Barbell weight lifting platform for power rack DIY build
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
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Start to finish DIY build of a barbell weight lifting platform designed for a bolt on power rack.
2 - 4 ft. x 6 ft. x 3/4 in. Thick Rubber Stall Mat
4 - 4' x 8' pieces of 5/8”-thick OSB
1 - piece of 3/4”-thick, smooth maple or oak plywood
water barrier plastic
drywall screws
I'm not sure how this doesn't have more views! Clear, concise instructions with a beautiful result. Thank you!
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words!
For the poly I would highly recommend using a paint roller instead. It's easier and has a better finish. You can just slop down a bunch on the wood and spread it out with the roller. The roller will leave behind a mostly uniform textured finish. You can also put on multiple layers and use a very fine sand paper if you want a smooth finish.
That's an excellent tip, thank you!
Best DIY lifting platform guide I have seen (and I've seen them all!). Thanks for such a thorough video!
Thanks for watching, I appreciate the feedback!
I was gonna spend a lot of money on a proper platform but I think this is all I need. I'll rather spend my money on more plates. Thanks for the video and instructions. The end result is beautiful!
This is an outstanding instructional. I modified it by adding liquid nails between layers as well as more screws. This is serving many men well in a firehouse of Philadelphia Fire Department now. Thank you for posting.
Thank you for the feedback, it made my day to know the information was helpful, especially at your firehouse! Great ideas regarding the liquid nails and more screws. cheers.
This took the overwhelm away of the thought of DIYing this. Thank you!!
Thank you for watching, glad to know it helped!
Best video regarding platforms by far!
Thank you Jesus!
I like how he gets straight to it no fluff
I'll be installing this in my new 30*40 bldg shortly. It's unbelievable how much wood has increased in price these past few months.
It'll be good to have in that building, thanks for watching!
Great job. You are so meticulous and patient on your approach.
Thank you sir!
Hi, nice tutorial ! You say 3/4'' OSB in the video but description says 4 - 4' x 8' pieces of 5/8”-thick OSB. Which one is it ?
Cool video. I just finished mine. J used 2 sheets of osb for the bottom 2 layers and 1 layer of regular $25 sheet plywood for 3rd layer. Then a 4x4 for the middle and 2 mats on each side. Works good so far
Awesome, it's great to have your own platform!
Yeah I was thinking about buying one, but one of my friends watched this and we made one for so cheap it wasn't even funny. Thanks, I painted mine all black with sealing waterproof paint.
That's awesome, I bet it looks great in black!
@@martinstrength8532 it looks great to me, what's better is that I'm not cracking my garage floor by dropping weights on it. Thanks again sir.
Thanks for the moisture barrier idea!
Thanks! So far, I haven't really needed to watch out for moisture, but just in case.
I really like this platform. Particularly the way you "notched" the birch board. I watched both this video and the one where you actually install the rack.
Having the feet of the rack sit on the seam is the right way to go. Serves two purposes. 1. It will hold down both the birch and the rubber tight together in addition to any screws. 2. When you are working inside the rack, the seam runs directly under the frame of the rack, thereby never interfering with your feet no matter how wide you stand.
Having the birch platform narrower in the front is GENIUS for it provides a better distance for the weights to land on the rubber when doing floor lifts. Deads, rows, cleans, etc.
If you kept that seam at 4', then your loaded barbell would barely be clearing the platform. If you shift slightly when lowering the bar, the weight may land so close (or on) the seam that over time, the rubber may pull away from the birch, chip the clean edge of the birch, etc. Also if you use a deadlift jack, you would most likely be jacking the bar on the wood. Your way most likely insures that the jack will be on the rubber. So WELL DONE!!!
Now for the questions:
Does the notch come into play at exactly the mid point of the birch board? i.e at the 4 ft/4ft mark? Looking at the way you were able to get away with using only 2 stall mats I imagine that would be the only place to notch the birch. If you notched it at say the 5 ft / 3ft mark it doesn't appear you could make efficient use out of just 2 stall mats. You follow me?
The reason I mention that is I will be getting the R-3 also but in the 30" depth Bolt Together version (If this damn virus crap subsides so I can place an order!) - The overall depth will be 6" more than yours. Where do I cut my notch so my feet sit in same place as yours AND leaves me enough room off the wall for working off the rear of the rack?
I'm calculating my depth as such:
30" inside + (3" upright x 2) + (2" foot flange x 2) = 40" overall
If I notch my board at the 4 foot mark and place the front feet right on that seam, that only leaves me 8" from the wall. Seems a little tight? No?
I can notch it further down the board like at 4ft-6in (I don't mind sacrificing a bit of dead lifting space) - But then I would need to make my stall mat cuts length wise and according to my calculations I would need 3 stall mats with a lot of waste.
Lemme know your thoughts on all this if you can. And again - Very well planned out project on your part. Looks great.
Hi Mike,
I hope all is well and thank you for the detailed comments / questions!
Based on your questions, here are some things to chew on for your calculations. I'd be interested in what you come up with.
Yes, the notch is exactly at the 4' mark. I see what you are saying about 5'/3' split, you would need smaller mat sub pieces to fill in the spaces which might not be a bad thing because it would be next to the sides of the rack and not where you are deadlifting, and you could place the smaller pieces near the back wall.
The uprights on mine comes to about 16.5" from the back off the platform, so there is about the right amount of room near the wall.
From your description, the rack is the 30" version. Mine is the 24" version, so I would assume you just need an extra 6", but if you are concerned about having more space at the back, the 5'/3' split would probably work too.
Yes, 8" from the wall might be too tight I think. Mine is 16.5" from the wall at the upright. 8" would put your face pretty close to the wall.
Cheers!
@@martinstrength8532 - Thanks for the response (I knew you would based on seeing you reply to others).
Thanks for all the input - I think you are basically confirming what I already assumed: Either lose a little dead lift space in the front or build a bigger platform. I will do a mock layout and see how it feels with the 5'/3' split before I construct it.
As far as the stall mats - I would just buy an extra one or two to avoid having small pieces fill the space. I'd prefer to spend a few more bucks and have waste to avoid too many seams.
@@DieselMike Sounds like a solid plan. FYI, the mats I used are from Tractor Supply Company which I bought locally to avoid shipping cost: www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/4-ft-x-6-ft-x-3-4-in-thick-rubber-stall-mat
@@martinstrength8532 Would you believe every TSC within 50 miles of me are out of stock? Before the Virus, these things were stacked 4 feet high at any location I ever went to. So impossible to buy a rack right now. Apparently impossible to get stall mats. I guess this project is put on hold for now. UGH!
the one inch solid rubber horse mats are good enough. They weigh like a hundred pounds each. lay them down and I dropped ton of wieght on them and nothing cracking.
Nice job and great idea about the moisture barrier. I'm definitely doing that!
Cool, Thanks!
Thanks for the video, I liked the idea of waterproofing the bottom. A few hints for next time: a parts list at the beginning would've been good; break it down into clear steps; end with a tips & tricks piece to camera.
Good tips, thanks.
Thanks man! You made this look a hell of a lot less intimidating
Good to know, thanks for watching!
Thank you Martin.
You're welcome!
I’m gonna build exactly like this, this weekend. Great job good idea to think about the water damage
Cool! you will be happy to have your own.
Use a washer on the screws that go in the horse mat. It's easy to drill the screw right through it.
This is a great setup and explanation. Thanks for posting.
Thank you too!
great video. building my platform now. really like the notching of the top 4x8 sheet for Olympic lifting.
Thanks for watching. It will be really great to have your own platform!
Thank you very much for this video. I've been thinking of making one for myself. Will definitely refer this when I'm building once after this lockdown is over.
Thank you.
Hi there. I really like your planning and execution of your videos. I would love to know how your novice progression went! Maybe an update video of what the platform looks like now ?
Hi Camilo, thanks for the kind words. I've had some setbacks, but my power rack/weights etc have been ordered now and I should be able to install the rack in the next couple of weeks once it arrives! I'll make a video. If you want to be notified, please subscribe and then click the little bell. Cheers!
The rack installation is now complete: czcams.com/video/HNUe4iK1h6Y/video.html
This looks great! Planning to do the exact same for my own gym. Can you confirm the final dimensions of the horse matts after they're cut; as well as the smooth plywood?
End result looks awesome! 👏👏👏 thanks for sharing!
How are the mat screws holding up? Small change would be to add a washer between the mat and screw that helps hold it down without cutting through the mat. Great platform!
I lost it when I saw the hand saw lol
Arguably the best video out there
Thank you for this! This looks professionally done!
Thanks, glad you like it!
yes best so far
Would you recommend spray painting the sides of the middle osb layer black to blend in with the mats for a cleaner look?
Also, would you recommend adding washers to the screws holding the mats to the osb for better support?
I like your idea of painting the sides of the OSB, I think that would look great! I haven't had any problems with the support, so if I was thinking about the possibility of adding washers, I would start without and then add them later if you think they are needed. I used very few screws, but you could add more if you like too.
How is the birch holding up? Best video I’ve seen on platforms by the way.
Birch is holding up well. It wouldn't hurt to add a bunch more layers of the coating.
what's your opinion about gluing the rubber matt down instead of screwing it in? I worry it rips at the screw points.
Looks very nice. The price for buying a platform is ridiculous. Considering its just plywood and some rubber floor on the sides. However I probably wouldn't use stall mats I have read that they can release toxins etc
Thanks. DIY is much more affordable. Probably true about toxins, from what I understand they are made from recycled tires/rubber.
I want to know more about the heater you planned too put in the corner by the fishing rods. What ever came of that?
Hi,
Good question!
It turns out that the garage is insulated and no heater is needed as some warmth comes in from the house. It never gets less than about 58F in the garage and when strength training I warm up pretty quickly. This is in the Seattle area.
That lumber is worth big $.
I lucked out by building this before prices went up.
does the platform move away from the wall?
I have not seen any shifting in it's position.
@@martinstrength8532 it must be very heavy then, well built platform!
Love your video! Amazing job! What is the moisture barrier made of? What material and size is that black tarp? Won't it tear with the slightest movement against the concrete with heavy weight on top of the platform? Thank you!!!
Sorry about the late reply. the moisture barrier is just a plastic moisture barrier from the hardware store. I'm not sure. I didn't end up really needing a moisture barrier. sorry if that's not enough info. The floor never really gets wet.
What is the depth of the narrower Olympic lifting area vs the power rack base?
They are both 48 inches in length and the front is 36 inches wide, the back is 48 inches wide. I hope that helps.
Thanks for this video! Inspiration to make my own and create a how to video on it
Cool, you can do it! Thanks for watching.
Well played sir. Great vid👍
Thank you for watching!
Your platform looks so good! May have inspired me to build my own!
Thanks! You can do it!
My hardware store didn't have 5/8 ply wood and instead had 19/32 which is just short of 1.25 inches after stacking my boards. Will the 1.25 screws still be ok? Any recommendations?
How did you account for the grade in the garage floor for a level platform? That's my biggest issue
I lucked out with mine, it's pretty level in there. I have seen a few videos addressing the slanted floor.
Hey this is a great video! And I'm going to refer to it heavily when I ever get a chance to build my own platform. How is your strength journey going at this time?
Hi, thanks! The journey was going very well for about 4 months, but then I "fell off the wagon". I need to get back on...
Thanks for the breakdown. Like the video! I may do it this way!
Great, and attention to detail, built
Thank you!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 parabéns você me ajudou muito com esse vídeo 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 vou fazer igual pra minha academia 💪💪
Muito obrigado por assistir, fico feliz que ajudou!
Anyone tried to cut the stall mat using a circular saw (and a straight edge)? Nice video, BTW.
Good idea, might work, I shoulda tried it.
This is sweet man!!
Brilliant Job
Thanks!
Nice video. Strait to the point and clear.
How much were those OSB boards back then in the olden days of 2019?
Hi. Thanks for making this! You did a great job. Do you feel you could've done without making the front more narrow for deadlifts? I'm worried I won't be able to make the 6 inch cutouts on each side.
It will work just fine without the cutouts. I could have done without it, but I like the little extra padding space. Thanks for the compliment!
Nicely done. It looks really good.
Thank you.
Can I get a list of all the supplies and tools used?
Did you get that list? I would like it too
@@jruiz1996 Hi, I added a few details in the video text description for the parts.
i, I added a few details in the video text description for the parts.
Awesome! Great video, too! I suppose you're never going to be moving that.
Thanks! You are probably right about that. I didn't glue it, so if it needs to be moved, it could be unscrewed, but still a little work.
Do you have like an exact materials list? Like the type of plywood boards and the nice finish board and types of horse mats?? And location on where to get them? Nice build tho! Can’t wait to do my own with this video
Great video. Thank you. One question. Noticed you used three layers of plywood. Do you think two layers would have been just as good? In other words, two layers down, and then birch on top. That along with the stall mats. Reason I ask is because i'm concerned about the height of my rack. By keeping to two layers of plywood the platform is limited to an inch and a half rather than 2 and a quarter inches. Interested in your thoughts.
I would think two layers would be ok, but one limiting factor is that the length of bolts used to secure the rack might not be able to be as long. I don't know if that would be an issue or not.
How did you attach the rack? Bolts or screws? If you bolted it, how did you make the bottom fit flush with the floor?
@Martin Strength, thanks for the video. Do you think you need the plywood? Why not just have the stall mats?
You could just use stall mats on the top layer. I like the plywood because it has less compression for the bolting of a power rack and also less compression and less wasted energy for driving power during the lifts. Would you rather lift on a soft surface or a hard surface?
In your description you said "4 - 4' x 8' pieces of 5/8”-thick OSB
". In the video (listened to it carefully 4 times) if I heard you correctly you stated after the moisture barrier you put down 2 - 4' x 8' x 3/4" OSB boards over the moisture barrier. I will like to know if it was a typo in your description please.
He puts 2 layers of the OSB down. One on top of the plastic, which he then secures it to, then another layer on it perpendicular to the first.
@@Brett77902 thank you, much appreciated. I plan on doing something exact or similar in the future. I can't wait till the day comes.
Gombino Fitness no problem my man. Actually doing my own right now, just cleared out the space in my garage and got all the plywood, just gotta put it all together now
@@Brett77902 that's awesome! Hope your project comes out a success.
why does everyone using wood under the rubber. Could you not just make the middle wood and use 2 layer of rubber on the outside? Will the mats slide around? they are rubber and heavy.
Hello, I watched your video and it's great, in fact, I saved it for future guidance when I build my platform. But tell me one thing: What is the black nylon that wraps the first plates for?
Are you talking about on the floor? that was a moisture barrier in case of dampness.
Fun project
The bottom portion of the horse mats are 2.5x4ft right?
Yes, that is correct. thanks for watching.
Has this held up well? I was contemplating whether I should use OSB or plywood all the way.
OSB has held up well. I guess I would examine your OSB vs Plywood at the hardware store. The OSB I got is very solid.
Great work mate!
Thanks!
Is the more narrow side (the side with wider horse stall mats) meant to be outside power rack and the wider side inside power rack? Or is the entire platform meant to be alone? What was the purpose of making the wider side if you wanted bigger mats to catch the weight when you drop it?
You are correct, the wider side is inside the power rack and gives it a solid base to bolt into, while the narrower side is in front of the power rack and the mats have more chance of catching the weights. It could be built without the cutout too if you wanted. I have a follow up video of the power rack install: czcams.com/video/HNUe4iK1h6Y/video.html
Hey Martin! Absolutely love your video. Will use this as the main source when I build my own platform. I was just wondering though. Do I really need 2 layers of 3/4" OSB? Would 2 layers of 3/8" do the trick as well, or do you think that's not enough protection... Thanks!
Don't quote me on this, but it sounds reasonable. Are you doing Olympic lifts and dropping the weights down all the time? That might be an issue.
@@martinstrength8532 Nope! Just powerlifting... My deadlift max right now is about 440lbs, I can maybe get up to 550-600 in a few years time. Not planning on doing any olympic lifting
Best tutorial I've seen. I had concerns about having a 4' wide lifting/standing area due to clearance when dropping the bar and this has answered my question. How have you found 3' width? if you don't mind me asking how tall are you? cheers!
Thanks for the compliment! The 3' width is plenty wide, I haven't had any issues at all. I'm about 6' 2".
@@martinstrength8532 thanks for your reply!
Hi Martin! I've got a rogue r-3 power rack (same as you), and I'm wondering if it would cause any issues if I cut the oak plywood into two separate pieces.
I don't have a circular saw at home; I'd ask the Home Depot employee to first cut the piece in half, then cut off an inch from one of the halves. Would screwing these two pieces down separately be a problem?
Thanks!
Also, would using 1 layer of 2 pieces of 4x8 1inch OSB pieces be okay? Or is it recommended to have two layers of thinner 5/8" pieces?
Holy shit! Thank you so much!
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
Can you use TRX on power tower?
Hi Martin, great video. May I ask you few question about the polyurethane coating? Do you few it is slippery when you are bench pressing, do you feel any slippery from your foot or bench? Meanwhile did you send the hardwood before the first layer of polyurethane? And also did find bubbles on the previous layer before applying the second or third layers? Did you send the coated layer before applying the next layer?
Hi, Thanks! The raw wood was only sanded prior to the first coat. It was not sanded in between layers. I did not get any bubbles as the layers were thin coatings. The one I used was some what of a matte finish, so it was not as slippery. I think it can be a little slippery when walking across it, but after some usage it gets a little rougher. No problems for me on bench.
Did you use two 4x6 horse mats, or one? I ask because the boards are 4x8, so I’m trying to see how this would fit. Thanks, I’m building the same platform this weekend!
Hi, yes it's two stall mats. The one in the front is cut to 2.5 ft and the one in the back is cut to 2 ft. (you might be able to see the dimensions on the paper design in this video: czcams.com/video/entPQi2GUTE/video.html ) Since they are 4 x 6, this leaves you with an extra 1 ft and 2 ft leftovers. I'm not sure if there is a better way to do it, but I hope that helps and I'd like to see and / or hear how your build goes!
Martin Strength Thanks!
Any ideas on wrapping some kind of metal around the edges? Or even installing hooks for bands while deadlifting?
I think I've seen some designs where they put metal around, but I don't have any ideas. Not sure about hooks, sorry.
can you bolt a squat rack to it?
Do you remember what the underside of the stall mats looked like? Were there any ridges or just flat?
I just looked at a leftover piece and there are no ridges per se, but it is not smooth, the bottom is more rough.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Just wonder, what about mold under the vapor barrier? Any consideration needed?
Excellent question, I'm not sure. It was more of a precautionary measure and in my case so far I have not had any moisture problems, or any water on the floor.
Did you measure half way through to start cutting the side?
Yes, it is exactly at the half way point, 4 feet.
@@martinstrength8532 thank you!
@@martinstrength8532 what is the “moisture barrier” you used
@@HorizonMediaGaming It was basically a "moisture barrier" plastic that I got at the hardware store. I think its used for construction. It was larger than the platform, so had to fold it. I didn't really need it though. Hope that helps.
Hi Martin,
Great video! One question, with that tongue and groove, the actual width of two OSB board side by side is slightly less than 8 feet. Did this effect you at all, or was it even noticable?
Hi Tony,
On mine, there is one groove facing the front, one groove on the right side and tongues facing the back wall and the left wall. I have plastic on the bottom layer of OSB. I don't think they are too noticeable. Functionally, it's awesome to have your own platform.
If you build a platform, I'd like to see what you come up with!
Thanks!
How did that particle board hold up slamming weights on it over and over again?
Granted I have only been doing deadlifts on it for a couple of months, so it hasn't been hammered too hard, but I haven't seen any problems yet. It's Oriented strand board (OSB).
Martin Strength oh I see thank you for the reply. How much did the total project cost?
@@charliestanley7906 I don't remember the exact figure, but including the 4 x OSB, 1 x Plywood, Mats, drywall screws, and water barrier plastic, it was somewhere in the $250 - $300 range. The main plywood in the middle was about $60 (could've saved here, but I wanted nice looking wood for it), the stall mats were $40 each from Tractor Supply Company (local), OSB were about $22 each.
Very nice work :D
Thanks, I appreciate the comment, I'm really enjoying my home gym. I just checked out your Airsoft / Crossfit video. Congrats on getting your gym up and running, it looks impressive!
@@martinstrength8532 thank you a lot, was a dream that came true after 10 years of savings and hard work and is also my HOME HUGE GYM :))
Wow thats clean!👌🙌
And he's not a jerk Haha.
anyone in socal area can come build one of these for me? paying of course please let me know thanks!
I would if I was there!
Do you have a picture of the rack attached to it? I'm trying to figure out how to build one for my rack, but the bolts on the rack to platform are 50" apart! :(
Here's the link to the rack install, I hope it helps. czcams.com/video/HNUe4iK1h6Y/video.html
Nice job.
Thank you.
Thank you for the video, what were the dimensions of the platform?
The platform is 8 feet x 8 feet, thanks!
@@martinstrength8532 Thank you!
where did you get the horse mat from ? Im assuming its as thick as the birch?
It's exactly the same thickness as the birch. I got them at Tractor Supply Company locally. I don't see them listed there any more though. I did a search and it looks like this is it: www.farmandfleet.com/products/297882-humane-4-x-6-x-3-4-rubber-cow-mat.html
@@martinstrength8532 thanks buddy. I found it at a Tractor Supply Near me!
@@fidelmsydney3035 Cool! They have good prices.
Can we see the finished product with your power rack bolted down. ?
@@fidelmsydney3035 Here you go: czcams.com/video/HNUe4iK1h6Y/video.html
Where did you find the rubber matting from? Great job I will attempt to do the same!
I found them locally at Tractor Supply Company. I've seen them on their website sometimes too. Thanks!
Great video! What kind of wood would you recommend for an outdoor platform?
Thanks! If it were me, I would go with all plywood and make sure to very thoroughly seal them all up prior to construction. You'd need to research the sealant as I'm not sure on that.
Good job! Thanks for sharing, some good ideas to think about :)
Thanks for watching! I'd be interested to see what you come up with if you build one.
Is this weather proof for outdoors?? If not, can I make it so? Wood I'm sure I can but how about the rubber pads?
Hi, the mats should hold up with no problem outdoors, they are heavy duty horse stall mats, very tough. I got these from local Tractor Supply Co for about $40 each.
How much total area did it occupy in your garage? How long has it held up are you satisfied with the project?
The platform is 8ft x 8ft square, been using for about 4 months (it took awhile for me to get the power rack). I'm very satisfied with it. An additional note, make sure to level the platform from the beginning of the project using some shims or something.
What did you use as a water barrier?