How to Make a Weight Lifting Bench

Buying a weight bench from a sporting goods store can put a strain on your bank account. One way to save a little money is to build your own home gym. All you need is wood and some basic hand tools.

Things You'll Need

• 51/2-by-11/2-inch boards (2)
• 2-by-4 boards (7)
• Measuring tape
• Drywall screws
• Hand saw

Instructions

1. Measure your height in inches. Also measure the distance from the top of your head to your buttocks.

2. Use a hand saw to cut the two 5.5-by-1.5s to the length of your body in inches. These two pieces will be the top surface of your weight bench.

3. Saw each of the seven 2-by-4s to 11 inches in length.

4. Take one of the 2-by-4s and use it to stabilize both of the top surface boards. Place the 2-by-4 in the middle of the two surface boards to create a central cross beam and secure it in place with four drywall screws.

5. Use two 2-by-4s as the legs for your bench. Fasten them to the top pieces about 2 inches from the end of the surface boards. Make sure the leg pieces are perpendicular to the top boards of your bench.

6. Take the remaining 2-by-4s and secure them across the top of the legs at each end of the bench. This will give the legs of your weight bench a bit more stability. Secure these pieces with drywall screws.

7. Use 200-grit sandpaper to sand the top of your weight bench until it is smooth. Wipe away the excess dust.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Home Depot: Wood
• Lowe's: Wood and Supplies
• NexTag: Weight Benches
• Dick's Sporting Goods: Weight Benches