Space-Saving Power Racks For Home Gyms

A power cage is a super versatile piece of equipment but it takes up a lot of space. Luckily there’s quite a bit of variability in squat cage dimensions and that means you might be able to find one that fits your gym.

The smallest power racks are the Titan T-2 and T-3. With the REP Fitness RP-4000 close behind. Titan Fitness power racks are a good choice for a home gym since they’re compact, sturdy, and affordable. They’re also available in different sizes to suit your needs and can accommodate many accessories.

Below we’ll go into which racks save the most space, which are the narrowest, and shallowest, some folding options, and also different styles of barbell racks for if the compact options are still too large.

Squat Cage Dimensions List

Just throwing around brands and models of squat cages isn’t very useful without numbers To make it easy for everyone, I’ve compiled a list of the most popular power racks for home gyms and their dimensions. This way you can easily see which racks might fit your space. You do want to keep some free space around your rack to be able to use it properly. Read about how much space you need here.

Note: You can expand the list by adjusting the number of entries you want to see. You can also sort by clicking the arrows.

BrandModelTypeTotal width (in)Height (in)Depth (in)Footprint (sq. in.)
Titan FitnessT-2 Short 36Bolt down53.2571.544.752382.9375
Titan FitnessT-2 24Bolt down53.258332.751743.9375
Titan FitnessT-3 Short 24Bolt down53.2582.2532.751743.9375
Titan FitnessT-3 36Bolt down53.2591.1244.752382.9375
Titan FitnessX-3 (30")Bolt down4890301440
Titan FitnessX3 Flat FootFree5092502500
RogueRML-390C 3.0Bolt down5390.375402120
RogueRML-490C 3.0Bolt down5390.375532809
RogueR-3 ShortyBolt down5384341802
RogueR-3 StandardBolt down5390341802
RogueRML390FFree4992482352
RogueRM-4Bolt down4990492401
CAPFull Cage Rack 6'Free43.627247.52071.95
CAPFull Cage Rack 7'Free43.628447.52071.95
Fitness Reality810XLTFree4683.550.52323
Body-SolidGPR378Free4682492254
Body-SolidGPR400Bolt down5379522756
Hulkfit Pro Series Power CageFree4485472068
REP FitnessPR-4000 (24”)Bolt down50.88032.91671.32
Rep FitnessPR-5000 (30”)Bolt down50.89338.91976.12
Signature FitnessSF-3Bolt down51.1883.4638.781984.7604
Average50.385.242.92141.6

Smallest Footprint Power Racks

Let’s explore the best compact power racks available, known for their small footprint and space-saving design. I’ve looked at the total footprint of these racks to determine which are the smallest. I’ve not considered the height in this case but you can easily look at the table to check the height for yourself.

These are ideal choices for those with limited workout space, and each one offers unique features and benefits.

1. Titan T-2: Best Value Space Saving Power Rack

The Titan T-2 is a top pick among compact power racks. Especially if you look at the value for money this space-saving rack brings. It comes in various depths and heights, so you can choose the one that fits perfectly in your workout area.

Best Value

Titan T-2

  • Very compact: 48″ x 32.75″ Footprint
  • Affordable
  • Plenty of add-ons and accessories are available
  • 850 lbs. load limit
  • Available in short and tall versions

Despite its compact dimensions, it can handle barbells loaded with up to 850 lbs., making it suitable for the majority of lifters. The T-2 can be used on the floor with or without bolting down. Bolting it down will help stability though since this rack is not that heavy by itself.

It’s also one of the shortest racks on the market if you pick the short option. At 72″ tall, this fits under pretty much any ceiling you can stand up under. There are also taller options if you’ve got a higher ceiling though.

2. Titan T-3: Compact Power Cage with Added Strength

Similar in floor dimensions to the T-2, the Titan T-3 stands out with its 2″ x 3″ steel uprights, providing extra strength and sturdiness. The uprights are also made of thicker 11-gauge steel. These upgrades raise the load limit to an impressive 1,100 lbs., making it a more solid and sturdy choice than the T-2. This is a compact weight rack that packs a punch.

Extra Strong

Titan T-3

  • 56″ x 32.25″ Footprint. Outside post width is 46″
  • 2″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel uprights
  • 1100-pound load limit
  • Westside spacing
  • Tons of add-ons and accessories

It’s still affordable although it definitely costs more than the T-2. If you need the extra load capacity and sturdiness that the T-3 brings, go for this one. The T-3 also has a lot more accessories and add-ons available even though the T-2 already has quite a few.

The T-3 also offers increased height adjustment options, allowing you to fine-tune the placement of J-cups and spotter pegs to your preferences. However, due to its taller frame, it may not be suitable for low-ceiling spaces.

3. Rep Fitness PR-4000

The Rep PR-4000 is a great package. It’s almost the smallest power rack you can find on the market and it’s very high quality. This rack can handle anything you throw at it for decades and look good doing so.

There is actually a way to make this rack even more compact. I’ve selected the 24″ cross-member. There is also a 16″ cross-member which would reduce the depth by 8 more inches. However, in my opinion, that is too shallow to lift comfortably. You’ll end up lifting in front of the rack instead of between the uprights. And then you might as well choose a half-rack instead of a full power rack.

The downside? it’s expensive. Rep has a very fancy rack builder tool on their website that lets you pick lots of different options and attachments. The starting price is high but not crazy. After you’ve added on some basics, you’re easily pushing the price over $1500 which is pretty steep. That said, if you want a really awesome, customized rack that’s also very compact, this is it.

Best Shallow Squat Cage

For many people, the total depth of a power rack is a critical dimension that can ultimately determine whether it fits in their gym. And while most power racks almost fit in a walk-in closet, you also want to use the thing. To use a squat cage properly, you need about 4′ of free space in front of the upright posts. A shallow cage can help accomplish this.

Fortunately, many power cages are available in depths of 24 inches, 30 inches, and 36 inches (measured inside the upright posts, with the overall depth being slightly more). That means you can pick one that fits your space.

Starting with the most compact option, a 24-inch depth inside the upright posts is generally sufficient and is the smallest available. Most compact power racks offer this 24-inch depth, which should meet the needs of many users. The bar path should be straight up and down anyways so you shouldn’t have too many issues.

As said before the REP PR-4000 has an option for 16″ braces for a 24.9 total depth, however, in my opinion, that is too shallow to comfortably use and you might as well buy a half-rack.

Choose a rack that has at least 24″ but preferably 30″ of depth between the upright posts.

However, if space allows for it, opting for a 30-inch depth provides a bit more comfort and maneuverability. On the other hand, while a 36-inch depth is a nice-to-have feature, it’s not an absolute necessity for most gym setups.

If you’re in search of a power rack with the shallowest overall depth, consider options such as the Rogue RE-3, Titan T-2 24”, and T-3 24”. These racks offer depths of 32 inches and 32.75 inches, respectively, which are the same dimensions as the ones with the smallest footprint. The shallow dimensions is how they got the smallest footprints in the first place.

Selecting any of these options ensures a suitable fit for your space without compromising on functionality.

Best Value

Titan T-2

  • Very compact: 48″ x 32.75″ Footprint
  • Affordable
  • Plenty of add-ons and accessories are available
  • 850 lbs. load limit
  • Available in short and tall versions

Narrowest Power Cage

When considering the dimensions of your power rack, it’s essential to prioritize depth over width, especially if accommodating a full-sized barbell is on your agenda.

To comfortably use a standard full-sized barbell, you’ll need a minimum width between the walls of 8 feet, but for more convenience when changing plates, aiming for about 9 feet is a better choice. All power racks are narrower than full-sized barbells otherwise they wouldn’t fit.

However, if space-saving is a priority, and you don’t mind using a shorter (6-foot) barbell, then the width dimension becomes more crucial. That’s because shorter barbells often have a reduced shaft length, potentially causing compatibility issues with wide.

Narrow power cages can help save space because they can be used with shorter barbells.

The shaft length of the barbell should be at least 2″ longer than the outside width of the rack. So if you’re using non-standard barbells, check the dimensions or the barbell’s shaft and width of the rack carefully.

At 43.63″ wide, the narrowest rack available is the CAP Barbell Full Cage. Keep in mind that while it’s narrow, you may find better options in terms of overall features and quality.

The HulkFit Pro Series rack is just a fraction wider at 44″ and is a much better rack overall. For starters, it looks better although the yellow might put some people off. More importantly, the uprights are bigger and made from thicker steel which means the load capacity is 800 pounds instead of 500 and it feels much more stable.

The HulkFit rack also has decent add-ons and accessories available whereas the CAP rack is very bare-bones. Both of these cages will work with many 6′ long barbells.

Best Narrow Cage

HulkFit Pro Series Rack

  • Very narrow at 44″ total width
  • Suitable for use with short barbells
  • 800-pound load rackable limit
  • 2.35″ uprights
  • Good accessory availability

Space Saving Power Rack That Doesn’t Have To Be Bolted Down

You may have noticed a common feature among the various racks discussed earlier: they all need to be bolted down to the floor for stability and safety. But what if you’re looking for a rack that doesn’t need to be bolted down?

Squat cages that have to be bolted down are slightly more compact than those that don’t have to be attached to the floor. That’s because they need larger stabilizing braces.

While there aren’t as many options available in this category, they do offer some advantages, though they may require a bit more space.

Since these racks don’t require floor bolting, their bottom braces need to extend further to provide a similar level of stability as their bolted-down counterparts. As a result, the outside dimensions of these racks are slightly larger than those that are bolted down, while the inside dimensions remain similar. That’s only at the bottom though, anything above the bottom brace will be a bit smaller.

Here are the best squat cages that don’t need bolting down:

  • Titan T-2: Yeah, there it is again. It’s recommended that you bolt down the T-2 but it’s not strictly necessary. If you don’t bolt this rack to the floor, it’s a good idea to weigh it down by storing a good amount of weight plates on it.
  • HulkFit Pro Series: An even cheaper option is the HulkFit rack. It doesn’t have to be bolted down and can still handle 800 pounds of load. The slightly larger uprights help although it’s still a good idea to weigh it down with extra plates. You’ll have to buy the separate storage pegs to do this though.

Wall-Mounted Squat Racks

Wall-mounted racks are almost the ultimate space-saving squat rack. They are mounted on the wall so you don’t need part of the frame. Most of them fold up so they take up very little space when not in use.

These aren’t the cheapest option, especially the full rack version like in the picture above, but they do save a lot of space when you’re not using it. To use them, you still need a good amount of space but at least after use, they are a lot more compact.

Most folding racks just have two upright posts instead of four which means they’re more like half racks than full power racks.

A good choice in this category is the Signature Fitness Folding Cage. It’s pretty affordable but sports 3″ x 3″ uprights and has a 1000-pound weight capacity which is a lot. It folds and unfolds pretty easily with just a few quick-release pins and is very solid. It measures 57.5” (W)x 24” (D)x 78.5” (H) unfolded. But when folded it only sticks out about 5″ from the wall.

Folding Rack

Signature Fitness Folding Rack

  • Folds up very compact
  • Beefy 3″ x 3″ uprights
  • 1000 pound limit
  • Affordable

Folding Rack Pros

  • Space-Saving: The primary advantage of a folding rack is its space-saving design. When not in use, you can fold the rack against the wall or into a compact position, freeing up floor space for other activities or storage.
  • Versatility: Folding racks are versatile and can be installed in various locations, including garages, basements, home gyms, or even commercial facilities with limited space.
  • Easy Installation: Most folding racks are relatively easy to install, and many come with detailed instructions and mounting hardware. You don’t typically need advanced construction skills to set up a folding rack.
  • Cost-Effective: While some folding racks may be more expensive than non-folding models, they are generally more affordable than full-size power racks or cages.

Folding Rack Cons

  • Weight Limitations: Folding racks typically have lower weight capacities compared to full-size power racks.
  • No Plate Storage: While most non-folding racks have storage pegs for weight plates, folding racks don’t have these.
  • Limited Accessories: Folding racks often have fewer attachment options and accessory compatibility compared to traditional racks. While you can still perform essential exercises like squats, bench presses, and pull-ups, you may have fewer options for add-ons like dip bars, cable pulley systems, or band pegs.
  • Wall Requirements: To install a folding rack, you need sturdy wall support. Not all walls are suitable for mounting a rack, and you may need to reinforce your wall or use wall studs for secure installation.

Half Rack

Half racks, also known as half cages or sometimes squat racks, are a type of strength training equipment designed to provide stability and safety for various exercises, particularly squatting and bench pressing.

They consist of two vertical posts with horizontal crossbars connecting them at the top and bottom, forming a half-cage structure. The lifter typically stands inside the half rack while performing exercises.

How They Differ from Power Racks:

  • Size: Half racks are generally smaller and take up less floor space than full power racks. They are a space-saving alternative for those with limited workout space.
  • Open Design: Unlike power racks, which enclose the lifter on all sides, half racks have an open front, making it easier to enter and exit.
  • Fewer Safety Features: Half racks typically have fewer safety features compared to power racks. They may come with J-hooks and spotter arms but often lack additional safety pins or straps.
  • Weight Capacity: Half racks generally have a lower weight capacity compared to power racks.

Size Comparison: Half racks are typically NOT much smaller than power racks. however, they have the front uprights further back which means that on some lifts you need less space.

GRIND Fitness Chaos 4000

  • Super solid half rack.
  • 3″ x 3″ uprights with a 1000-pound load limit
  • Watch out: You need to buy the half-rack conversion separately

Pros

  • Space-Saving: Half racks are excellent for small home gyms or workout areas with limited space.
  • Open Design: The open front allows for easy access and freedom of movement.
  • Affordable: Half racks are often more budget-friendly than full power racks.
  • Exercise Variety: They provide a stable platform for essential exercises like squats, bench presses, and pull-ups. Pretty much anything you can do with a power rack, you can do with a half rack.

Cons

  • Limited Safety Features: Half racks may have fewer safety features, making them less suitable for heavy lifting without a spotter. They miss one set of uprights to catch the bar.
  • Stability: Half racks are inherently a little less stable than power racks. However, it depends on the specific model. Low-end versions might feel a bit rickety while high-end ones are very solid.

Squat Stands

Squat stands, as the name suggests, are a simpler piece of strength training equipment primarily designed for squatting and pressing exercises.

They consist of two separate vertical stands that support the barbell, The length of the uprights is adjustable so you can put the bar at different heights. Some of these are connected at the bottom while others are separate.

Either way, they are the most compact way to be able to squat in your home gym.

How They Differ from Power Racks:

  • Size: Squat stands are the most compact of the three options, requiring minimal floor space.
  • Simplicity: They lack the structure and enclosure of power racks, offering basic support for the barbell.
  • Portability: Squat stands are highly portable and can be easily moved or stored away when not in use.

Valor Fitness BD-8 Independent Squat Stand 

  • 24″ x 24″ footprint per stand.
  • Uprights adjust between 10 different heights from 49.5” to 75” tall
  • The base is extendable for more stability

Squat Stand Pros

  • Compact and Portable: Squat stands are perfect for individuals with extremely limited space and those who need a portable option.
  • Affordable: They are often the most budget-friendly option for strength training.
  • Minimalistic: Squat stands provide the essentials for squatting and pressing without additional features.

Squat Stand Cons

  • Limited Safety Features: They offer minimal safety features and may not be suitable for heavy lifting without a spotter. They hold the bar at the correct height and don’t do anything else.
  • Exercise Variety: Squat stands are designed for squats and presses, limiting exercise variety.
  • Stability: While stable for many exercises, they may not provide the same level of stability as power racks or half racks.

Matt

Hey, I'm Matt. Welcome to HomeGymResource.com. After working out in many different gyms for almost 20 years and helping people build their own home gyms, i've learned a few things i'd like to share with you.

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