Building a squat rack

[Vermonta]

Is it possible to use wood to build a rack capable of holding around 700+ pounds?

[HardKore79]

You could, but you would have to use 4x4 for that kinda weight. 2x4 just won't cut it. You'd also have to use structural support ends like the carpenters use on porches.

[josephhkim]

You could, but you would have to use 4x4 for that kinda weight. 2x4 just won't cut it. You'd also have to use structural support ends like the carpenters use on porches.

x2

It'd be tough, but not impossible.

[Vermonta]

I think my friend I will. It won't be that hard, we're Vermontas :-P :-D

[archepic]

I did one out of 4 4x4 and a couple of 2x4. I also added a chin up bar. The safeties are adjustable at 2 level : bench and squat. I also have 3 level of racking pins for bench, seated should press and squat. The 4x4 have cracked a bit in the couple days after I have finished but it didn't crack anymore in the last month. I guess I pushed a bit too hard with the drill on the 2" holes for the safeties. I also added extra structure for plate holding and extra storage. I'm just starting squat and I do 200 for 8 reps past parallel so I don't know how much it can handle. I can show you pics if you want.

[archepic]

Maybe I can add that the 4x4 were treated wood. They could have "twisted" a bit while drying thus causing the cracks...IDK...

[HardKore79]

Maybe I can add that the 4x4 were treated wood. They could have "twisted" a bit while drying thus causing the cracks...IDK...

The cracking is due to them drying out. Same thing happened to my calf block.

[archepic]

YEah ....Also the rack don't like it when I do chin up ...I will be adding a couple more 2x4 as reinforcement and maybe some metal 4x4 sleeve around critical section (squat safeties for example)

[HudsonHicks]

I built a squat rack out of scaffold. Works great.

[archepic]

I'm sure it's stronger than wood ! Personnaly I went for wood because I tought it was easier to do. Joint are done easily with bolting or just screws, no special fitting or welding necessary.

[hitongirls]

Hey, I just searched the forums and look at what I found:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...ght=built+wood



So far it looks like he's had no problems with it
Very cost efficient, too