Home lifters building a one-lane gym, coaches running small groups, and facilities that need safe, spotter-free lifting for squat, bench, and press.
Start with ceiling height and footprint. Then match upright size (2×3 or 3×3), steel gauge (11-gauge is the sweet spot), hole spacing (Westside in the bench zone), and depth (24–41″) to your lifts.
Stability (bolt-down vs. self-standing), safety system (straps vs. pin/pipe), hardware size (5/8″ or 1″), pull-up bar style, and attachment ecosystem (lat/row, monolift, lever arms).
Compare your rack style (decisive specs)
| Rack Type | Uprights | Depth × Height | Hole Spacing | Safeties | Pull-Up | Expandability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-Post Power Rack | 3×3, 11-ga (5/8″ bolts) | 24–30″ × 80/90″ | Westside in bench zone | Straps or pin/pipe | Multi-grip or straight | High (plate storage, lat/row) | All-around strength; compact lanes |
| 6-Post Power Rack | 3×3, 11-ga (5/8″–1″) | 41″ × 90″ (with storage) | 1–2″ with Westside | Straps (preferred) | Fat/skinny combo | Very high (lever arms, platforms) | Heavier lifters; gyms needing storage |
| Half Rack | 3×3, 11-ga | 24–30″ × 80/90″ | 2″ with micro in bench zone | Spotter arms | Multi-grip | Medium (landmine, dip, storage) | Open coaching lanes; quick swaps |
| Squat Stand (S-Type) | 2×3 or 3×3 | — × 72–90″ | 2″ | Spotter arms (optional) | Optional bar | Low–Med | Minimalist setups; budget builds |
| Folding Wall-Mount | 3×3, 11-ga | 21–30″ folded to 5″ | 2″ (some Westside) | Spotter arms (check rating) | Slim bar | Medium (landmine, wall storage) | Shared garages; tight spaces |
| Combo Rack (Meet-Style) | Competition spec | Bench + squat modes | Fine-adjust uprights | Competition safeties | N/A | Low | Powerlifting prep & meets |
| Short-Ceiling Rack | 3×3, 11-ga | 24–30″ × 72–80″ | Westside bench zone | Straps/pin-pipe | Low-profile bar | Medium | Basements; low headroom pull-ups |
Ceiling math: Add user height + heel lift + pull-up chin clearance (~6–8″) to the rack height. Basements often favor 80″ uprights and low-profile bars.
Attachments that change the game
Add vertical pulls and seated rows without a second machine. Check top-crossmember clearance and cable ratio.
Softer catches, quieter in small homes, and kinder to bar knurl than steel pipes.
Shorten unrack distance and keep shoulders stacked; great for heavy benchers and squatters.
Turn your rack into a full training station for presses, rows, belt squats, and athletic patterns.
FAQs
Do I need to bolt my rack down?
For max stability and the highest safety margins, yes—especially with kipping pull-ups, band work, or lever-arm attachments. If you can’t anchor, choose a 6-post rack with rear storage to add mass.
What depth should I choose: 24″, 30″, or 41″?
24″ is compact and perfect for squats/bench in tight spaces. 30″ is a versatile middle ground. 41″ gives more room to work inside the rack, helpful for long lifters and complex setups.
5/8″ vs. 1″ hardware—what’s the difference?
Both are strong; 1″ uprights and hardware are common on flagship commercial lines and open the door to heavier-duty attachments. Check compatibility within the same upright size and hole spacing.
What is Westside hole spacing and do I need it?
It’s 1″ spacing through the bench press zone for precise J-cup and safety height. If you bench often or share the rack with others, it’s worth having; 2″ spacing elsewhere is fine.
Half rack or full power rack?
Half racks are faster for coaching and take less space, using spotter arms out front. Full racks surround the lift with safeties and feel more enclosed—great for solo training and added attachment options.
Final fit check: Measure ceiling height with shoes on at full pull-up reach, confirm floor anchors or platform space, and leave 24–36″ of clear lane in front for bench setup and spotter movement.