Best Readymade Deadlift Platforms

Rogue Deadlift Platform

Rogue Fitness is a renowned name in the home gym equipment business. It manufactures dependable equipment that can bear years of rigorous use. Their deadlift platform is no exception. It has a bolt-together user-friendly design, so you can assemble it quickly even if you are not too fond of tools. You can buy it with or without rubber tiles. If you already have it and need the wood insert to replace the broken one, you can buy that too. 

Features: 

• Dimension: 8′ x 4′
• The frame is made of 2×2″ 11 gauge steel. 
• There are band pegs at the side, so you don’t need to bolt down the platform for band workout. 
• There are four floor clips for anchoring, if you require.
• The gussets are laser cut and precision bent. 
• You can buy it with/without wood insert as per your need. 

What we like about it:

• If you are on a tight budget, you can simply buy the frame and use leftover plywood and rubber mats to create a proper deadlift setup. 
• The band pegs are really long and reliable making it easier to safely intensity your workouts. 
• The rubber tiles are quite effective for deadening the sound of drops, so your family members won’t be disturbed.  
• Many buyers have stated that the rubber tiles offer much superior grip than the standard rubber mats. 
• Easy assembly. 

Things that can be improved:

• Some buyers have stated that the rubber tiles do not lay flat on the base even when you use Rogue’s own tiles. This is a minor design flaw. A Reddit user has found a solution for it. Watch his video for detailed instructions on how to line up the rubber tiles completely flat: https://youtu.be/08Vv8q3VZrE
• A few buyers also found that the tiles do have small gaps between them. They do not fit snuggly but they do not affect the performance of the deadlift platform. 

Our Rating: 4.7/5

Our Verdict: 

The Rogue Fitness deadlift platform is a low-priced product meant for beginners and intermediate level lifters. Obviously, there are some ignorable design flaws. But, the platform as such is very durable and doesn’t need bolting. 

Rogue 8′ X 8′ Oly Platform

As obvious from its name, it is an Olympic lifting platform and not a deadlift platform but if you have the necessary space for it, then why not!

The main difference between these two is their size. Deadlift platforms usually measure 8’ X 4’. The 4’ depth is adequate for deadlifts as the chances of the bar falling at an angle is rare. You will drop it straight down. 

Olympic platforms measure 8’X8’ or 8’ X 6’. Some manufacturers also sell 8’ X 12’ platforms but they are very rare and expensive. 6’ or 8’ depth is necessary to protect your floor if you accidentally drop the bar. There will be a lot of space for the bar to roll off. 

So, as we said, olympic weightlifting platforms such as this Rogue product can be used for deadlifts as well. 

Features:

• Dimensions: 8’ X 8’. It is available in 8’ X 6’ size as well. 
• The frame is made of 2×2″ 11 gauge steel. 
• You can buy the frame only or you can buy the frame and the rubber tiles. The tiles are available in various finishes. 
• The frame has a bolt-together design for easy assembly. 
• The gusseted corners ensure durability and a good shock-absorbing capacity.  

What we like about it:

• The band pegs at the sides are helpful for easily intensifying your workouts without using any extra accessory. 
• Just like Rogue’s deadlift platform, this Olympic weightlifting platform too has an excellent shock-absorbing capacity, which helps in noise reduction and floor protection. 
• Some buyers have stated that the rubber tiles are worth their price. Even if you double the standard 3/4″ rubber mats, you won’t be able to achieve such density and durability. 

Things that can be improved: 

• Some buyers have stated that the tiles do leave minor gaps, which is why they don't align properly. One buyer brainstormed on this issue and has a solution for it. He suggests that you should start putting the tiles into the two back corners. Then, you need to put the two tiles between them to complete the back row, and then follow the same step for the rest of the frame. This way, you will be able to make the tiles fit snugly. 
• Many buyers have stated that it is quite expensive. The frame alone costs around $250 and the rubber tiles cost around $265. The complete set will cost you more than $500. 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

Our Verdict: 

The price is the only thing that has affected our rating. But, the genuineness and quality of the product far surpass the cost. It is truly meant for rough use. 

Full Deadlift Platform By Titan Fitness 

As mentioned above, the rubber tiles of Rogue Fitness deadlift and Olympic platforms often do not fit snugly. You have to somewhat struggle to make sure they remain flat on the base. Titan Fitness has smartly handled this problem by changing the design to have horizontal floor plates. After thoroughly reviewing the buyers’ feedback, we conclude that the tiles do remain flushed in, which means the design change works! 

Features:

• The frame measures 8’ X 4’ and has a depth of 2 inches. 
• It is made of 2″ x 2″ 11 gauge stainless steel. It is powder-coated to enhance its durability. 
• You can buy only the frame or you can buy the entire set including eight rubber tiles.
• As mentioned above, the horizontal layout of floor plates helps make the tiles fit in snugly leaving no gaps between them. 

What we like about it:

• It too has an easy bolt-together design which ensures easy assembly. You don’t need too many hardware. Anyone can assemble it easily within an hour. 
• Many buyers have praised Titan Fitness for providing high-density rubber tiles that have excellent noise reduction and shock-absorption capabilities. 
• The frame has band pegs at the sides for convenient band workouts. You may or may not bolt the platform to the floor. 

Things that can be improved: 

• Some buyers have stated that the platform needs to be anchored to the floor if you want to use bands beyond 200lbs, as it starts to lose its balance. This won’t be a problem because the frame comes with four floor anchors and bolts. Plus, it is always safe to anchor the frame if you are lifting heavy weight. 
• A few buyers have stated that they received the product with some missing parts. Thankfully, Titan Fitness has a great customer service team that can address your issues as soon as possible.  

Our Rating: 4.8/5

Our Verdict: 

The full deadlift platform by Titan Fitness including the tiles costs somewhere around $500 and the frame only costs around $250, which are definitely expensive options. However, this set is built to bear years of rough use and it's worth the price. Absolutely no hassles in assembling and using it. 

Valor Fitness Ptfm-1 Olympic Weightlifting Platform

This is a premium Olympic weightlifting platform meant for bodybuilders, athletes, and people who are into competitive sports. It has a large footprint, even larger than the standard Olympic platforms. The bamboo wood board in the middle is highly durable and can bear a good amount of weight and shock. 

Features: 

• The dimensions are 81.5″ x 101″. Standard Olympic platforms measure 72” X 96”. This one is larger and suitable for people who are into competitive sports. 
• The metal frame encloses 16 high-impact rubber floor mats and 4 bamboo lined boards. The whole setup can withstand heavy lifts without damaging the floor.  
• The frame comes with a transition plate that helps safely step on and off the platform. 
• There are corner plates to enhance its stability and durability. 
• It comes with a 2-year warranty. 

What we like about it:

• The standard olympic or deadlift platforms use plywood inserts. Some of them may have oak wood inserts. But this Valor Fitness deadlift platform has bamboo wood board, which is much stronger than Oak. This justifies its high price. 
• Assembly is easy but you may need help as it is quite large and heavy.  
• The stepping platform is a thoughtful addition. When your legs are trembling, you do need a smooth walking surface to avoid trip overs.

Things that can be improved: 

• Since the size of the platform is more than the normal weightlifting platforms, you won’t be able to buy the frame and use your already existing tiles or cheaper tiles. You will have to buy all of it from the manufacturer only. 

Our Rating: 4.8/5 

Our Verdict: 

By opting for unusual size, Valor Fitness has limited our DIYing option. We will have to buy the entire set, which bodybuilders won’t mind because they should be willing to spend generously on a deadlift platform that can bear the excessive weight they will be lifting. 

Wrap-up

Deadlifting is the easiest and simplest lifts and yet it can prove fatal when done incorrectly. If you are new to deadlifting or weightlifting, make sure you read USAW’s safety guidelines and recommendations before you order a deadlift platform and get serious in the weight room. 

The guidelines strictly mention the use of weightlifting platforms for safe practice. USAW states that the platform must be flat, firm, and non-slippery. 

During practice, nothing should ever be used on the platform other than the lifter and the barbell. It strictly warns against the use of racks, blocks, etc. when the platform is in use for lifting. 

It also stated that an ideal weightlifting platform must have 24” perimeter on all sides. The ceiling of the room must be at least 8’ high so tall lifters can perform their lifts conveniently. 
USAW also recommends the use of good-quality weightlifting shoes. Such shoes must be solid and flexible but not spongy or shock-absorbing, as it could affect your stability. They should be lightweight and must have at least 1” heel. If you don’t have such shoes, do check out our list of top-rated weightlifting shoes.  If you need grips for your barbell, our blog on best thick grips products can help you buy a relevant one.