tip for cutting the stall mats is to put some dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray the line you are going to cut.the soapy water helps the knife blade cut through the mats
tattooedyogi what I have done is lay another board under the stall mat or cut it so that part of it hanging off a work bench out table. It cuts really easily because the cut opens more and more with each pass of the blade.
When I cut mine I would do an initial shallow cut just to get the line to follow. Then place something below the rubber, like a large PVC pipe, foam roller (If you're careful not to cut it). This stops the rubber from binding the knife.
Excellent video. I was a college football coach for 26 years and strength coach for a total of 36 years. I didn't have a great budget but this is exactly how I built eight platforms for our school. After a few years I wound up having to replace the top deck because the wood began to deteriorate. Granted our platforms got a lot more use than a garage gym. I found that several coats of gym floor polyurethane preserved the deck and made for better footing as long as it was kept clean. You have an excellent channel with legitimate content which is hard to find.
@6:00 can confirm. Got some of these mats with diamond pattern on them for a steal on craigslist. I now understand why somebody would get rid of them for gym use. Barbells and free weights never sit still on the floor, and its a PAIN to clean. The diamond pattern traps tons of dirt you would normally just be able to sweep off a flat surface. Very annoying.
This answers every question, in great detail, of how to build a platform. This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for and needed. Thank you so very much for making this video!!!
I watched several of these platform build videos, and found all others just conveniently kept the top center board 4x8. Considering the space between collars is 52 inches, that gives little room for error when dropping the loaded bar. That would leave them with only 24" strips on both ends (convent again since stall mats often come 4x6), this also minimizes the area for a loaded bar with 17" sleeve. I really like the how you did 27-42-27.... perfect.
I'm so glad I saw this video prior to purchasing my wood. I'd been planning to make the center platform 4 x 8 ft, but 3.5 does allow just a few more inches of drop surface in each direction. Thanks for making this!
Can’t wait to see lifting vids with lil Kris/Kristin in a crib in the corner! I had a lot of days like that in my garage gym when my twins were babies! 🥰 Thanks for the detailed build list! I’m moving soon and will be making one of these this summer in my new place in Ga!!
This looks really nice. I'm trying to get an idea in my head for how I want to have mine built. I haven't bought my rack yet, but I will be buying a folding rack and probably installing along the side wall of the garage on the side where my husband parks. I will need my platform to be modular so I can move easily out of the way when not in use.
Solid platform and good video, but I have some things to add for anyone reading this comment... I would recommend using wood glue between the layers. It's much better than putting screws in the middle of the boards. This will help prevent the layers from warping over time and creating pockets of air between the layers. It also helps reduce noise and reduces the wear on the platform. If you don't do Olympic lifts (dropping the bar from waist of higher) using the full sheet (4x8) is fine. The plates will still sit on the rubber. I mostly do deadlifts on my platform and I haven't had an issue in 5 years where I dropped the weight on the wood. You should coat the surface of the platform with polyurethane (after painting, stain, decoration, etc.) This makes cleaning up sweat, water, blood, etc. easier and it protects the surface. Using a roller is easier and leaves a nicer texture than using a brush. This is just an aesthetic thing, but for the rubber I think it looks nicer if you cut the 2 pieces so they're evenly sized, rather than having one 6 feet and the other 2 feet.
I use a skill saw to cut the mats. Nice clean cut and you can use a guide if you want with a piece of scrap wood underneath. Remember to set the blade at the right depth.
This video was very useful to me. I constructed a platform that I've been using (for powerlifting) for some time now. Doing more looking into woodworking, I decided to use wood glue in addition to the screws. Woodworking youtube claims the glue bond is even stronger than the screw bond. I also followed Alan Thrall's suggestion to use washers on the screws in the horse stall mats.
If you cut the mat with the side that has your straight edge on a piece of ply or a 2x stock. The side that’s not supported will hang and fall away opening your cut so the knife will work better making it easier to cut through the mat.
I have just had vinyl planking installed on the downstairs cement floor; no underlay. In my weight room, I have 3/4 inch rubber mats that are greater than 8 X 8 in area. I'm getting to the point where I'm dropping the weights. Will building this platform on top of the rubber mats on top of the vinyl planking on top of the cement floor be enough to cushion dropping weights and not damage the vinyl planking. My weights will never be greater than 175 pounds (but I sure wish they would). This past Saturday, I hit a PR in the clean and jerk of 58 kilos at the Canadian Master's Weightlifting Championships. Never in my life have I ever lifted that much. I'll be 70 next month and I've been in Olympic lifting since January 2019.
I've cut stall mats with a fine-toothed saw after putting them on 2x4s on sawhorses. It's faster, but it doesn't leave quite as smooth a cut as using the utility knife.
I'd suggest that, if laying directly onto concrete, to use treaded (or as I saw in another video: Using a moisture barrier wrapped around the base layer) lumber. Also in another video: Using sleeves around the screws for the mats: Drill holes in the mats to accommodate the sleeves. This is so the mats do not get torn up by the screw threads.
Thank for so much for this video and all the details. Finally decide to build a platform and couldn’t be happier. I was going to buy the rogue platform, but this is half the price and works amazingly.
Hello, I followed your guide. It’s done. I like it. Though the lumber was very expensive. I made mine 8x6 only because I’m in a 1 car garage. But I just wanted to thank you for a very good video. Would love to show u pictures. Really proud of my work.
Rubber Mats can be cut great with a micro circular saw like Bosch GKS12V. The bigger ones stuck easily in the rubber, but the small saw blade does the job quite well. It might be not work to cut one or two mats with a knife, but 20 or more are a pain without a machine.
This video hit the spot. I've been using horse stall mats only so need to go take my set up to bonus round now with restrictions being lifted in my area.
amen... 1m to 42in is best for the center so you avoid chipping up the surface when your bumpers arent hitting w/ the bar centered (also avoid scarring your bumpers on the screws)
Thanks for the tips about the types of plywood and the dimensions and clearances for dropped barbells. Really helpful information. I am off to the hardware store tomorrow. 👌 also found your oly lifting content great as I’m getting into that a bit more too. 👏 🏋️
You could glue the whole thing but it needs to be in it's forever home. It's an awkward to carry 250 lbs and too big to go through a standard doorway. Screwing it together allows for disasimbly .
This is the PERFECT video for the DIY platform. Thank you so much for this detailed video! Will definitely follow the video to build my platform😎 thanks again!
Thank you!! I almost wanted to just purchase oly mats from Rogue lol but this was so helpful. You're amazing, Thank you so much for all that you do for your fans!
Went to 3 farm supply stores and all carried diamond plate mats. The year before they all carried flat mats. That part seems to be hit and miss. So I used diamond plate stall mats.
Great video, thank you! Also great timing - as I've been building my own platform :) If I may add sth to the topic: for logo stencil I recommend using GEL wood stain (it won't drip and you can get perfect edges).
hmmmm..... I may apply this concept for a deadlifting platform.... maybe just 8 ft wide by 4 ft length, but add an extra layer. My home gym has a concert floor, and I have some heavy duty mats in place.
I'm going to just do 2 stall mats, the full $89!!! 4x8 hardwood piece and my existing crash pads which will take care of most of the lifts anyway. Ugh expensive.
Amazing video! Hope you see this question I’m building am apartment platform which my rack will screw into for tipping and support issues. I don’t plan on doing Olympic lifts due to noise but I will be doing deadlifts. I also have a limitation of 8w 6d and about 2.5inch thick platform at the most. I was leaning on doing something like 3/4 stall mat, 1/2 wood (unsure which quality) as second layer and then another 3/4 stall mat on top. Skipping the wooden platform in middle. Would this work? I’m just trying to Maximize sound/vibration and obv need the wood to anchor the rack. Given my dimensions usage and limitations what would you suggest Ans thanks ahead of time! Everyone is welcome to respond :)!
Looking forward to seeing how you continue to adapt training! I may have missed it in another video, but could you touch on bruises from contacting the bar - is it poor technique that results in pain/bruises on the thigh and hip, do they go away with sufficient weekly volume, or do you ever wear padded shorts?
Thanks Pope. Is it important that most garages have a very slight slope (for water dispersion). In other words do you shim it to be perfectly flat or just go with the actual garage floor?
Loved your video! Shamelessly stole the extra 3” of “cushion” for the mats on the one I’m building. My suggestion. Use a linoleum knife to cut the stall mats. It’s about the best version of a hard task I’ve found. It’s a hooking blade!
Came back to this video to get my platform build this week! Also I assume you’ve given birth to your beautiful baby by now so I’ll also say Congratulations Mama Pope! 🎉
Especially with how expensive the plywood is right now. I did the math and this project would cost above $550 just materials, unfortunately. I’m in Arizona, that’s what my local Home Depot runs at. I’m so bumped, because I know there is building costs too and gas if someone helps you. This is an awesome how to video tho! Hopefully the prices come down soon.
Don't forget to invest in that wheeee ones collection fund. The US needs to start investing in their kids. We're falling behind. (two adopted daughters, myself) Heya Pope. Well made! Love encouraging craftsmanship. My father just got his endorsement for homesteading in Texas. Owns a bunch of land to build on! Let us know if you're ever near Austin.
If you have two layers of (19/32)" plywood, and your screws are 1.25", doesn't it go through the bottom? (19/32)" times 2 gives 1.1875, which is less than the screw length.
I need to save this video, I'm 59 almost 60 and jumping and landing on my feet with only a 1/2" rubber mat hurts the knees and feet and lower back, Now can you make a video on why my arms drop forward when going into the squat position need help want to do a full snatch by my B-day🏋😊
Sounds like a tightness in hip mobility issue (which is usually always the explanation for back pain) She does have some previous videos on stretching that may be beneficial. Either way, I'm more than impressed with the idea of seeing someone 60 performing such a technical that isn't even possible for many people half your age.
Kristin definitely knows what she's doing, but if you don't want to go all Home Depot and want supper longevity observe the following: A good pattern-makers/mold -makers supply will sell "Die-Board---(their version of plywood is purposely much tougher and heavier for their industry)---try www.freemansupply.com their die board comes in many thicknesses and can take an occasionally weight dropped on it. Duh yes it costs& weighs more.
tip for cutting the stall mats is to put some dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray the line you are going to cut.the soapy water helps the knife blade cut through the mats
tattooedyogi WD40 works slick too
@@AdamIZxMiiDNIGHT WD40 is harder to clean p afterwards
tattooedyogi what I have done is lay another board under the stall mat or cut it so that part of it hanging off a work bench out table. It cuts really easily because the cut opens more and more with each pass of the blade.
Also put a cylinder tube underneath the mat where you are cutting
When I cut mine I would do an initial shallow cut just to get the line to follow. Then place something below the rubber, like a large PVC pipe, foam roller (If you're careful not to cut it). This stops the rubber from binding the knife.
Excellent video. I was a college football coach for 26 years and strength coach for a total of 36 years. I didn't have a great budget but this is exactly how I built eight platforms for our school. After a few years I wound up having to replace the top deck because the wood began to deteriorate. Granted our platforms got a lot more use than a garage gym. I found that several coats of gym floor polyurethane preserved the deck and made for better footing as long as it was kept clean. You have an excellent channel with legitimate content which is hard to find.
@6:00 can confirm. Got some of these mats with diamond pattern on them for a steal on craigslist. I now understand why somebody would get rid of them for gym use. Barbells and free weights never sit still on the floor, and its a PAIN to clean. The diamond pattern traps tons of dirt you would normally just be able to sweep off a flat surface. Very annoying.
This answers every question, in great detail, of how to build a platform. This is EXACTLY what I've been looking for and needed. Thank you so very much for making this video!!!
I watched several of these platform build videos, and found all others just conveniently kept the top center board 4x8. Considering the space between collars is 52 inches, that gives little room for error when dropping the loaded bar. That would leave them with only 24" strips on both ends (convent again since stall mats often come 4x6), this also minimizes the area for a loaded bar with 17" sleeve. I really like the how you did 27-42-27.... perfect.
I'm so glad I saw this video prior to purchasing my wood. I'd been planning to make the center platform 4 x 8 ft, but 3.5 does allow just a few more inches of drop surface in each direction. Thanks for making this!
Can’t wait to see lifting vids with lil Kris/Kristin in a crib in the corner! I had a lot of days like that in my garage gym when my twins were babies! 🥰 Thanks for the detailed build list! I’m moving soon and will be making one of these this summer in my new place in Ga!!
I've built this platform twice now using your video. Easy, straight to the point, and materials list is perfect. Thanks for putting this together!
I was just looking for a video like this, and of course, my favorite UA-cam/weightlifter comes out with one the next day!
This looks really nice. I'm trying to get an idea in my head for how I want to have mine built. I haven't bought my rack yet, but I will be buying a folding rack and probably installing along the side wall of the garage on the side where my husband parks. I will need my platform to be modular so I can move easily out of the way when not in use.
Solid platform and good video, but I have some things to add for anyone reading this comment...
I would recommend using wood glue between the layers. It's much better than putting screws in the middle of the boards. This will help prevent the layers from warping over time and creating pockets of air between the layers. It also helps reduce noise and reduces the wear on the platform.
If you don't do Olympic lifts (dropping the bar from waist of higher) using the full sheet (4x8) is fine. The plates will still sit on the rubber. I mostly do deadlifts on my platform and I haven't had an issue in 5 years where I dropped the weight on the wood.
You should coat the surface of the platform with polyurethane (after painting, stain, decoration, etc.) This makes cleaning up sweat, water, blood, etc. easier and it protects the surface. Using a roller is easier and leaves a nicer texture than using a brush.
This is just an aesthetic thing, but for the rubber I think it looks nicer if you cut the 2 pieces so they're evenly sized, rather than having one 6 feet and the other 2 feet.
I use a skill saw to cut the mats. Nice clean cut and you can use a guide if you want with a piece of scrap wood underneath. Remember to set the blade at the right depth.
This video was very useful to me. I constructed a platform that I've been using (for powerlifting) for some time now.
Doing more looking into woodworking, I decided to use wood glue in addition to the screws. Woodworking youtube claims the glue bond is even stronger than the screw bond.
I also followed Alan Thrall's suggestion to use washers on the screws in the horse stall mats.
How do you secure the mats to the platform? Glue? Screws? Or nothing?
If you cut the mat with the side that has your straight edge on a piece of ply or a 2x stock. The side that’s not supported will hang and fall away opening your cut so the knife will work better making it easier to cut through the mat.
I have just had vinyl planking installed on the downstairs cement floor; no underlay. In my weight room, I have 3/4 inch rubber mats that are greater than 8 X 8 in area. I'm getting to the point where I'm dropping the weights. Will building this platform on top of the rubber mats on top of the vinyl planking on top of the cement floor be enough to cushion dropping weights and not damage the vinyl planking. My weights will never be greater than 175 pounds (but I sure wish they would). This past Saturday, I hit a PR in the clean and jerk of 58 kilos at the Canadian Master's Weightlifting Championships. Never in my life have I ever lifted that much. I'll be 70 next month and I've been in Olympic lifting since January 2019.
I've cut stall mats with a fine-toothed saw after putting them on 2x4s on sawhorses. It's faster, but it doesn't leave quite as smooth a cut as using the utility knife.
I'd suggest that, if laying directly onto concrete, to use treaded (or as I saw in another video: Using a moisture barrier wrapped around the base layer) lumber.
Also in another video: Using sleeves around the screws for the mats: Drill holes in the mats to accommodate the sleeves. This is so the mats do not get torn up by the screw threads.
I can tell you have experience. Can you use 1/2 thick horse stall mats? My local supply is all out of 3/4 thick mays
Thank for so much for this video and all the details. Finally decide to build a platform and couldn’t be happier. I was going to buy the rogue platform, but this is half the price and works amazingly.
fabulous!!
Hello, I followed your guide. It’s done. I like it. Though the lumber was very expensive. I made mine 8x6 only because I’m in a 1 car garage. But I just wanted to thank you for a very good video. Would love to show u pictures. Really proud of my work.
awesome!! so glad it was helpful. you can send it to me on IG DM :)@ kris10pope
Rubber Mats can be cut great with a micro circular saw like Bosch GKS12V. The bigger ones stuck easily in the rubber, but the small saw blade does the job quite well. It might be not work to cut one or two mats with a knife, but 20 or more are a pain without a machine.
we are making one thank you great job guys
This video hit the spot. I've been using horse stall mats only so need to go take my set up to bonus round now with restrictions being lifted in my area.
amen... 1m to 42in is best for the center
so you avoid chipping up the surface when
your bumpers arent hitting w/ the bar centered
(also avoid scarring your bumpers on the screws)
Yo! Thanks for making this video, it feels really nice to see how someone who lifts for a living makes their platform :)
So easy. This maybe in my future. Thanks hon. Your looking great. Such a lovely assistant you had as well.
💜
Dang, u got a baby bump. Congrats! Wish u and Jr good health.
Thanks for the tips about the types of plywood and the dimensions and clearances for dropped barbells. Really helpful information. I am off to the hardware store tomorrow. 👌 also found your oly lifting content great as I’m getting into that a bit more too. 👏 🏋️
How about gluing the mats and top plywood on?? Would avoid any screw holes in the top layers
You could glue the whole thing but it needs to be in it's forever home. It's an awkward to carry 250 lbs and too big to go through a standard doorway. Screwing it together allows for disasimbly .
This is the PERFECT video for the DIY platform. Thank you so much for this detailed video! Will definitely follow the video to build my platform😎 thanks again!
Thank you Kristin. Love the informative DIY 👌
Thank you for the vid. All the best .
Thank you!! I almost wanted to just purchase oly mats from Rogue lol but this was so helpful. You're amazing, Thank you so much for all that you do for your fans!
I took your advise lady and built one. Thanks for the help!
Your a lifesaver. Thank you.
great video, thanks for your time and effort!
Great job on the video Kris very simple and useful.
Nice vid! But how do you secure the horse stall mats?
Loved this! Very informative...............
.Org you can just keep the Center piece at 4” buy 2 mats instead of 3. If you don’t want to Spend all that extra money on a mat for 6 inches
You can never have enough platforms! Always nice to watch Pope in action:)
Went to 3 farm supply stores and all carried diamond plate mats. The year before they all carried flat mats. That part seems to be hit and miss. So I used diamond plate stall mats.
Great video, thank you!
Also great timing - as I've been building my own platform :)
If I may add sth to the topic: for logo stencil I recommend using GEL wood stain (it won't drip and you can get perfect edges).
Thank youuuu awesomeness. I’m planning to build a home gym and this is perfect for my squat Rack.
Great video. Good info and fun following you on your journey
Can we use lego style on the bottom part of the mat and smooh side up?? Or do both sides of the mat need to be smooth??
Do you glue the stall mat on? Or nails/screws?
hmmmm..... I may apply this concept for a deadlifting platform.... maybe just 8 ft wide by 4 ft length, but add an extra layer. My home gym has a concert floor, and I have some heavy duty mats in place.
Thank you
Thank you so much for this!
I know the video is old but it was very helpful.
Thank you for this video!!! Much needed for when I buy a house ❤️
I'm going to just do 2 stall mats, the full $89!!! 4x8 hardwood piece and my existing crash pads which will take care of most of the lifts anyway. Ugh expensive.
Good morning Kristin, I appreciate the video and will definitely bookmark it. I'm curious about what the plan is for the new platform.
pipozZz awesome! And we took it all back apart 😂 that’s where I park my car haha
Thanks for the awesome video
Great content! Keep up the solid work
You killed it!! Thank you, I'm off to Home depot!
Thanks alot
Great vid!!
Looking to get the rogue r3. Can I mount the rack to this instead of my floor?
Preggers!! All the best to you and your husband!
Hey! Completely random but what nikey's are those at 8:19? Thanks!
Lovely Assistant!
Love it
Thanks so much for this video!!! My stall mat cuts were not beautiful- but they'll work! lols! First session on my new platform tomorrow :)))))
Thank you for this 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Amazing video! Hope you see this question I’m building am apartment platform which my rack will screw into for tipping and support issues. I don’t plan on doing Olympic lifts due to noise but I will be doing deadlifts. I also have a limitation of 8w 6d and about 2.5inch thick platform at the most. I was leaning on doing something like 3/4 stall mat, 1/2 wood (unsure which quality) as second layer and then another 3/4 stall mat on top. Skipping the wooden platform in middle. Would this work? I’m just trying to Maximize sound/vibration and obv need the wood to anchor the rack. Given my dimensions usage and limitations what would you suggest Ans thanks ahead of time! Everyone is welcome to respond :)!
Good DIY video
Can you just use a 4'x8' plywood board on top? Did you cut narrower primarily because barbells for woman are shorter?
Oh, that's how you made it. Very interesting. Thanks.
Looking forward to seeing how you continue to adapt training!
I may have missed it in another video, but could you touch on bruises from contacting the bar - is it poor technique that results in pain/bruises on the thigh and hip, do they go away with sufficient weekly volume, or do you ever wear padded shorts?
Morgan K Jenkins My guess it you might be contacting the bar too hard or you may just not be used to it
This great I’ll be making one soon will my brother will lol he’s good with wood
What size screw did you use for the main plywood that sits in the middle?
What're your thoughts about cutting the top oak plywood even further down to 3' instead of 3'6? Thanks.
Good video. Keep it up 👍 blessings for you and your baby.
Nice job!
I assume that the same thickness for the mat is okay for deadlifts as well?
An article on BarBend says that the only difference is the overall size (8x8 vs 4x8). The pads and layers of wood are all the same.
Okay
Nice job on staying serious when you said: "let's go get the wood". We could clearly see you holding the laughs as you stepped out the car 😂
Is your complete home gym floor done like this as well? Noticed you had mats and boards throughout your garage gym floor
awesomeness
Thanks Pope. Is it important that most garages have a very slight slope (for water dispersion). In other words do you shim it to be perfectly flat or just go with the actual garage floor?
Damn I’ve been gone for awhile....Congrats to you guys 🥰
Loved your video! Shamelessly stole the extra 3” of “cushion” for the mats on the one I’m building. My suggestion. Use a linoleum knife to cut the stall mats. It’s about the best version of a hard task I’ve found. It’s a hooking blade!
Great vid
With this set up would it be okay to drop 200lbs+ from overhead?
Don't want to damage the concrete or bar. I have hi temp bumpers
Came back to this video to get my platform build this week! Also I assume you’ve given birth to your beautiful baby by now so I’ll also say Congratulations Mama Pope! 🎉
Would using three layers of plywood offer more protection to the concrete below? Or would it just be a waste of money to add a third layer?
i think a waste! not necessary
Especially with how expensive the plywood is right now. I did the math and this project would cost above $550 just materials, unfortunately. I’m in Arizona, that’s what my local Home Depot runs at. I’m so bumped, because I know there is building costs too and gas if someone helps you. This is an awesome how to video tho! Hopefully the prices come down soon.
Have you ever had to move one of these things? Moving houses, and I’m not sure if we can transport this thing in one piece!
Don't forget to invest in that wheeee ones collection fund. The US needs to start investing in their kids. We're falling behind. (two adopted daughters, myself)
Heya Pope. Well made! Love encouraging craftsmanship. My father just got his endorsement for homesteading in Texas.
Owns a bunch of land to build on! Let us know if you're ever near Austin.
Ok, awesome.... now I just need a monster truck to begin my project. Hmm..... where could I find those? 🤔
If you have two layers of (19/32)" plywood, and your screws are 1.25", doesn't it go through the bottom? (19/32)" times 2 gives 1.1875, which is less than the screw length.
How heavy does the platform end up being? Can it be moved easily?
That’s was cool congrats too
$250 only applies in the States, sadly living overseas sucks. Stall mats are about $250 each
I need to save this video, I'm 59 almost 60 and jumping and landing on my feet with only a 1/2" rubber mat hurts the knees and feet and lower back, Now can you make a video on why my arms drop forward when going into the squat position need help want to do a full snatch by my B-day🏋😊
Sounds like a tightness in hip mobility issue (which is usually always the explanation for back pain) She does have some previous videos on stretching that may be beneficial. Either way, I'm more than impressed with the idea of seeing someone 60 performing such a technical that isn't even possible for many people half your age.
Kristin definitely knows what she's doing, but if you don't want to go all Home Depot and want supper longevity observe the following: A good pattern-makers/mold -makers supply will sell "Die-Board---(their version of plywood is purposely much tougher and heavier for their industry)---try www.freemansupply.com their die board comes in many thicknesses and can take an occasionally weight dropped on it. Duh yes it costs& weighs more.
Lookin' good.
#PreggoPope
Is it safe to lift while pregnant? My brother was born a few weeks early after my mom lifted a heavy garage door.
Nice 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😀😀😀😀😀
Why did you use 2x of bottom layers in two pieces, instead of one big piece?