Here is another homemade wooden squat rack.
(note: in the photo above the metal sheets to reinforce the joints aren’t on yet)
This one was built by redditor Mr Friz and cost approximately $50 US.
See his thread on reddit here.
Now before some of you say “OMG this will break when I curl 200kg in it”, it will hold plenty of weight for someone who is in the beginner / intermediate stages of his/her training. Heck, there are way more instable options that still get the job done.
Mr Friz said that “I don’t think I’d want to put 500 pounds up there, but anything in the 300’s range I feel pretty confident about.”
And if you have the necessary tools you could build a metal version and be set for life.
Improvement Suggestions from the thread:
- notch the top joint into the main supports so the blocks don’t take the full weight of the bar
- lining the notch with hurricane strapping would make it pretty bulletproof up there
- extending the block underneath the lower supports all the way down
Detailed View of Parts and Measurements
(click here or the image to enlarge)
Thanks to Mr Friz for letting me use the images.
Also check out:
Update: Reader Chris Papas send in photos of his squat rack construction, which is based on the plan above.
Cutting the wood and connecting them with long screws.
“After the beams were connected with the screws, I thought it would be a good idea to reinforce the joints with metal plates. I drilled and cut the edges of some of the plates.”
Next: Painting
Join the pieces together
“Some final touches, adjusting the height of the bar holders according to my height and putting pads on the wood to prevent wear.”
The Final Product
I love this what a great idea. Very well constructed and very practical. I only have two suggestions when it comes to the construction that would beef this rack up that much more for very little money. The two boards that are bolted on for support, the one that holds the bar and the other that goes underneath the support bar on the bottom. My suggestion is to not cut those short. Run the 2×4 the entire distance between both boards the bottom board then up to the bottom of the support brace. Then do the same thing for the board that holds the weighted bar. Than bolt them on. If you do this, you will have constructed this similar to the way they build headers in houses. With the addition of the other suggestions I agree this thing would be extremely tough!
Lag screws (like those used to hold the support blocks) are extremely strong in that configuration. A 1/4″ diameter lag with 2″ embedment can support 272 lbs. A 3/8″ diameter with 3″ embedment can support 432 lbs. Since there are four lag screws in each support block, and there are two support blocks holding the bar, the screws themselves could support a bar weighing anywhere from 2,176 lbs to 3,456 lbs. I wouldn’t think twice about putting a 500 lb. bar up there.
the concern is the lateral movement when it’s loaded. If it was loaded with 500lbs. my guess is there would be some racking, i.e. side to side swaying. An ‘X’ brace instead of the flat sheets might be a better option.
My son just told me he wanted to learn woodworking and is also a weightlifter. What a great project for him to start. Will teach some of the basics that he will need to know.
Perfect combination. Have fun.
hey how far is the safety arms from the ground?
Can u make a bench and bench off this
As a a man with a slim wallet, I thank you for this DIY squat rack. Would you have any ideas for a DIY barbell?
yeah, i did it and it work well!