6 DIY Weight Plate Storage Ideas For Your Home Gym

Digging through a pile of weight plates after each set can be frustrating and disrupt your focus. Weight plate storage is often an afterthought for most new home gym owners. After speaking to more than 50 home gym owners, I discovered that most got their first weight plate rack after a year of setting up their training facility. They all claimed their training productivity went through the roof after installing the weight plate storage units. 

Commercial weight plate racks can be expensive and bulky, making them unsuitable for most home gyms. In this article, I cover five sturdy freestanding and one wall-mounted DIY weight plate storage idea you can build for as low as $10. Read on to learn how you can level up your home gym game. 

6 Best DIY Weight Plate Storage Blueprints

Here are six DIY weight plate storage designs that you should consider:

1. DIY Weight Plate Storage Tree

Plate storage trees are the most common weight plate storage units in commercial gyms, along with power rack weight plate horns. Weight plate storage trees take up the least amount of space on the floor and can handle a lot of weight. 

Tools and Materials:

• 4×4 lumber (for the post)
• Plywood (for the base)
• 1-inch thick dowel rod
• Wood screws
• Wood glue
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Circular saw or jigsaw
• Drill with various drill bits
• Sandpaper
• Paint and brush (optional)

Steps:

Here is a step-by-step guide to building a DIY weight plate storage tree:

Step One — Gather all the Tools and Materials

Always have all the tools and materials with you before building a DIY project. Beginning with incomplete tools or materials increases the odds of leaving the project halfway. You can get everything you need for building this project from your local hardware store or online. 

Step Two — Begin with the Design

The best thing about DIY projects is that they are meant to fit your unique needs. Determine the exact dimensions of the plate storage tree and the number of pegs you will need before you begin building. I recommend building a 2’x2’x4’ plate tree, as it is the most stable design in my experience. 

Step Three — Cut the Lumber and Base

Cut the 4×4 lumber to a height of 4 feet using a circular saw or jigsaw. This will be the pole for the storage tree. Then, cut a plywood piece into a 2-foot by 2-foot square for the base.

Step Four — Attach the Pole to the Base

Secure the 4×4 post to the middle of the base using wood screws and wood glue. Use a carpenter’s level to ensure the pole is straight. Besides compromising the project’s durability, a tilted pole can make loading and unloading the plates more challenging. 

Step Five — Cut the Pegs

Cut the 1-inch dowel into seven to eight 8-inch pieces. You can use bigger pegs if you want to load more plates onto each peg. 

Step Six — Make Holes for the Pegs

Use a drilling machine with a 1-inch spade bit, to drill through the 4×4 post. I recommend marking the positions for the holes before drilling. The 45-pound plates usually go at the bottom, followed by 25-pound plates and change plates at the top. 

Step Seven — Insert the Pegs

Insert the pegs through the 4×4 post. Ensure the pegs fit snuggly into the holes. Add wood glue and screws to ensure additional stability. To maintain balance, ensure the dowel is positioned at the center of the 4×4, as having one side protruding more can result in an imbalance.

Step Eight — Paint (Optional)

Although this step is optional, I highly recommend you paint the DIY weight plate storage tree, as it significantly improves its aesthetics. Plus, paint also acts as a protective layer, enhancing its longevity. 

Step Nine — Test

Test this DIY project by loading a weight plate on each side. Add more plates until you max out the pegs. Fix any unnecessary wobbling with wood glue and screws. 

Pros of DIY Weight Plate Storage Tree:

• Great for people who don’t have storage space on the walls. 
• Easy to build. 
• You can change the length of the 4×4 and add more pegs to increase the storage capacity. 

Cons of DIY Weight Plate Storage Tree:

• You need basic woodworking skills and tools.
• Getting the dowel to fit snuggly in the center pole might require trial and error. 

2. DIY A-Frame Storage

The A-Frame storage is a close cousin of the plate storage tree. Some people prefer the former over the latter because of its angled pegs, which make loading and unloading the weight plates more convenient. It also has a suitable place for the change plates. 

Tools and Materials:

• 2 x  92” 2×4 lumber 
• 1 x 1.5 x 48” dowel 
• #12 x 2” pan head sheet metal screws 
• 1.5” washers
• 3” wood screws
• Wood glue
• Paint
• Caster wheels
• Mitre saw
• Drill press
• Cordless drill 
• 1.5” Forstner bit
• 1/8” drill bit
• 5/16 drill bit
• Pocket screw jig

Steps:

This DIY project is a little more complex than the conventional weight plate tree, so pay close attention:

Step One — Cut the Lumber and Dowel

Cut the two 92” lumber into the following lengths using a mitre saw:

• 2 x 39-inch pieces
• 1 x 27.75-inch piece
• 2 x 18-inch pieces
• 1 x 12-inch long piece

Then, cut the dowel into five 8-inch pieces. 

Step Two — Mark the Holes

Place one of the 39-inch lumber pieces on the work table and position two weight plates on it, leaving a couple of inches between them. Trace a circle along each plate’s insert using a pencil. Repeat this step on the other 39-inch piece. 

Step Three — Cut the Lumber

Cut one end of the 39-inch pieces to a 110-degree angle and the other to a 140-degree angle. Make 110-degree cuts on both sides of the other 39-inch piece. 

Then, cut both ends of the 12-inch lumber at a 110-degree angle. Make pocket holes on each end of the 2x4s using a Kreg jig. 

Step Four — Drill Holes

Drill holes on the 39-inch 2x4s using a 1.5-inch Forstner bit to drill holes for the weight pegs. Avoid drilling through the lumber. One end of the lumber will act as a support for the pegs. Using a ⅛-inch drill bit, drill holes in the center of the larger holes for screws. Pre-drill the bottom of each dowel to prevent the wood from cracking.

Pre-drill holes in the rear end of the 2×4 lumber to attach the dowels. Add a washer on each pilot hole on the outside of the 2×4, and then insert 3-inch wood screws. Repeat step four for all lumber pieces. 

Step Five — Build Storage Arms for Change Plates

Place the 27.75-inch lumber piece on the work table with the dowel facing the ceiling. Position one of the 39-inch pieces along its bottom. Drill 2-inch screws into the bottom. Repeat this step for the other 39-inch piece. 

Step Six — Attach the Upright Posts

At the top of the upright posts, drill 2.5-inch pocket screws. Then, drill three 3-inch wood screws from the frame’s bottom into the side pieces. Secure the 12-inch lumber in the middle of the frame using wood glue and screws. 

Lay the frame on its side. Apply wood glue to the center of one of the 18-inch pieces and fasten it at 90 degrees to one end of the frame. Drill wood screws from the bottom and top into the leg to ensure safety. Repeat this step on the other leg. Test this DIY weight plate storage rack and check for stability issues. 

Pros of DIY Weight Plate A-Frame Storage:

• The storage angle makes it convenient to use. 
• Can hold a lot of weight plates. 
• Perfect for people who can’t install weight plate storage arms on the wall. 

Cons of DIY Weight Plate A-Frame Storage:

• It is a time-consuming project, as it can take 2-5 hours to complete, depending on your experience level. 
• Not for DIY beginners.

3. DIY Wall-Mounted Weight Plate Storage Rack

People who can accommodate weight plates on their walls should look no further. This DIY project is easy to build and can handle a lot of weight. 

Tools and Materials:

• 1 x 6-foot 2×4 plywood
• 4 x 12” long 1” steel pipes
• 4 x 1” floor flanges
• 16 x #14 screws 1 ½” long
• 4 x 1” caps
• 3 x 4” lag screws
• 3 x ¼” washers
• Cordless drill
• Stud finder
• Drywall anchors

Steps:

This is how to build a wall-mounted weight plate storage unit:

Step One — Mark the Wood

Place the plywood on the floor and position the bumper plates over it. Leave a little space between each bumper plate and ensure the insert of each weight plate is over the lumber. Mark the holes for the steel pipes using a pencil. 

Step Two — Drill

Position a flange at the center of one of the marks and drill a pilot hole for the screws. Attach the flange to the plywood using #14 1 ½” screws. Repeat this step for all the flanges. 

Step Three — Attach the Pipes

Screw the 1-inch caps onto one end of each pipe and screw the other into a flange. 

Step Four — Attach the Plywood to the Wall

Use a stud finder and a pencil to mark the drilling spots on the wall. Pre-drill the wall and the plywood at three spots (top, middle, and bottom) for lag screws. Use 4-inch lag screws to attach the plywood to the wall. 

Pros of DIY Wall-Mounted Weight Plate Storage Rack:

• Incredibly accessible. 
• Easy to build. 
• The best option for home gym owners who cannot accommodate a weight plate rack on the floor. 

Cons of DIY Wall-Mounted Weight Plate Storage Rack:

• Not for people who cannot mount the racks on the wall.

4. DIY Weight Plate Storage Rack

This DIY weight plate storage idea is similar to the weight plate racks found in Olympic weightlifting gyms. 

Tools and Materials:

• 14-inch 2x4s (Get one extra lumber piece beyond the total count of your weight plates.)
• 2 x 2x4s (Place all your weight plates on their sides while leaving a couple of inches between them. Add an additional 2-3 inches to that number. This is how long these two lumber pieces should be.)
• Wood screws
• Cordless drill

Steps:

Here is how to build your own Olympic weightlifting-style weight plate rack:

Step One — Set the Base

Position the bigger 2x4s on the floor horizontally, parallel to each other. Place one of the 14-inch 2x4s inside the larger 2x4s on the edges. This will be the border of your weight plate storage rack.

Pre-drill through the longer lumber into the smaller one on both ends. Secure the wood pieces together using wood screws. 

Step Two — Repeat the Steps

Position a weight plate against the newly installed vertical wood piece. Place another 14-inch 2×4 against the plate. Leave a little extra space and fasten the smaller horizontal lumber to the vertical one using screws. Repeat this step until you’ve added dividers for all the weight plates.  

Pros of DIY Weight Plate Storage Rack:

• Custom-made to fit all your weight plates. 
• Easy to build. You can build this DIY rack with just a drill machine and screws if you purchase pre-cut wood.

Cons of DIY Weight Plate Storage Rack:

• Takes up valuable real estate. 
• A bulky setup compared to the other racks detailed above. 

5. DIY Weight Plate Cart

If you’re like most people, you don’t perform all your exercises in the same place. For example, you perform deadlifts in a particular area in your home gym and squats in a different location. For this, you usually need to transport the weight plates across the room, which can take a lot of time and energy. This DIY weight plate storage area offers a solution. 

This weight plate idea is the same as the previous one (DIY Weight Plate Storage Rack) with one small adjustment; this rack has wheels. This is how to build it:

Tools and Materials:

• 14-inch 2x4s
• 2 x 2x4s
• Wood screws
• Cordless drill
• Caster wheels

Steps:

Here is how to build a weight plate rack with wheels:

Step One — Build the DIY Weight Plate Storage Rack

Use the two steps explained in the DIY weight plate storage (idea number four) to build an Olympic weightlifting-style weight rack. 

Step Two — Add the Wheels

Flip the rack over and position a caster wheel on one corner. Use a pencil to mark the screw holes. Drill the pilot holes for the screws. Screw the caster wheels into place. Repeat this step on all four ends. 

Pros of DIY Weight Plate Cart:

• Convenient to move around in your home gym. 
• Can be used as a weight sled.

Cons of DIY Weight Plate Cart:

• Requires more maintenance compared to the other DIY ideas in this article. 

6. DIY Weight Bench and Plate Storage Rack

This weight plate storage idea is an excellent pick for folks with limited space in their home gym. This plate rack doubles as a flat bench that you can use for exercises like flat dumbbell bench presses, single-arm dumbbell rows, and seated biceps dumbbell curls. 

Tools and Materials:

• 2 x 16″ x 48″ plywood
• 8 x 19″ 2″x4″
• 2 x 48″ dowels
• 32 #8, 2 1/2″ wood screws
• Drill
• Circular Saw or mitre saw
• Level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Hammer

Steps:

Follow these guidelines to build your weight bench plate storage:

Step One — Mark

Place the 16″ x 48″ plywood flat on the floor. Position four 2x4s in each corner of the plywood. Use a pencil to mark the areas before taking the four pieces off. 

Run a tape measure across the 48-inch length of the plywood. Make marking at 16 and 32 inches, as this is where you will place the interior support column. Do this on both sides of the plywood. 

Step Two — Drill

Mark drilling spots for two holes for each 2×4 lumber piece on the plywood. Drill pilot holes and insert the wood screws so that about 1/8th sticks out the other side. 

Step Three — Assemble

Place the four 2×4 pieces under the four corners and drill the screws through the ply into the lumber. Once the bench is freestanding, attach the four center support columns. 

Step Four — Plate Holders

Now, flip the bench over and place the two 48-inch dowels on the inside of the eight legs. These dowels are meant to stop the weight plates from rolling out. Use a hammer or a nail gun to fix the dowels in place. 

Step Five — Attach the Top

Lay the other 16″ x 48″ plywood piece on top of the legs and drill it into place. Make sure the edges of the plywood are flush with the lumber. Don’t hesitate to use some brute strength to realign the top if you have to. 

Pros of DIY Weight Bench and Plate Storage Rack:

• Excellent for congested home gyms. 
• A sturdy bench suitable for lifting heavy. 

Cons of DIY Weight Bench and Plate Storage Rack:

• Requires meticulous planning to get it right. 
• Getting the weight plates in and out can be inconvenient. 
• Not the most comfortable flat bench.

Things To Consider While Building a DIY Weight Plate Storage Project

You must consider the following factors before starting a DIY weight plate project:

Space

Consider the space you’re dealing with. Opt for a wall-mounted variant if you don’t have space to accommodate a freestanding weight plate storage unit. You can tweak the dimensions of a DIY project to fit your needs. However, you must ensure you don’t violate a product’s structural integrity. 

Number of Weight Plates

The number of weight plates you own can also influence the DIY plate storage you pick. If you have over 10 weight plates, you’ll have to build two Olympic-style weight plate racks, which is not the best solution for home gym owners. In this case, I recommend building a weight plate tree, as it can store more plates. 

Budget

You can build most DIY weight plate storage ideas explained in this article for around $20, provided you already own the power tools. The weight plate tree is the best choice for DIY beginners. 

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity of a DIY weight plate storage unit will depend on the material used and your expertise. Use high-quality, heavy-duty materials if you plan to store more than 300 pounds on a rack. 

Why To Use a DIY Weight Plate Storage Unit?

The type of weight plates you should get will depend on your training needs. Functional athletes would be better off getting bumper weight plates, whereas powerlifters and bodybuilders can make do with cast iron weight plates. 

Although weight plates are pretty rugged, improper storage can hamper their longevity. Storing the weight plates on the floor can lead to cracks and breaks in the training equipment and increase your risk of injury. 

Building DIY weight plate storage takes between 10 to 60 minutes and can improve the training space utility and the durability of the weight plates. An uncluttered gym is underrated. Keeping your training space open and free can help you get more done in a short period. 

FAQs

I own a power rack. Should I still build a DIY weight plate storage unit?

It will ultimately depend on your current equipment arsenal and your utility. I suggest getting weight plate horn attachments if you already have a power rack. However, you could build your own DIY weight plate horns, and I highly recommend you look into it. 

How much does a DIY weight plate storage cost to build?

A DIY weight plate storage rack can cost anywhere between $10 to $50 to build, provided you already own the power tools. Since this is a budget-friendly DIY project, avoid compromising on the quality of the materials, as it can hamper its durability. 

How much weight can a DIY weight plate storage unit hold?

It depends on the type of DIY weight plate storage idea you pick, the materials you use, and your craftsmanship. Most weight plate storage ideas explained in this article should be able to handle 300 pounds. However, take this with a grain of salt. Test your storage equipment before maxing them. 

Conclusion

Each weight plate storage option has its pros and cons. The right weight plate storage product for you is the one that fits your gym and needs and eliminates friction. For example, folks with limited gym floor space should opt for wall-mounted plate storage. 

Beginners should start with the wall-mounted DIY weight plate storage idea. On the other hand, advanced lifters who are into Olympic weightlifting should go with the DIY weight plate storage rack (idea number four). 

If you have any questions about building a DIY weight plate rack, let us know in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to help. 

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