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Deadlifting is a tried and true way to build your strength and improve your athletic performance, but it's also an easy way to damage your floors if you're exercising without the proper equipment. The best deadlift platforms provide cushioning (either from rubber or wood) that absorbs shock from dropping heavy weights. This helps safeguard your floors, protect your deadlift bar, and minimize the sound that emits from throwing around weights.
The Best Deadlift Platforms - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Deadlift Platform: Rogue Deadlift Platform
- Best Budget Deadlift Platform: Titan Fitness Deadlift Platform Frame
- Best High-Quality Deadlift Platform: Rogue Oly 8' by 8' Deadlift Platform
- Best Olympic Deadlift Platform: Vulcan Olympic Deadlift Platform
Sure, you can throw down a regular rubber mat or a piece of plywood as a makeshift solution, but an actual deadlift platform typically comes with a heavy-duty steel frame and a sturdy construction that prevents it from moving around—even when you're doing band work.
So if deadlifting is a regular part of your home workout routine, or you're looking to get started, adding a deadlift platform to your home gym just makes sense. To help you decide on one, we've narrowed down the best options, considering materials, durability, price, and different uses.
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Best Overall Deadlift Platform - Rogue Deadlift Platform
SPECS
- Dimensions: 8'L x 4'W x 2"H
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Assembly requirements: Bolt-together construction
- Platform weight: N/A
- Key features: Extra long band pegs, doesn't require bolting even with band work
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Rogue comes out on top with its heavy-duty deadlift platform, which is constructed of 11-gauge steel. This eight-by-four-foot deadlift platform has a thoughtful design that includes extra-long band pegs that work with standard and specialty barbells. There are also vertical floor plates on the frame that help keep the platform in place so you don’t have to bolt it to the floor when doing band work.
If you prefer the extra security of bolts, there are a set of floor clips that secure to the frame on each end of the platform to prevent movement. Either way, the platform comes together in minutes. It just requires putting a few bolts in place and then laying in the flooring of your choice.
There are also several options for flooring too. The most budget-friendly move is to add plywood. Purchase your own piece or opt for a custom-made, three-piece set from Rogue.
PROS
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Doesn’t require bolting even with band work
- Extra-long band pegs
CONS
- Expensive
- Flooring sold separately
Best Budget Deadlift Platform - Titan Fitness Deadlift Platform Frame
SPECS
- Dimensions: 8'L x 4'W x 2"H
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Assembly requirements: Bolt-together construction
- Platform weight: N/A
- Key features: Band pegs, comes in three options
- Warranty: 1 year
A more budget-friendly version of the Rogue Deadlift Platform, the Titan Fitness Deadlift is made of 11-gauge steel and has a bolt-together design that makes setup seamless and straightforward. The floor plates run horizontally, which ensures the rubber mats fit flush with the frame, but the drawback (and a major difference from Rogue's version) is that you'll likely have to bolt it in place if you want to do band work. It also comes with four frame clips that easily attach.
This deadlift frame comes in three options: frame only, frame with four rubber tiles, and a full deadlift platform with eight rubber tiles. If you prefer a plywood base, you can opt for the frame by itself and fashion a piece of wood into the frame to suit your needs. This deadlift platform is a standard size at eight feet long by four feet wide.
PROS
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Comes in 3 options, customizable based on your needs and preferences
- Budget-friendly
CONS
- Should be bolted for band work
BUY: Titan Fitness Deadlift Platform Frame
Best High-Quality Deadlift Platform - Rogue Oly 8' by 8' Deadlift Platform
SPECS
- Dimensions: 8'L x 8'W x 2"H
- Material: 11-gauge steel
- Assembly requirements: Bolt-together design
- Platform weight: 110 lbs.
- Key features: 64' surface, doesn't require bolting to the ground
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
One of the largest deadlift platforms available, the Rogue Oly 8' by 8' Deadlift Platform offers 64 square feet of lifting space. It's made with the same heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel and bolt-together construction as the Rogue Deadlift Platform, but it requires 16 rubber mats, or eight rubber mats with a plywood insert (you’ll have to purchase one separately if you want to go this route). You can purchase the frame on its own, or package it with Rogue's own rubber mats, which are available in both smooth and crumb finishes.
This Olympic deadlift platform doesn’t have band pegs or frame clips, but this means it doesn't require bolting. If you're looking for a platform that’s easy to throw together and use immediately, that's a big plus. It also makes it convenient enough to move or stow away if you don’t have the space to dedicate to it.
PROS
- Large surface area
- Heavy-duty frame
- Doesn't require bolting
- More affordable than other options
CONS
- Takes up considerable space in a home gym
BUY: Rogue Oly 8' by 8' Deadlift Platform
Best Olympic Deadlift Platform - Vulcan Olympic Deadlift
SPECS
- Dimensions: 8'L x 6'W x 2"H
- Material: 11-gauge steel, ash wood, rubber
- Assembly requirements: Bolt-together construction
- Platform weight: N/A
- Key features: Larger surface area, solid ash wood insert, comes with flooring
- Warranty: N/A
If you need more space, the Vulcan Olympic Deadlift Platform offers a larger surface area for Olympic-style lifting. It's an extra two feet wide (it measures eight inches long by six inches wide), and has a vertical solid ash hardwood insert that gives you a bit more stability as you work through dynamic lifts. The wood center is supported by six rubber mats that give the iron weights a softer place to land, and the frame itself is made of 11-gauge steel, which is standard for heavy duty deadlift platforms.
Unlike other deadlift platforms, everything's included in your purchase. You'll get the steel frame, wood insert, six rubber mats, band pegs, and floor mounting hardware. Of course, this is reflected in the price. While this platform does offer a complete package, it’s more expensive than the other options on this list.
PROS
- Comes as a complete package
- Solid ash wood insert
- Larger surface area
CONS
- Higher price point
- Takes up more space
A Quick Look at Deadlift Platforms
The main purpose of a deadlift platform is to protect your floors from the iron weights on your barbell as it slams against the floor. Deadlift platforms also absorb shock and minimize the noise that can come with heavy lifting—a perk if you live with others who don’t necessarily want to hear you working on your latest PR.
Standard deadlift platforms typically run eight feet long by four feet wide, but Olympic deadlift platforms can be as big as eight by eight feet, which gives you a considerable bump in surface area. Most have a steel frame with space to add rubber mats or wood flooring (your choice). Some have band pegs so you can seamlessly incorporate band work. Others come with floor clamps that allow you to bolt the platform to the floor so you can be sure it won't go anywhere when you’re throwing around weights.
One style isn't necessarily better than the other. It really just comes down to what you're looking for and how much space you have to dedicate to the platform.
What to Look for When Shopping for Deadlift Platforms
Deadlift platforms are pretty straightforward, but they still require some discernment to make sure you're getting the right one for your specific needs. When shopping for a deadlift platform, consider some of the below factors.
Material
Most deadlift platforms are made with 11-gauge steel which is durable and stable (two things that are vitally important when deadlifting). In addition to checking that your deadlift platform has a steel frame, consider what type of flooring material you want to use. Do you want to use rubber mats or plywood?
Many deadlift platforms work with both, and some retailers sell kits that are pre-measured to slide right in. Before deciding on a deadlift platform, make sure it can accommodate your desired setup.
Size
Standard deadlift platforms are eight feet long by four feet wide, which can work for most users and standard-size barbells. But if you do more dynamic lifts, you may need a larger surface. If so, look for an Olympic deadlift platform, which can offer an additional two to four feet of width.
Price
Price is obviously a factor with any purchase, but you have to pay closer attention when purchasing a deadlift platform. Some might seem less expensive upfront, but only come with a frame, which means you have to purchase rubber mats and/or wood inserts separately.
When deciding on a deadlift platform, look at what you get and then calculate the total investment after purchasing everything you need to complete your setup.
Set up
Deadlift platforms are easy enough to put together—usually you just have to attach a couple steel frame pieces—but you also want to consider whether or not the frame has to be bolted to the ground. One type isn't necessarily better than the other, but bolting creates more of a commitment, so it’s something to keep in mind.
FAQs About Deadlift Platforms
Do you need a platform for deadlifts?
You don't need a deadlift platform, but if you're regularly pushing heavy weight, it's worth the peace of mind. Deadlift platforms protect your floor (especially if it's wood). They also protect the iron weights and the deadlift bar from damage that can develop from dropping the bar day after day. All that considered, they’re a worthwhile investment for your home gym.
How big should a deadlift platform be?
Most deadlift platforms are eight feet long and four feet wide, which is enough to accommodate the average lifter's needs. However, you might need a larger deadlift platform depending on which types of lifts you're doing. In that case, you can opt for an Olympic deadlift platform that measures eight feet long by six to eight feet wide.
Which wood is best for deadlift platforms?
Plywood, which is made of thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together, is one of the best types of wood for deadlift platforms because it's durable, practical and affordable. It's also easily accessible: You can find plywood at most home improvement stores.
About the Author
Lindsay is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor. She has written 15 books and numerous articles on fitness, wellness, and nutrition. Her work appears on Forbes.com, CNET.com, Healthline.com, Garagegymreviews.com, CNN.com, mindbodygreen,com, and LIVESTRONG.com, among others.
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