA and ICC standards for extreme winds. Safety performance is very similar – choose based on practical factors.

Which costs more to install?
Above ground shelters often have higher upfront costs due to materials and construction requirements, but may offer longer lifespan and better accessibility over time. Below ground shelters cost less initially. All of our pricing includes installation. Both are available with $112/month financing.

How long does each take to install?
Above ground shelters often take 2–3 hours depending on site conditions, below ground shelters typically take 3–4+ hours including excavation. Both are same-day installations, so you’re protected immediately either way.

What about flooding issues in Oklahoma?
Above ground shelters largely avoid groundwater flooding risks, though proper site grading is still important. Below ground shelters can potentially accumulate water during heavy rains if drainage isn’t optimal. Oklahoma’s weather patterns make water management a bigger consideration for below ground shelters.

Which is better for families with kids and elderly members?
Above ground shelters are generally easier for families with accessibility needs. No stairs to navigate, and you can get everyone inside quickly during emergencies. Below ground shelters require going down stairs, which can be challenging in emergency situations.

Can both types be moved if we relocate?
Yes, both can be relocated. Above ground shelters are easier to move, and moving costs about ⅓ the price of a new shelter. Moving below ground shelters isn’t as cost efficient due to the complex excavation work required.

Key Takeaways

• Both above ground and below ground storm shelters can provide very high protection when properly installed to engineering standards
• Above ground shelters are more popular in Oklahoma due to accessibility, clay soil considerations, and reduced flooding risks
• Installation time difference is minimal – often 2-3 hours vs typically 3-4+ hours
• Oklahoma’s clay soil and weather patterns favor above ground installations for most properties
• Above ground shelters often have higher initial costs but may offer longer lifespan and better accessibility
• Below ground shelters work well for families prioritizing aesthetics or lower upfront costs
• Both types are available with affordable financing starting at $112/month
• Sprague’s Backhoe installs both types but recommends above ground for most Oklahoma families

What’s Your Storm Shelter Situation?

We’re curious about what Oklahoma families are thinking when it comes to storm shelter choices. Take a quick second to let us know where you stand:

Stacey Sprague Vice President

Written by Stacey Sprague, co-owner of Sprague’s Backhoe — a family-owned Oklahoma company dedicated to helping families stay safe during severe weather. When she’s not writing or working with customers, Stacey enjoys homeschooling, coffee, and quiet Oklahoma mornings before the storms roll in.

See Full Bio