How To Build A DIY Deadlift Platform

By Kate Moore
on February 2, 2023
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A weightlifting platform isn’t necessary to your home gym; but there are big benefits to adding one. Deadlift platforms can protect both your equipment and your floor. They reduce noise. And put you in a calm mental state where you can focus more on your lifting.

You could purchase a weightlifting platform, but you’ll save a lot of money by building one of your own.

A DIY deadlift platform costs just $150-$200 to build and can be accomplished in less than two hours. You don’t need advanced handyman skills to complete the project. And there is very little equipment involved.

8’x8’ is a common size to build a DIY platform. This is large enough to practice Olympic Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and add a squat rack to the end. It’s also a favorable size because typically wood is sold in 4’x8’ sheets so there won’t be any cutting required.

Step-by-Step 8’x8′ Deadlift Platform

Materials

4’x8’ ¾” thick sheets of OSB (x4)
4’x8’ ¾” thick sheet of smooth plywood (x1)
4’x6’ ¾” thick horse stall rubber mats (x2)
1-1/4” screws (1 box)
Total cost = $150 – $200

Tools

Drill
Reciprocating saw or box cutter
Pencil
Straight edge
Tape measure

Build Time

1-2 hours

Instructions

Quick tip before you start: The platform will be heavy once completed. So it’s best to assemble it near the spot you intend to use it.

1. Lay down two sheets of OSB board side by side. Place the sheets together as flush as possible.

2. Lay down the third and fourth sheets of OSB perpendicular to the bottom two. This will complete the second layer. Again, place sheets together as flush as possible

3. Screw the two layers of OSB together with approximately 10 evenly spaced screws per sheet. Make sure the screws are drilled flush with the surface.

screwing wood together building a diy weightlifting platform

4. Lay the plywood sheet perpendicular to the second layer of OSB board. The plywood will have approximately 24” of space on each side.

steps to build a garage gym diy weightlifting platform

5. Screw the plywood sheet on top of the OSB using approximately 10 screws.

6. Take a final measurement of the distance between the plywood sheet and the edge of the OSB board on each side. These measurements will be used for sizing the rubber mat.

7. Using a straight edge, measure and mark the rubber mats. You will need four pieces approximately 2’x4’ each.

measure weightlifting mat for diy garage gym weightlifting platform

8. Cut the rubber mat with a reciprocating saw or box cutter. A reciprocating saw will work best with two people. If you’re using a box cutter to slice the mat, score the surface multiple times; pressing deeper into the mat with each cut.

9. Lay the four pieces of rubber on top of the OSB. For cleaner line, place the factory cut edge of the rubber mat against the plywood sheet.

10. Screw the rubber in place using the same pattern as the screws placed in the OSB board.

Additional Reinforcement:

For added reinforcement, some lifters will flip the platform upside down and add another round of screws to the bottom layer of OSB. This is something you’ll need a partner to help you with.

Sanding and Finish

Sanding the top plywood surface isn’t necessary and many people choose to leave it rough because of the added friction. If you want to add decals and graphics this is a good tutorial to follow.

With proper care, your platform should last for years. Some people choose to add a protective metal rim around the outside edges of the platform to make it look nicer. Again, this isn’t a necessary step but it is a nice feature to have.