Weight Bench (5 position,Flat/Incline) doubles as Patio Bench

If you'd like to have a brand-new weight bench, but you don't want to spend a lot of money, then you might consider making one yourself. I decided to make a multi-position flat/incline bench using a 4x4 post as a base. This bench doubles as a patio seat so i don't have to hide/put it away after each workout.

Bear in mind that the dimensions of this bench will not be suitable for everybody; it will depend on the height of the person using the weight bench. The bench is about 3.75 feet long which is an average size.

The Bench plan can be viewed/downloaded here>>> Weight Bench Plan/Drawing To download a copy, right click then "Save Target As" then hit "Save".

NOTE: This built is not designed for serious heavy weight lifting.

Materials you need:
4 ft. of 3/4 x 12 piece of plywood or solid wood
3 ft. of 1 x 2 wood
8 ft. of 2 x 2 wood
8 ft. of 4 x 4 wood post
1 (#10) 8" bolt and nut
2 (#8) 3" bolt and nuts
1 (#10) 12" bolt/screw and 4 bolt nuts
8 (#10) nylon washers
14 (#10) flat washers
4-3 inch long lag screws
4 rubber or rubberized feet
Some nails and wood glue
Wood stain and Polyurethane protective sealant (Optional)

Tools you need:
Circular saw
Miter saw (optional)
Power drill with drill bits, Forstner bit and the like (used to counter sink lag screws)
Wood chisel
Socket wrench/ pliers
Hammer
Sander or Sand paper

Pictured below is the finished weight bench.

Step 1

1. Cut all wood pieces to the proper lengths (please refer to Detailed Weight Bench Plan/ Illustration).

Comments

[afajarito]

Thanks for the comment.
This built is not intended for heavy lifting, maybe I should put that as a warning in the instruction. For really heavy lifting it's a lot safer just to buy one, they are made of metal and could take an abuse.

I usually just use dumbels maybe 60-100 lbs. the most. I've been using this for at least a year and half now with no problem.

For slipping -off the seat, I guess it depends on what you are wearing :), otherwise it's ok. I've even upgraded it; I covered the seat/back with foam (for comfort) and bar on the leg so I do can seat-ups. If you go this route, maybe just use a cheap plywood for the seat.

Below is the upgraded version. It was raining last night so it got wet...again.

[sjensen5]

Hey afajarito,
I hope you will answer this quick, cause im in a hurry :-)
Do you think this bench would be rock solid if you forget about the 5 positions and just add one board so it's just a flat bench? I think the lower part of the construction seems solid but the upper seems more fragile... what do u think, do you think I could lift heavy weight if I just add one piece of wood instead so its not adjustable but only flat. NIce work by the way! ;)

[jillhohn]

awsome

[Jackstools]

Ok, this is the prettiest weight bench I have ever seen. So cool great wook.

[samtulana]

How much weight can withstand?

[urbanhg]

quality thumbs up

[Sandra88]

Great concept!

[neckrochylde9]

nice finish on your bench, looks like a quality piece of furniture! :)

[Calorie]

I like the dual purpose aspect. How much did it cost to build?

[afajarito]

I did this project more than a year ago. If I remember it right, the built cost me a a little more or less than $20. Some of the materials were already available at hand at that time.

I used it more as a patio bench than a weight bench now, lol.

[wrksnfx]

Here are some links that I like.

http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-weight-lifting-bench.html

http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-power-rack.html

[Dr. Pepper]

Cool!

[mowdish]

As I looked more closely I noticed one thing you might want to watch out for. Although the 1x2s are probably strong enough to support a few hundred pounds of static weight, they may not last long under the constant movement involved in weight lifting. This is especially true in the lowest incline setting where the forces are directed along the width rather than the length of the wood. Watch those joints carefully and consider replacing the 1x2s with metal tubing.

[mowdish]

This is probably the most attractive benche I've seen and I've been looking at home made weight equipment a long time. I have one question: Do you slip off the seat? I would think the smooth level seat would make it hard to stay in place.