Build Your Own Wartime Rack: A Step-By-Step Guide

June 22, 2021

With many of us on home lock down, we’re all finding creative ways to staying active. The die-hard iron benders are itching to get back to the bars to crush a little metal. For those fortunate enough to have a home gym setup, you’re in a good spot. For those with the basics, we’re here to provide a potential solution if you can scrape together some wood, screws and patience.

Cole is one of our many dedicated IPC athletes. With the uncertainty of recent times, he decided to build a simple, wartime style rack to ensure he is able to continue crushing the big lifts from the comforts of home. His discipline to his training and his craft are second to none. We reached out to him and asked him to give us a step by step breakdown to building your own home rack for our IPC followers. So, make a list, hit Home Depot and grab your drill. It’s time to build your wartime rack.

Materials Needed

  • (1) – Plywood 4′ x 8′ x 1/2″
  • (1) – 2′ x 3′ x 8′
  • (1) – 4′ x 4′ x 8′
  • (10) – 2′ x 4′ x 8′
  • (3) – 19L Buckets
  • (1) – Bag of Concrete Mix
  • (1) – 50 Piece Container of 10 x 3″ Wood Screws
  • (4) – 8″ Wood Screws

Step By Step Guide

  1. Cut (2) [2 x 4] at 38″
  2. Cut (2) [2 x 4] at 40″
  3. Cut (2) [2 x 4] at 58″
  4. Cut (2) [2 x 4] at 60″
  5. Cut (2) [2 x 4] at 78″
  6. *Put Your Off Cuts Aside For Later*
  7. Using (4) wood screws, screw the [2 x 4 x 58″] to the [2 x 4 x 78″] with the ends flush
  8. Using (4) wood screws, screw the [2 x 4 x 60″] to the [2 x 4 x 58″] with the ends flush
  9. Using (4) wood screws, screw the [2 x 4 x 38″] to the [2 x 4 x 60″] with the ends flush
  10. Using (4) wood screws, screw the [2 x 4 x 40″] to the [2 x 4 x 38″] with the ends flush
  11. Repeat Steps 7-10 to build 2nd stand
  12. Mix concrete and water using instructions on bag
  13. Put squat stands into each 19L bucket
  14. Add wet concrete evenly to each bucket, level accordingly
  15. Let sit for 24 hours

TO BUILD THE BENCH

  1. Cut (4) [2 x 4] at 14″
  2. Cut (2) [4 x 4] at 15″
  3. Cut (1) [4 x 4] at 41″
  4. Cut (1) plywood 48″ long, 14″ wide
  5. Using (4) wood screws, screw the [2 x 4 x 14″] at each end of a [4 x 4 x 15″]
  6. Repeat for other footing, ensure you center the [4 x 4]
  7. Attach the [4 x 4 x 41″] to each footing made in Step 20
  8. Ensure everything is flush and centered
  9. Attach plywood onto the bench using (4) 8″ screws

We want to thank Cole for his instructions. Should you need assistance with your rack, you can reach out to Cole for further instructions on Instagram @weddell33