I also have a sloped garage. But experimented a little by putting a 4ft torpedo level on my barbell standing at a deadlift position and a bench press position and to my surprise my level was out going the opposite way. I then measured my arms and noticed I have one longer than the other by about 1/4in... I guess I kind of level my self out 😆
I'm glad the video is helpful! It's really not too difficult, but it does take some time. Figuring out the slope and getting the wedge just right is the most challenging part. Good luck!
Just followed this same design and it worked perfectly, thanks! Only difference is I made it for an 8x10 sloping width wise so I needed an extra 2x8 wedge
How big is your garage space? I have a 9'9'' by 15.5' space (ex. the built-in safety curb!!!) and I've laid it out so the barbell runs along the width rather than the length (so my heels either tilt a bit forward or back depending on which side I'm facing when lifting - to the garage door or the back wall). I don't have a rack yet but will need to level out so it doesn't tip forward when using spotter arms. I assume you oriented it this way because of the 7' length barbell you have and where your entry door is placed (my entry door is by garage door and not the rear of the garage space). I use a shorty barbell, which is perfect for my space and my lifting strength. Cool build.
Yeah you're right. That's the reason I oriented it the way I did. My garage is roughly 10' x 20'. Orienting the rack the way you plan to do it will mean it won't make too much difference if you level it. That would more be a preference thing. Good luck👍
Thank you for this video! I’ll have to convince my hubs he needs this. He’s been having knee issues from squatting on a sloped floor. I’ve noticed issues myself. Random Q, where did you get the wall mirrors from? And were they affordable?
Absolutely. Lifting on a slanted surface over time will lead to imbalances. I got the mirrors from Lowes if I remember right. They are bathroom vanity mirrors. Here's a video I did on them: ruclips.net/video/HopX8dAyH2I/видео.html
Good job on the vid and thank you! Looks great! I’m tired of lifting on an angle (mentally and physically)! I’m Going to start on a 8x10 for myself since my rack is deeper. Question...do you remember what grade (#) of screws you used and did you make pilot holes?
That was a nice moment of truth. Hopefully that all day sweaty build counted as a workout! Note - I'm curious whether those mats shrunk at all / will expand back over the summer. Mini OCD project if possible without moving the rack = some caulk and gorilla tape for the imperfect gaps / that nice leftover piece if needed.
Yeah honestly I was a little scared at the end when I threw down the level!😂 That's a good idea about the gorilla tape to cover the imperfections in the mats. Now I'm thinking about adding more mats to the garage, but can't find them in stock...
Perfect tutorial, on my way to building mine exactly as yours. Unfortunately no 1/8" hardboard available around me, but using 3/16" and did 5 layers to even out the slope. (total of seven 4x8 boards) There will be a 0.32mm offset but hoping that won't be too noticeable.
@@honed that's awesome!! I didn't realize how big of an impact lifting on a slight slope could have on me over time. Like I said, I injured my back and I attribute most of it to the uneven surface. How the platform works out just as well for you!
Would you foresee any issues if you followed the same steps except flipped your glued 8 foot pieces of 1/8 inch plywood over? Basically to allow for small pockets of airflow underneath the platform. Hope that makes sense.
So I have a 1/4 slope. If I use 1/8th boards should I cut it at 2 feet to get the slope. The other option would be to cut at each foot but will have to double stack and will make the platform super thick.
What is the easiest/best way to determine the slope? I am thinking of making this platform in a basement room that is sloped from both sides of the room. So Im not sure if your method will work. So the middle of the room is lowest and its elevated by the walls. I would also have to make the platform about 7.5ft wide and 6ft deep to account for the size of the room. Maybe I could level it out from left to right and then front to back?
Well the slope should only go in one direction: away from the house. The easiest way to determine the slope is to get a 1 ft piece of wood. Lay it on the floor running away from the house. Place a level on top. Lift up the end furthest from the house until the level reads level. Measure the distance off the ground of the far end with a tape measure. That is your slope per foot. Repeat on a few different sections of the floor then take your average.👍
I eventually found a space in the basement that worked. The storage rooms were sloped away from every wall, old Pittsburgh home with coal rooms.. the platform is complete and level works like a charm. Thank you!
Hi I also want to build a platform, I am curious about if you put glue btw plywood and board, or plywood btw plywood? Or you just put glue btw boards. And what is the glue name? Meanwhile, what is the model of your circular saw? THanks!
I used glue just between the boards. I used screws to attach the plywood. I used a Dewalt 20v cordless circular saw. I think the glue was the cheapest liquid nails glue at home depot. About $2 per tube I think. Hope that helps!
Do you think this is still worth doing if my garage slope is very minimal I have may be a quarter inch or less of a slope so there is just a very slight slope in my garage would you still recommend creating a wedge and if so how would I go about making mine
Yes, I do think it would be worth while. A small slope overtime can really mess you up. I would start by determining your slope. Get a foot long piece of wood. Place a level on it then lift one end until the bubble reads level. Measure how far off the ground the lifted end is. That is your slope/foot. Then make all of your calculations based on that. Hope that helps!👍
How uneven was your floor? Just the standard garage slope? It’s so gradual I’m wondering how that hurt your back? Thank you! I am concerned for my self now!
My slope is 1/8" per foot. So that means when I lift my feet are sometimes maybe 2 or 2.5' apart. So that's a difference of 1/4" or more. You add weight over time and that means an imbalance. After a year, both my wife and I noticed issues.☹️👎
I can attest to this. Especially when I get over ~75% of my 1RM in back squat, I can really feel it. To the point that I don't go as heavy at home vs when in an actual gym.
@@DiscoveringStrength Shit. I’m at a temporary place, possibly 2 years and I’ve already set up the stall mats and rack and everything and noticed the slope. I have the rack facing the slope so at least both feet are on the same plane rather than it sloping sideways on me if that makes sense? Did you have your wrack facing the slope or perpendicular to it? Do you think Olympic lifting shoes with a raised heel would help correct this rather than redoing the whole setup? Thank you very much
I currently have 2 1/2 inch 4x8s that I cut into 2x4s so I could hit it into my hatch back. Do you think that would suffice to uses on top of the wedge followed by the 3/4 inch red wood and stall mats?
In determining the slope, u said u used a 1’ board. Can’t u put your leveler on the garage floor raise it til it is leveled and measure how far off the ground the leveler is with your tape measure. That is if your leveler can measure 1’? Or is there another purpose for the 1’ board?
Nice set up by the way. Good video as it was explained nice and clear. I will use this video as a model for my set up. Thanx bruh and God Speed on your fitness journey!
im assuming the screws used in sequence are: First 3/4" for plywood over hardwood, then 1" centre plywood over plywood , and lastly 1.25" rubber over plywood - can someone please confirm... many thanks in advance!!
@@DiscoveringStrength thank you! So to be clear when you lay down the osb plywood over the hardwood panels, the screws that are used are all 3/4" across the whole areal? Or are you using the longer nails on the wedge and then shortening the length as you move toward the single panels....
@@chefsanji5517 Yes when attaching the plywood to the wedge I used the 3/4" screws on the thinest part of the wedge. They you progressively use longer screws as you move to the thicker portion of the wedge. Hope that clarifies👍
@@DiscoveringStrength perfect! Thank you so much for replying! Im currently building the platform using your instructions. Lets see how it turns out! I may reach out with more qs as i make progress! You've been a great help!
If you get a 1' board, a level, and tape measure you can figure it out. Place the board on your floor with the level on top. Lift up the end until the bubble level centers then use tape measure to measure how far off the ground the end is. That should give you your slope per foot. Good luck!
@discovering strength the panels that you used are they panels that can also be used to put on a wall like the ones from back in the 70’s and 80’s? Just asking so I can know exactly the type of wood to purchase from home depot.
Here is what I used: www.homedepot.com/p/Hardboard-Tempered-Panel-Common-1-8-in-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-0-115-in-x-47-7-in-x-95-7-in-832777/202189720 They list it as hardboard. It may be the same stuff used for wood paneling in the 70s-80s. Hope that helps!
@@DiscoveringStrength yes it does! Thank you so much. I’m going to order the wood from Home Depot’s website and see if they will deliver it. I watched your video today about the bench, good video. Keep making content and thanks again.
You know I'm not sure. I think it came in the box of something else I bought.😂😂 However, here's the same one on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHGDDWL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_Z3H7YPX7YASCQXGAVER1
There is a notch for the garage door to rise above the rack, while it’s on the 3/4 horse stall mats.. so I’m trying to level the floor and rack, but not increase the height too much..
Just moved and need to make one of these for my new garage. Thanks for making this
No problem. Glad it was helpful👍
Awesome. I was racking my brain trying to figure out the angled cuts, this solved it, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!👍
I also have a sloped garage. But experimented a little by putting a 4ft torpedo level on my barbell standing at a deadlift position and a bench press position and to my surprise my level was out going the opposite way. I then measured my arms and noticed I have one longer than the other by about 1/4in... I guess I kind of level my self out 😆
Haha...that's amazing!
This is a very good video. I saw all the others and I was like...I cant do that sh!t. But this I can do. Thank you sir!
I'm glad the video is helpful! It's really not too difficult, but it does take some time. Figuring out the slope and getting the wedge just right is the most challenging part. Good luck!
Just followed this same design and it worked perfectly, thanks! Only difference is I made it for an 8x10 sloping width wise so I needed an extra 2x8 wedge
Awesome! Hope it turned out well for you. It has worked out great for me. It has given me a lot of peace of mind that I'm living on a flat surface.👍
@@DiscoveringStrength did you put the lag screws for your rack through the plywood and the hardboard? Or just the plywood?
How big is your garage space? I have a 9'9'' by 15.5' space (ex. the built-in safety curb!!!) and I've laid it out so the barbell runs along the width rather than the length (so my heels either tilt a bit forward or back depending on which side I'm facing when lifting - to the garage door or the back wall). I don't have a rack yet but will need to level out so it doesn't tip forward when using spotter arms.
I assume you oriented it this way because of the 7' length barbell you have and where your entry door is placed (my entry door is by garage door and not the rear of the garage space). I use a shorty barbell, which is perfect for my space and my lifting strength.
Cool build.
Yeah you're right. That's the reason I oriented it the way I did. My garage is roughly 10' x 20'. Orienting the rack the way you plan to do it will mean it won't make too much difference if you level it. That would more be a preference thing. Good luck👍
Nice set up! Thanks for the video.
Thanks! Glad the video was helpful.👍
Thank you for this video! I’ll have to convince my hubs he needs this. He’s been having knee issues from squatting on a sloped floor. I’ve noticed issues myself.
Random Q, where did you get the wall mirrors from? And were they affordable?
Absolutely. Lifting on a slanted surface over time will lead to imbalances. I got the mirrors from Lowes if I remember right. They are bathroom vanity mirrors. Here's a video I did on them:
ruclips.net/video/HopX8dAyH2I/видео.html
Good job on the vid and thank you! Looks great! I’m tired of lifting on an angle (mentally and physically)! I’m Going to start on a 8x10 for myself since my rack is deeper. Question...do you remember what grade (#) of screws you used and did you make pilot holes?
Well done. How long would you say this took, including trips to the store?
I'd say it took me a full day, maybe two with trips to the store. Hope that helps 👍
thank you
@@DiscoveringStrength
That was a nice moment of truth.
Hopefully that all day sweaty build counted as a workout!
Note - I'm curious whether those mats shrunk at all / will expand back over the summer.
Mini OCD project if possible without moving the rack = some caulk and gorilla tape for the imperfect gaps / that nice leftover piece if needed.
Yeah honestly I was a little scared at the end when I threw down the level!😂 That's a good idea about the gorilla tape to cover the imperfections in the mats. Now I'm thinking about adding more mats to the garage, but can't find them in stock...
Perfect tutorial, on my way to building mine exactly as yours. Unfortunately no 1/8" hardboard available around me, but using 3/16" and did 5 layers to even out the slope. (total of seven 4x8 boards) There will be a 0.32mm offset but hoping that won't be too noticeable.
That sounds like a great plan! I'm glad the video was helpful.👍
@@DiscoveringStrength Totally, one of the best tutorials I've found and my platform is perfectly level.
@@honed that's awesome!! I didn't realize how big of an impact lifting on a slight slope could have on me over time. Like I said, I injured my back and I attribute most of it to the uneven surface. How the platform works out just as well for you!
Would you foresee any issues if you followed the same steps except flipped your glued 8 foot pieces of 1/8 inch plywood over? Basically to allow for small pockets of airflow underneath the platform. Hope that makes sense.
No I wouldn't see any issue with doing that.👍
So I have a 1/4 slope. If I use 1/8th boards should I cut it at 2 feet to get the slope.
The other option would be to cut at each foot but will have to double stack and will make the platform super thick.
What is the easiest/best way to determine the slope? I am thinking of making this platform in a basement room that is sloped from both sides of the room. So Im not sure if your method will work. So the middle of the room is lowest and its elevated by the walls. I would also have to make the platform about 7.5ft wide and 6ft deep to account for the size of the room. Maybe I could level it out from left to right and then front to back?
Well the slope should only go in one direction: away from the house. The easiest way to determine the slope is to get a 1 ft piece of wood. Lay it on the floor running away from the house. Place a level on top. Lift up the end furthest from the house until the level reads level. Measure the distance off the ground of the far end with a tape measure. That is your slope per foot. Repeat on a few different sections of the floor then take your average.👍
I eventually found a space in the basement that worked. The storage rooms were sloped away from every wall, old Pittsburgh home with coal rooms.. the platform is complete and level works like a charm. Thank you!
Hi I also want to build a platform, I am curious about if you put glue btw plywood and board, or plywood btw plywood? Or you just put glue btw boards. And what is the glue name? Meanwhile, what is the model of your circular saw? THanks!
I used glue just between the boards. I used screws to attach the plywood. I used a Dewalt 20v cordless circular saw. I think the glue was the cheapest liquid nails glue at home depot. About $2 per tube I think. Hope that helps!
Do you think this is still worth doing if my garage slope is very minimal I have may be a quarter inch or less of a slope so there is just a very slight slope in my garage would you still recommend creating a wedge and if so how would I go about making mine
Yes, I do think it would be worth while. A small slope overtime can really mess you up. I would start by determining your slope. Get a foot long piece of wood. Place a level on it then lift one end until the bubble reads level. Measure how far off the ground the lifted end is. That is your slope/foot. Then make all of your calculations based on that. Hope that helps!👍
How uneven was your floor?
Just the standard garage slope? It’s so gradual I’m wondering how that hurt your back?
Thank you! I am concerned for my self now!
My slope is 1/8" per foot. So that means when I lift my feet are sometimes maybe 2 or 2.5' apart. So that's a difference of 1/4" or more. You add weight over time and that means an imbalance. After a year, both my wife and I noticed issues.☹️👎
I can attest to this. Especially when I get over ~75% of my 1RM in back squat, I can really feel it. To the point that I don't go as heavy at home vs when in an actual gym.
@@AndrewWatsonWilliam yeah it was very subtle, but over time a noticed a big impact. Glad I now have a level floor!
@@DiscoveringStrength
Shit. I’m at a temporary place, possibly 2 years and I’ve already set up the stall mats and rack and everything and noticed the slope.
I have the rack facing the slope so at least both feet are on the same plane rather than it sloping sideways on me if that makes sense?
Did you have your wrack facing the slope or perpendicular to it? Do you think Olympic lifting shoes with a raised heel would help correct this rather than redoing the whole setup?
Thank you very much
I currently have 2 1/2 inch 4x8s that I cut into 2x4s so I could hit it into my hatch back. Do you think that would suffice to uses on top of the wedge followed by the 3/4 inch red wood and stall mats?
Yes absolutely. I think that's basically the same as what I used.
In determining the slope, u said u used a 1’ board. Can’t u put your leveler on the garage floor raise it til it is leveled and measure how far off the ground the leveler is with your tape measure. That is if your leveler can measure 1’? Or is there another purpose for the 1’ board?
That would work too. That was the thought behind the 1' board.👍
Nice set up by the way. Good video as it was explained nice and clear. I will use this video as a model for my set up. Thanx bruh and God Speed on your fitness journey!
Did you use the 1/1.4 screws for the hardwood and the mats? Thank you.
Yes I used the the 1 1/4" screws for both. I used shorter screws on the thinner portion of the wedge. Hope that helps!
im assuming the screws used in sequence are:
First 3/4" for plywood over hardwood, then 1" centre plywood over plywood , and lastly 1.25" rubber over plywood - can someone please confirm... many thanks in advance!!
Yes that's correct 👍
@@DiscoveringStrength thank you! So to be clear when you lay down the osb plywood over the hardwood panels, the screws that are used are all 3/4" across the whole areal? Or are you using the longer nails on the wedge and then shortening the length as you move toward the single panels....
@@chefsanji5517 Yes when attaching the plywood to the wedge I used the 3/4" screws on the thinest part of the wedge. They you progressively use longer screws as you move to the thicker portion of the wedge. Hope that clarifies👍
@@DiscoveringStrength perfect! Thank you so much for replying! Im currently building the platform using your instructions. Lets see how it turns out!
I may reach out with more qs as i make progress!
You've been a great help!
@discoveryingstrength how long did you wait before screwing the plywood down on top of the glued wood?
I let the glue sit overnight so about 24 hrs.
@@DiscoveringStrength I started screwing the boards down. I waited about 2 hours. I hope that it works out.
Yeah I'm sure that will be fine. I don't think it takes too long for the glue to cure.
@@DiscoveringStrength I finally finished but the level is slightly off. Not too much but enough that it's driving me crazy, lol.
@@DiscoveringStrength do you think that maybe I can put some shims under it?
How do you determine the slope?
If you get a 1' board, a level, and tape measure you can figure it out. Place the board on your floor with the level on top. Lift up the end until the bubble level centers then use tape measure to measure how far off the ground the end is. That should give you your slope per foot. Good luck!
@discovering strength the panels that you used are they panels that can also be used to put on a wall like the ones from back in the 70’s and 80’s? Just asking so I can know exactly the type of wood to purchase from home depot.
Here is what I used:
www.homedepot.com/p/Hardboard-Tempered-Panel-Common-1-8-in-4-ft-x-8-ft-Actual-0-115-in-x-47-7-in-x-95-7-in-832777/202189720
They list it as hardboard. It may be the same stuff used for wood paneling in the 70s-80s. Hope that helps!
@@DiscoveringStrength yes it does! Thank you so much. I’m going to order the wood from Home Depot’s website and see if they will deliver it. I watched your video today about the bench, good video. Keep making content and thanks again.
Thanks! I appreciate the encouragement. Good luck making the lifting platform!
@@DiscoveringStrength thank you for the info. I will start tomorrow.
Should you squat heavy?
Good question...
14:37 Where'd you get that line level?
You know I'm not sure. I think it came in the box of something else I bought.😂😂 However, here's the same one on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B07PHGDDWL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glc_fabc_Z3H7YPX7YASCQXGAVER1
thanks man, added to cart now
Hmmmm my rack is wall mounted.. doing this with the horse stall mats on top.. will be a challenge ..
I could see that being challenging. Maybe get your platform in place then mount your rack if you haven't already.👍
Do you have a link to the board you used?
There is a notch for the garage door to rise above the rack, while it’s on the 3/4 horse stall mats.. so I’m trying to level the floor and rack, but not increase the height too much..
God the expense on my gym never ends lol. Think this support a car parked on it?
Haha...yeah I'm sure you could park on it. It's super solid
why do you wear sun glasses in the garage...
Damn, do you live next to an airport?
Looks like shit actually
Looks amazing
@@massagegun5659 he used a tape measure as a straight edge.