So here are the plans I made for the weightlifting platform I am making tomorrow. I will have some real life pictures of it as I make it. Most of the stuff I am doing was taken right from http://www.ironmind.com/ironmind/opencms/Main/homesweathome6.html.
However, due to the fact that the door to my gym is 32" x 32", so the maximum I can fit is 44", not 48" as Ironmind outlines, I had to cut my wood differently. I wanted a 6x8 platform, not a 8x8 (don't need it for full clean and jerks or snatches, just cleans and deadlifts, because there is no head room), so I cut each 4x8 piece of plywood into two 3x4 segments and one 2x4 segment. Then I arranged the two lower layers. I still don't have rubber to use, so I am waiting on that.
Pictures tomorrow after cutting and assembling. Also, tomorrow I get my squat stands.
Step 1:
Lay the bottom layer (seen in diagram above), then the second layer above it. I used a corner to make sure everything was situated well and even, but you might not have that option, so use what you have. Extra wood, walls, chairs, anything will work to make sure its all straight and even.
Once everything is set, screw down the layers to each other, or nail if you choose. Screws will enable it to be taken apart. I used screws at the edges of each piece roughly 8 inches from each other.
Step 2:
Get the top segment (or segments, in my case) and set it in the middle of the platform. This will be where you stand so it should be flat. Screw it down on the edges and make sure nothing sticks up, I did it every 6 inches around the edges of each piece. To make it extra sturdy, use screws that reach through all 3 sheets of plywood. My top piece (both together) is 41" wide.
Step 3:
Set the two cushions (rubber is best, but I may use layers of carpet for now) on the edges and screw them down, making sure the screws aren't sticking up anywhere.
Here is a good option for rubber mats - this is about the price you're going to be paying.
Rubber-Cal "Shark Tooth" Heavy-Duty Matting - 3/4-inch Thick Rubber Mats - Black - Made in the USA - 3/4 inch thick x 4ft x 6ft
Here is a good option for rubber mats - this is about the price you're going to be paying.
Rubber-Cal "Shark Tooth" Heavy-Duty Matting - 3/4-inch Thick Rubber Mats - Black - Made in the USA - 3/4 inch thick x 4ft x 6ft
Enjoy the platform.
