Home gyms can save you a lot of money, but they can also take up a lot of space in your home. Barbells can end up all over the floor, but barbell holders can be expensive. If you've got a tight budget, you might think you can't afford proper storage, but that's not the case, and in this guide, we'll introduce the best DIY barbell holder ideas.
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How To Make Your Own Barbell Holder (Step By Step Guide)
The most common barbell holder is the horizontal wall rack. You can just insert hooks right into your wall for this, but for a more secure structure, you are better off building a base. To create your own barbell holder, you’ll need:
You’ll then need to follow these steps:
- 1Cut the 8-foot-long board into 12 different pieces. You need 2 for each barbell, so this will let you hold 6 barbells, though you can use more or less wood as needed. It’s important that you cut these pieces at a 105-degree angle so that it slopes slightly backward and stops the barbell from sliding off onto the floor.
- 2Place 6 pieces on each of the 7-foot boards, making sure you measure and mark these out because they must be evenly spaced. Glue these down, and screw them securely into the base.
- 3Fit each of the 7-foot boards onto the wall. They should be placed vertically and roughly 5 feet apart, but you may need to amend the distance if you have larger barbells. Use the bolts to secure the boards into the wall studs.
- 4Test the barbell rack by putting one barbell in at a time. If it all seems solid, then you can start loading the others. Feel free to paint and customize as you want.
This isn’t a complicated DIY project if you’ve worked with wood before, but you should still take all the precautions. Wear eye covers when sawing or drilling and gloves when handling the wood. If you don't feel comfortable, stop and ask a professional for help.
Related Article - How Much Does A Barbell Weigh?
Homemade Barbell Holder Ideas (DIY Creative Ideas)
Barbells are tricky to store because of their size and weight. They're designed so they can't bend, making them a challenge in a small gym. You can get professional storage or invest in a power rack, but you don’t have to.
In fact, barbell holders can sometimes cost over $100, but you can make your own for comfortably under $50. Here are the best DIY barbell storage options no matter what your setup is:
1. DIY Vertical Barbell Holder
Storing your barbells vertically maximizes your floor space without taking up much of your wall space. This means you can have shelves or wall-mounted storage alongside your barbell holder and keep your gym really neat and tidy.
The only disadvantage is that you'll need to have enough height in your home, which can be an issue for some garage gyms.
To install a DIY vertical barbell holder, you'll just need to attach a heavy-duty clamp to your wall. That's it, nothing else, just the clamp. This should fit the dimensions of your barbell, and if you size it appropriately, the barbell should rest on the ground so the clamp doesn't even have to bear the weight.
You can pick up a hook for under $20 and install it yourself in minutes, so this is one of the easiest and cheapest options.
2. DIY Olympic Barbell Holder
Olympic barbells are made to be sturdier and handle heavy loads, but that makes them heavier. You'll need more robust storage for this type of barbell so you can safely keep them out of the way and prevent them from getting damaged.
We'd recommend a barbell rack because it secures the barbell at the top and the bottom. This stops it from slipping or moving and keeps them up out of the way.
To make a DIY Olympic barbell holder, you'll need some wood for the base and a set of heavy-duty wall clamps. Measure and cut 2-inch holes in the base of the wood to allow the barbell to slot into it. Secure the wood to the floor against the wall, and fit the heavy-duty clamp into the wall about 7 feet above it.
You should be able to slot your Olympic barbell right in, and it will cost you less than $40 for all the material. This is a cheap and effective option for those with multiple heavy barbells to store.
Read More - Olympic Vs Standard Barbells
3. DIY Barbell Holder PVC
PVC is a cheap material, but it's still strong enough to hold a few barbells. This DIY solution involves creating a hollow wooden box with 2-inch holes cut in for the barbells. Piping is then inserted into the holes so you can slide your barbells in when you’re not using them.
This storage option is good for those with a bit of floor space and who don't want to install anything on the walls. Your barbells will be stood up, so it doesn't exactly hide them discreetly, but the PVC will hold them in place securely. It’s an effective solution for those with a tight budget, and you can usually pick everything up for $20.
4. DIY Horizontal Barbell Holder
Horizontal barbell holders are preferable for those with wall space but low ceilings.
They let you store multiple barbells up out of the way, and they have support on both ends of the bar, so it's suitable for heavy Olympic barbells.
The most basic DIY horizontal barbell holder will involve two heavy-duty hooks installed directly into the wall.
However, we'd recommend adding a strip of ½ inch thick wood to the wall for your hooks to go into so that you don't cause any damage to your home. It should cost less than $50 for the hooks and materials and should only take a few hours to install.
Related Article - How Does A Barbell Not Tip Over?
5. DIY Barbell Roof Storage
If you’re really struggling for space, you can install a barbell holder on your ceiling.
This lets you keep them entirely out of the way and is an effective solution if you need to use the space for other things.
The downside is that it can be tricky to load and unload the barbell holder, and if it's not installed properly, then gravity will cause the barbell to slip.
For this type of holder, you’ll need to drill two thick pieces of wood into your ceiling.
You can then install bike hooks into the wood, which will hold the barbell. It should only cost you about $30 for materials, but this installation can be a bit more challenging, so it's worth asking a friend for help.
Learn More - What Length Barbell Do I Need?
6. DIY Barbell Plate Holder
You'll need to find a storage solution for the plates you're using with your barbell. The easiest way to do this is by creating a barbell rack with enough space to fit weight plates of varying sizes.
To do this, you'll need a large bit of lumber, or you can use an old drawer. Cut grooves and slots into the wood so that you can comfortably rest the plates inside.
You can make this as big or as small as needed depending on the weight plates you have available.
You should be able to build this in a few hours for less than $25.
See Also - DIY Weight Plate Storage
DIY Barbell Holder Design & Build Plans
The key to any successful DIY project is the planning. If you’re going to build your own barbell holder, you need to consider exactly what you need to store to create the right structure.
The first step for this is the measurement. You should consider how long your barbells are. Most are usually 7 feet, and the thickness of the holes. This will determine where any hooks need to go or how much material you need.
Once you know the measurements of the barbells and how much space you need, you have to decide where the holder will go. If you opt for wall storage, you'll need to ensure there's enough space and that you've cleared the area. On the other hand, if you're building a freestanding DIY barbell holder, you'll need to make sure you have enough floor space.
Finally, you need to consider the materials. Barbells aren’t designed to be lightweight, so you need good quality material for your holder. If you’re using hooks, then we'd recommend heavy-duty bike hooks, which should be able to handle over 40kg.
If you're creating a wooden holder, you need some decent-quality lumber that's at least a couple of inches thick. Taking the time to source the right materials will help protect the structure and prevent you from having to repair it frequently.
For some projects, it's best to get a professional to help you create the plan so you can make sure it's designed correctly, but for a DIY barbell holder, you should be able to plan and build it yourself without too much difficulty.
Read More - Barbell Costs Explained
Pros & Cons Of Building Your Own Barbell Holder
Benefits
Drawbacks
Frequently Asked Barbell Holder Questions
How do you store a barbell in a small space?
The best way to store a barbell in a small space is to design a barbell holder which fits directly on the wall. This keeps it up and out of the way, but it’s still easy enough to access.
How do I protect my barbell from damage?
Storing your barbells in a holder will help to protect them from accidental damage and should give them a longer lifespan.
Can you keep a barbell outside?
If barbells are kept outside, they’re much more likely to rust, making them unusable. If you want to maximize the lifespan of your barbell, you should look to store it inside.
How much weight can a wooden barbell rack hold?
This depends on the type of wood used and the quality of the construction, but a wooden barbell rack can usually hold about 300 pounds.
How much does it cost to make your own barbell rack?
Depending on the exact materials you go for, you can usually make your own barbell rack for $20-$40.
Conclusion
Having the right storage in your gym is just as important as having the right equipment. To protect your barbells from damage and maximize your space, you need an effective barbell holder.
However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune buying one, and hopefully this guide has introduced some cheap DIY barbell holders that you feel comfortable making yourself.
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Last Updated on December 16, 2022
