8 Wooden DIY Squat Rack Plans
Squats are one of the best all-around exercises for athletes. Not only do they work out your legs, but the back, core and stabilizer muscles gain strength as well.
Squat racks and squat cages are a necessary piece of equipment if you want to go heavy.
While you could purchase one online, a homemade squat stand is a fraction of the cost. It’s the best choice if you want to build a gym on a budget. In this article, we’re going to show you the best wooden DIY squat racks and share the plans to build them.
- Read our related article: How to build a DIY deadlift platform
These are some of the most detailed plans for a squat rack we've seen. It includes the tools and step-by-step instructions for building a DIY squat rack that fits a standard size bar.
This rack will cost $120-$140 to build.
If you're looking for something slightly smaller, this wooden squat rack by All Things Gym is a simple, yet robust design that can be built for just $50
The cheapest and simplest design on our list is this squat rack by HomeMadeStrength. While we wouldn't recommend this for someone lifting hundreds of pounds, it is a solid build for the amateur lifter.
This squat rack can be constructed for under $50 and stores easily in small spaces.
One of the most beautiful wooden squat cages is this design by Carlos DIY. It has multiple adjustments build-in so you can vary your workout. There is also room for adding a pullup bar on top.
The total cost rounds out to $165
A more basic design is this wooden power rack by EndOfThree Fitness. The DIY design costs less than $100 and includes detailed plans to frame it all together.
This homemade stand can be used for both squats and bench press. The design uses 2"x4" boards and takes just 2 hours to build.
This squat rack design is extra sturdy because it's secured to a base plate on the bottom. It also uses 2"x6" boards for increased stabilization.
Garage Gym On A Budget
[vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTF7NrguWVU”]In this video, Carlos Acuna shares how he built a wooden home gym for under $150. The gym includes a squat stand, bench, and pull up bar. The rig is wall-mounted so it’s extremely sturdy.
We like that this build has adjustable j-hooks so you can make adjustments based on the workout type.
The Tools To Build A DIY Squat Rack
Most of the plans in this article use minimal tools and equipment. At a minimum, you should have the following tools:
- Tape measure
- Hand saw
- Electric drill
- Drill bit set
- Ratchet and socket set
Additionally, if you want these projects to go significantly faster you should use:
- Table saw or circular saw
- Clamps
- Sawhorses or 5-gallon buckets
Tips For Making Your Homemade Squat Rack Even Better
Place rubber padding on the area that the bar rests. This will protect your knurling from wear.
Attach the rack to a base plate to reinforce the boards and add extra stabilization.