How To Build A DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bar

A pull-up bar is an excellent addition to any backyard and can be used for various exercises to tone your body and build muscle. If you’re looking to add a pull-up bar to your backyard but don’t want to spend a lot of money, we have the perfect solution for you – a DIY backyard pull-up bar! This blog entry will demonstrate how to build your backyard pull-up bar. We will also provide dimensions and tips when constructing the pull-up bars. So, whether you are new to DIY projects or are an experienced builder, this article is for you!

Prerequisites For A DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bar

So, you have decided to build your pull-up bar at your home or property. That’s great! However, some requirements must be fulfilled before getting all the materials for a pull-up bar. When you fulfil the requirements, it can help you build the perfect Pull-up bar for your home gym. 

Crossfit Standards/Jungle Gym / Weight & Safety

Building a gym standard pull-up bar requires a lot of planning. The bar should be perfect for various Crossfit and jungle gym fitness regimes. For that, you can add handles or grips to your pull-up bar.

You must consider your safety before installing the bar. Depending on the type of material and where you install the pull-up bar, the weight capacity varies from 170 pounds to 1000 pounds. For example, wood, vinyl, and aluminium door frames can hold 200 to 350 pounds. 

Weak materials can break and cause serious injury. So, cross-check whether the anchor material is strong enough to carry your weight. 

How Tall Should An Outdoor Pull-Up Bar Be

The height of a pull-up bar is a crucial factor. For an average height (5 feet 8 inches) person, the pull-up bar should be at least 7 feet above the ground. Don’t be concerned about whether you are taller or shorter than the norm. There is an easy way to find the standard height for the pull-up bar. Just stand against a wall and raise your arms straight above your head. Mark the measurement on the wall with a pencil. Add 5 to 6 inches to that height to install the pull-up bar.

Does A Homemade Pull-Up Bar Need To Be Galvanized?

Like any other iron or steel-made exercise tool, pull-up bars must be galvanized. Whether you build the pull-up bar indoors or outdoors, galvanizing the iron or steel bar is essential for its long life. 

Moisture causes iron or steel to rust. Your pull-up bar will get in contact with rain or body sweat. So, galvanizing is the best option to protect it from damage. 

How To Build Your DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bar

If you have met all the prerequisites, you can proceed with building your pull-up bar. You will need some tools and materials. Here is what you need to know: 

Tools to Build the Pull-up bar

What tools you will need depends on where you plan to build the pull-up bar. There are the tools you may require:

• Measuring Tapes
• Pencil
• Spade
• Long Spirit Levels
• Wrecking Bar
• Drill and drill bit matching the size of the bolts
• Wrench
• Bucket or Container

Materials & Supplies

Materials and supplies can also vary depending on the type of pull-up bar. I am providing a list of materials and supplies that I have used to build my backyard pull-up bar:

• 2 x 4×4 inch pressure-treated wood posts, 10 to 12 feet in height (based on your height)
• 4 to 5 feet long galvanized 30mm thick iron or steel bar (You can change the thickness of the bar according to your grip)
• Suitable size flanges with bolts
• About 7 to 10 bags of concrete mix
• The necessary amount of gravel
• Paint for the wood posts
• Rust protective spray paint can protect the bar.

You may need more or less the materials. Installing a pull-bar indoors is different from building one outdoors.  

Space Requirements

Inspect the backyard area well where you plant to set up your pull-up bar. You must ensure at least 20 inches of clearance between the bar and anything above it. So, there should be no ceiling, roof, posts, or tree branches above the bar. The posts should be 4 to 5 feet apart from each other. You need the space to move freely. 

Step By Step- How To Build A DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bar?

Have you got all the tools and materials you need? Therefore it’s time to discover how to construct a pull-up bar in your yard. Here are the steps to follow to make a pull-up bar:

Step 1: Clean and Paint the Galvanized Pipe and Flanges

I started preparing the pipe and the flanges because they require time to dry after painting. 

Before painting the steel pipe, clean it properly. You can use some dish soap and water to clean the galvanized pipe. After completely drying, you can spray paint the tube and the flanges with rust protective paint. 

I have painted my bar white because white does not absorb too much sunlight. Thus, it will not get so hot as bars painted black. 

Step 2: Fix the Pipe and Flanges to the Posts

There are many ways people install pipes to the posts. Some people prefer to install the wood posts in the ground first and then attach the steel pipe. But I have attached the pipe to the posts before digging the ground. You will soon understand why.

Place the wood posts on the ground horizontally 5 feet apart or as long as the pipe is. Use a measuring tape to be sure the distance is correct.

Take a pencil and mark the posts where you want the flanges. I put the flanges 8″ down from the top of the wood posts. Next, drill holes on the posts to screw in the flanges. After the flanges are fixed on both posts, mount the pipe in both the flanges. The steel pipe should fit in the flanges perfectly. In this case, the pipe should be slightly longer than 5 feet. 

Many people attach the flanges to the outer side of the posts. For that, you have to drill holes through the bars. Insert the pipe through the holes and then attach the flanges. 

Step 3: Dig Holes for the Posts 

Instead of digging the holes before building the structure, it made it easier for me to dig the holes on the ground after building the frame. This way, you can make holes in the wrong place less easily. You will need assistance from someone to hole up the structure to mark the spot. 

When you mark the place for the holes, dig two 4 feet deep holes in the 10″ x 10″ area for the posts. This depth and space let you pour in a reasonable amount of cement to build a robust pull-up bar. The posts have to be in the middle of the holes. 

Also, at least 1/3rd of the posts should be underground so that the posts do not shake. Since we will be using 12 feet posts, the 1/3rd is 4 feet. 

While digging the holes, you have to be extra careful. Dig slowly and watch out for any king of supply lines like waterline, gas line, or electric line. There can be roots, rocks, concrete, or other heavy debris. So, use the spade and wrecking bar as necessary. 

Step 4: Preparing the Holes For The Posts

It is time to make holes ready to support the wood posts. You should already have the gravel. So, pour in some gravel in equal amounts in both holes. It is crucial to make sure the base of the holes is level. 

Like me, you can use two 8 feet long wood posts with 4 x 4 diameters. Insert the wooden bars in the holes. When you think they are level, place another wood plank on top of them like a bridge. 

Then use a level to adjust the wood posts. If both the holes are not level, pour in some more gravel and check again. It is crucial to get the base of the holes at the same level. 

Step 5: Prepare the Concrete Mixture 

Get a wheelbarrow or a large size container to prepare the concrete mix. You can make the concrete mix at home using gravel and cement. But I have used a readymade concrete mix for my project. 

Since the holes are large, you will need 7 to 8 bags of 60Ib concrete mix. The instructions on how to prepare the concrete mixture are in the packaging. 

Step 6: Install the Posts

You will need someone to help you place the posts in the holes for the final step. You have to hold the structure in place while the other pours in the concrete mix. 

After placing the posts in the holes, adjust them to stand upright at the same level. Check with a spirit level to verify if the framework is level and if you or a buddy requires to hold the frame square.

Keeping the structure upright for hours is necessary to let the concrete mix dry. So, you must use poles or planks to hold up the frame. 

When you are sure the structure is level, pour the concrete mix into the holes. Do not pour all the concrete at once. It will be best if you fill each of the holes slowly. After running some concrete mix in one spot, do the same for the other. Keep on filling the gaps until they are level with the ground. 

Do not forget to check the bar level in between the installation process. You have to keep adjusting the structure until the bar is perfectly level. 

Finally, let the concrete mix dry overnight or as long as it takes to completely dry. Then you can remove the extra posts. While you may be eager, give it at least 48 hours before exercising and trying your new outdoor pull-up bar.

Tips When Building The DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bars 

Here are some tips on building DIY backyard pull-up bars:

• Always measure your weight, height, or anyone else who may use the pull-up bar. Then arrange the posts and the pipe strong enough to withstand your weight. 
• Your pull-up bar posts should not shake too much. If you feel the 4 x4 inches posts are not sturdy enough, use 6 x 6 inches thick posts. 
• Use pressure-treated wood posts because regular woods will rot outside. You can paint the wood posts before or after building the structure. 
• Paint the pipe with rust-resistant paint. It will ensure the bar will stay rust-free for a long time. Also, clean the bar after every use to remove dirt and moisture. 
• When you install the pull-up bar structure, someone should be present to help you move around the heavy tools and materials. 

Where To Buy the Supplies For DIY Backyard Pull Up Bars (Global Vendors) 

Here are some global suppliers where you can order your pull-up bar: 

Country	Suppliers
New Zealand	Again Faster Elite Fitness Gearshop
Australia	Compound Fitness Gym and Fitness Grey’s Fitness
USA	Cherish Muscled PRX
Canada	Bestbuy The Treadmill Factory Rouge
Europe	Acesporter Insportline

 

Alternatives For DIY Backyard Pull-Up Bars

You may not have the space or equipment to build a backyard pull-up bar. In that case, you can find some alternative ways to strengthen your shoulder, chest, arms, and core muscles. 

Railing

Do you have any railing at your home? It can be waist-high railing around the deck or patio. You can use it as a low bar. 

Go under the railing, gripping the bar with your hands, keep the shoulders apart, and keep your legs straight outward. Using your hands, pull yourself upward until your chest touches the bar. 

Door Frame

Don’t have railings? Then use your door frame. However, the door has to be sturdy for pull-ups. You must open the door and place a yoga mat or clothes under it to keep it steady. Stand facing the door and grip the top edge of the door. If it does not feel comfortable, use a towel over the edge. 

Trees

Assuming you have variable thickness upright trees next to each other, you may be fortunate, but it is not recommended for the health of living trees. You may need to take precautions, such as using a treehouse attachment bolt and a floating bracket.

Lat Exercise with Dumbbells

If you are concerned about staying fit, you may already have dumbbells. Pull-ups are excellent for building lat muscles. Since you do not have a pull-up bar, you can use dumbbells for lat muscle development. Here is how you can do that:

• Hold dumbbells in your hands.
• Then rise your arms above your chest.
• The palm of your hands should face each other.
• Next, take a deep breath. Move the dumbbells back and then over the head.
• You have to complete the stretch in a couple of seconds.
• Let go of your breath and return to the previous position.
• Repeat the hand exercise 8 to 12 times.

Outdoor Pull-Up Bars Ideas 

Are you looking for some inspiration for building your backyard pull-up bar? Here are some fantastic ideas you should consider:

Pull-up bars with Parallel Bars

If you want a complete upper body workout, doing pull-ups and chin-ups is not enough. You should also build parallel dip bars. Making the parallel bars is the same as the pull-up bar structure. But you will use smaller posts and bars. 

Watch this fabulous video from Adam Rackham, who is building an outdoor pull-up bar and a parallel bar. Notice how he uses postfix concrete, which is very convenient since this saves time on mixing concrete, and how he provides valuable advice on digging post holes that are 25cm in diameter and about 2 feet deep to avoid an unnecessary a large crater and mess on the yard.

Rackham, A. [Adam Rackham]. (2020, April 22). Building an outdoor home gym [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkAts5FcG9k

Free Standing Pull-up Bars

You may not want to dig holes in your backyard or lay down flooring in your backyard. Then look at this magnificent freestanding pull-up bar that Cliff, a master carpenter, has constructed (below). The wooden construction at the foot of the posts offers strong support, and the bar may be relocated to any location where there is enough space to exercise. Please consider supporting and subscribing to this fantastic channel. Cliff’s Creations for woodworking tips and ideas and additional videos for any desired projects.

Cliff’s Creations. (2020, May 30). DIY Pull-up Bar | Free standing Pull-up Bar for CHEAP! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf1oe-bSkIs

Iron or Steel-Made Pull-up Bars

Steel pipes may be used to construct pull-up bars. Many exercises may be performed using an iron/steel frame pull-up bar. It is possible to prepare the pipes at home, or you may purchase a steel pull-up bar framework. Follow this tutorial by Lean Life Coach AKA Jason forfeit to construct one using steel plumbing pipe. This is another one of those fantastic channels that may assist you in exercising effectively and preventing injury and it is ideal for health and fitness enthusiasts.

Lean Life Coach. (2015, July 24). Homemade Free Standing Pull-up Bar [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7MNCDsURuU

Pull-up bar On the Wall

If you don’t want to dig holes or don’t have enough room to install a pull-up bar with supports, you may utilise a pipe put on your house’s outside wall. A pull-up pipe may be attached to any sturdy support structure. Here is a suggestion from Workshop Edits AKA Zach, a DIY guru who constructs a DIY pull-up bar out of black iron pipes found at most big box home building outlets.

Workshop Edits. (2020, May 7). DIY Pull-Up Bar / Chin-Up Bar in under 10 minutes | 57 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYokXTMe_U&t=102s

Advantages Of A Backyard Pull-Up Bar

A home gym is incomplete without a pull-up bar. There are many benefits of having a backyard pull-up bar. Here are the reasons why you should have a backyard pull-up bar:

• Kinds Of Workouts: You can do different exercises on a pull-up bar. Dead hangs, negative pull-ups, and chin-ups can do wonders to your upper body muscles. 
• Lat’s: You can build your back and lat muscles using your backyard pull-up bar. You can build the lat muscles in a few days with regular exercise.
• Core Strength: Apart from building back muscles, regular pull-ups will strengthen your core muscles. When you do pull-ups, your abdomen muscles get involved. Your arms, chest, and shoulders are also toned. 
• Callisthenics: Your backyard pull-up bar can be an excellent tool for callisthenics exercise. Doing callisthenics every day can benefit your health in many ways.
• Double As A Jungle Gym Component For Kids: The pull-up bar in the backyard of your gym can inspire your kids as well. It can be a perfect jungle gym component for them. While they play on it, they can build their core and arm muscles. 

Final Thoughts

This blog states that pull-up bars are terrific for strength training and versatility, doubling as a kids jungle gym or chaining a baby swing or rope swing to the more robust type. A pull-up bar is a superb investment for backyard fun and health and wellness by working to improve that core strength. There are plenty of ideas if a sturdy pull-up bar cannot be erected, so I hope this post enabled you to find out how to construct A DIY backyard pull-up bar in your humble living space. Many big kudos for reading.

Source of Information

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Fit Stream. (2011, November 7). How to Make an Outdoor Pull-up Bar and Parallel Bars – DIY Fitness Equipment – Fitstream. Fitstream.Com. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from http://www.fitstream.com/

Simplified Building. (n.d.). How to Build a Pull Up Bar (In Under 5 Steps!). Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://www.simplifiedbuilding.com

Steward, T. (2021, July 7). Is your pull-up bar mounted in the right place? Gym Crafter. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://gymcrafter.com/pull-up-bar-mounting-height-position

Karailiev, B. (n.d.). How Much Weight Can a Pull-Up Bar Hold (Door, Wall, Ceiling). FittyLife. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://fittylife.com/how-much-weight-can-a-pull-up-bar-hold/

Pull Up Bar Ninja. (n.d.). How to Build A Pull Up Bar Outside. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://www.pullupbarninja.com/pull-up-bars-advice/how-to-build-a-pull-up-bar-outside/

How to Build a Pullup Bar. (2022, April 22). In wikiHow. https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Pullup-Bar

Matthews, J. (2019, December 2). How To Make A Bombproof Pullup Bar | DIY Fitness. DIY Projects Craft Ideas & How To’s for Home Decor with Videos. Retrieved April 26, 2022, from https://diyprojects.com/bombproof-pullup-bar-fitness/