This article was originally published by Kristoffer Lindqvist on Tsampa.Org.
I wanted to include this DIY adjustable squat box guide because not only does this squat box look sturdy as hell, but I see no reason why this couldn’t also be used as an adjustable plyometric box as well. Kristoffer is not big on the details when it comes to the assembly but honestly the pictures alone make this pretty self-explanatory. You’ll need wood, drill, wood screws, a tape measure, a marking pencil, and a saw.
Here is the original article. I left a bunch of the original links because they link to more of his personal projects. They are pretty unique and I thought some people may find it interesting. Good luck and enjoy!
Making an adjustable heavy duty squat box
The renovation of Toffe’s Gym continues. With my old squat box having emigrated to Helsinki, it was time to build a new one. Following the “good enough for Mikesell” line of thought, it had to be a much sturdier thing adjustable to at least 10″ (my low box), 13″ (below parallel) and 17″ (high box). The solution was to build a 10″ base box with separate 3″ and 4″ add-on layers – on the Westside tapes, most boxes are also piles of something. The add-ons will also be handy for things like elevated deadlifts. Since I opted for a concrete base for the power rack, I was left with a bunch of treated 2×6″ boards that I now put to good use. Made the box a respectable 24″x26″ (61x66cm), significantly wider than the 18×18″ adjustable squat box from EliteFTS . With nearly 8 meters/26 feet of 2×6″ going into the base box, you can image how heavy this beast is… Once everything was hammered together, I grabbed the magnifying glass and burned the strategic numbers into the wood. Done.
Pile to finish – the building of the 10″ base box.
The complete box with 3″ and 4″ add-ons.
“No thanks, I’d rather buy a box and be done with it”
Don’t feel like DIY’ing your squat box or plyo box? You can buy them relatively cheap from most fitness outlets. Rogue has a ton of them starting as low as $65 for wood and $69 for metal.
If you prefer a heavy duty foam plyometric box, try this article instead.
Do you think the Rogue box would be safe doing a 280 to 300 pound box squat? My current weight is about 200 and I’m old and still working my way up. Not sure how strong a wooden box would be with over 400 pounds on it.
Yeah I would think so. If it couldn’t handle 400-pounds, you bet it would creak and show signs of giving when jumped by anyone close to 200 pounds, and they don’t.
I’m assuming you don’t own the box yet? If that’s the only thing you want it for – the box squats – make a single pulling block like this (https://www.garage-gyms.com/super-easy-super-durable-diy-pulling-blocks/) or the one on this page – whatever lumber you either already have, or can get for the cheapest at the Lowes or Home Depot. I use my boxes for squats (well a box), and sitting on that with any amount of weight is like sitting on a slab of concrete. Doesn’t shift in the slightest.
Sorry for necroing this, but I’ll be making this. Just wanted to ask: isn’t your base box actually 8.5 inches tall? 2×6 dimensions are actually 1.5 in thick by 5.5 in wide…not that it’s a huge deal in the scheme of things.
I still thank you for sharing this. Didn’t feel like paying triple for a box on Rogue, etc.