Squat racks are the centerpiece of any athletic conditioning facility and advanced home gyms. Racks are used to hold a weighted barbell at various heights to allow the lifter to safely get under the bar to start and end a lift such as back squat, front squat, overhead squat, shoulder press, biceps curls and other exercises. Commercial squat racks are made of tubular steel and can range in price from $500 to $3,500. However, with a little elbow grease, lumber and concrete, the home gym athlete can build his own basic squat stand.
Step 1
Measure the distance between the floor and the top of your shoulder. Use the circular saw or hand saw to cut two of the 6-foot oak boards to this height. Each of these boards will be the facing board for each post and will be slightly higher than the racking board to keep the barbell from rolling off the squat rack.
Step 2
Cut each 10-foot board to a height six inches longer than the facing board. These will become the backing boards and will serve as a brake, or backstop, when racking the barbell.
Step 3
Cut the two remaining 6-foot boards to a height that is two inches shorter than the facing boards. These boards will serve as the racking board that is sandwiched between each facing board and backing board. The barbell, when racked, will rest on this board.
Step 4
Lay one racking board on top of one backing board. The bottom edges should be aligned. Secure the boards to one another using six of the 3-inch screws evenly spaced. Repeat with the remaining racking and backing boards.
Step 5
Secure each facing board to the racking board with six 3-inch screws, with the bottom edges aligned. You now have two posts with the top shaped like a "J."
Step 6
Mix one bag of the fast-setting concrete according to manufacturer's directions directly in one of the plastic buckets.
Step 7
Insert one post in the center of the bucket, making sure the bottom of the post touches the bottom of the bucket. Use the level to keep the post perpendicular to the floor. Once the concrete sets, mix the second bag of concrete in the second bucket and set the second post. The posts can then be easily repositioned by sliding the buckets across the floor.
Tips and Warnings
- If the rack is to be stored outdoors, use a deck stain or marine varnish to protect the wood. Allow the concrete to completely cure for 24-48 hours before using the rack.
- Wood racks are not as stable or strong as welded tubular steel rack, so use caution when working with heavier weights. Use a training buddy to help you rack the bar when using heavier weights to make sure they are properly secured in the rack.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Four 6-foot by 2-inch by 6-inch oak board
- Two 10-foot by 2-inch by 6-inch oak boards
- Circular saw or hand saw
- 24 exterior screws 3-inch, 10 gauge
- Power drill with screwdriver bit
- Two 5-gallon plastic buckets
- Two 50-lb. bags of fast-setting concrete
References
- Black Dove's Nest: How to Build Homemade Squat Stands
- "The Christian Men's Midlife Fitness Primer"; Dave Yarnell; 2008
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