If you have a home gym, odds are you have weight plates. And if you have plates, you need a way to store them.
Plate trees are an ideal home gym storage solution because they clean up your gym, keep you organized, and improve training efficiency.
We’ve tested every type of plate tree, including vertical, horizontal, and wall-mounted storage systems. We’ve used them for iron plates, bumper plates, and change plates. Here are some of the factors we considered when making our list (more below):
- Capacity: How many plates can fit on the tree? What is the weight limit?
- Versatility: Can you store other things, like barbells? What types of plates does it fit?
- Size: What is the overall footprint? Does it include wheels for easy portability?
In this article, I’ll share our picks for the best plate trees for different plate styles, size limitations, budgets, and more. Whether you own steel plates, bumper plates, or a mix of both, we’ve got you covered.
What’s the Best Plate Tree?
We found the REP Bar and Weight Plate Tree to have the best blend of features and value. We love the chrome-coated plate pegs and built-in dual barbell holders. The 850 lb capacity is plenty for most people, and the price is right.
In This Article: Our Picks | Comparison Chart | Types of Plate Trees | How to Pick | Honorable Mentions | Frequently Asked Questions
Our Picks
Best Overall: REP Bar and Weight Plate Tree
Best Heavy Duty: Rogue Plate Tree 2.0
Best Budget: CAP Barbell Olympic Plate Rack
Most Versatile: Bells of Steel Bumper Plate Tree
Best Horizontal: REP Horizontal Plate Rack
Best Wall-Mounted: PRx Weight Plate Wall Storage
Best for Standard Plates: CAP Barbell 1″ Plate Rack
REP Fitness Bar and Weight Plate Tree: Best Overall
The REP Fitness Plate Tree has an impressive weight capacity, unique chrome sleeves, and two barbell holders in a compact footprint.
Key Specs
- Weight Capacity: 850 lbs
- Weight: 35 lbs
- Dimensions: 24″ L x 24″ W x 50″ H
- Plate Sleeve Length: 8″
- Barbell Storage: Yes (2)
Summary
The REP Bar and Weight Plate Tree is my top pick for most people. It’s well-spec’d, has a solid weight capacity, and includes a couple of extra features.
The biggest benefit of this type of tree is the footprint. It only takes up 4 square feet, making it an excellent home gym solution. At 50″ tall, it offers three tiers of plate storage with spacing wide enough for 45 lb plates on each level.
The 8″ long sleeves aren’t the longest, but they’re suitable for most and fit iron and bumper plates well. Although the 850 lb weight capacity is lower than some, it’s impressive for the shorter sleeve length. And considering most home gym owners aren’t lifting 850 lbs at any one time, it’s more than enough.
One of my favorite features of this plate tree is that it uses chrome sleeves. Most plate organizers are fully powder-coated, including the sleeves, resulting in scratching and imperfections. Each time you slide a plate on and off, you’ll remove some of the coating. However, the chrome sleeves on the REP Tree look good for the long haul.
I also love that the tree has two built-in barbell holders. Many trees now include this, but REP was one of the early adopters, and I appreciate their UHMW inner lining for protecting your barbell sleeves. I also like the rubber feet to protect your floors, though I wish it included wheels for easier transport.
I haven’t found a better plate tree for the money. Sure, you can spend more to get a larger weight capacity, but unless you need to store that much weight, this is an ideal choice for home gym owners.
Rogue Vertical Plate Tree 2.0: Best Heavy-Duty
The Rogue Plate Tree 2.0 is an affordable and high-quality plate tree with 12" sleeves and optional wheels for easy transportation.
Key Specs
- Weight Capacity: 1,000+ lbs
- Weight: N/A
- Dimensions: 26″ L x 24″ W x 50″ H
- Plate Sleeve Length: 12″
- Barbell Storage: Optional
Summary
The Rogue Plate Tree 2.0 is an upgrade pick with a large weight capacity and extra long plate sleeves for great load potential.
The best thing about the Rogue Plate Tree is the 12″ sleeve length, which is among the longest you’ll find. You can fit five 45 lb bumper plates and approximately nine iron plates at this length. With a weight capacity exceeding 1,000 lbs, you should have no trouble fitting most or all of your plates.
While I love the sleeve length, they’re finished with a textured powder coat, which is prone to showing imperfections over time. If you’re a stickler for such things, you’re better off going with the REP model above or a horizontal plate tree (more below).
This tree doesn’t come with wheels or barbell holders as standard, but you can add them at an additional cost. The wheels are available on the product page, but you’ll need to purchase the horizontal barbell holders separately.
As with most Rogue products, this is an overbuilt workhorse for those who want a heavy-duty plate tree. You’ll pay more for it, but it’s made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 1,000+ lb weight capacity
- Compact footprint
- 12″ plate sleeves for high loading potential
- Optional wheels
- Optional barbell holders
Cons
- Barbell holders and wheels cost extra
- Powder coat sleeves will show imperfections
CAP Barbell Olympic Plate Tree: Best Budget
Summary
The CAP Olympic Plate Rack is a no-frills budget option with a simple A-frame design. One of its best features is an ultra-compact footprint that takes up less than 3 square feet and stands only 37″ high. If you’re training in a small home gym, this is a strong contender.
Despite its small frame, CAP Plate Tree has a 500 lb weight capacity. The powder-coated sleeves are 7″ long, which are shorter than most, and they’re angled upward. While an angled sleeve is great for security, it can make it slightly more difficult to load and unload. However, the lower height helps.
Although built for all 2″ Olympic plates, I recommend this rack mainly for iron plate users. This is partly because of the shorter sleeves, but also because of the tighter spacing between sleeves. This tree also has two center vertical sleeves that you can use for change plates.
For less than $50 shipped, the CAP Olympic Plate Rack is a great option for budget shoppers, beginners, and small home gym owners.
Pros
- Excellent price w/ free shipping
- Small A-frame design
- Good weight capacity for a budget choice
- Rubber caps to protect floor
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than most
- Angled posts are slightly more challenging
Bells of Steel Plate Tree: Most Versatile
The Bells of Steel Plate Tree is an ultra-versatile option with locking casters and four barbell holders included. It has a massive weight capacity and a lifetime warranty.
Key Specs
- Weight Capacity: 1,700+ lbs
- Weight: 88 lbs
- Dimensions: 27.9″ L x 32.2″ W x 62.2″ H
- Plate Sleeve Length: 12.5″
- Barbell Storage: Yes (4)
Summary
The Bells of Steel Plate Tree and Bar Holder 2.0 is the most versatile option because of its weight capacity and standard features.
This plate tree has a massive 1,700 lb weight capacity. Even if you don’t come close to maxing it out, the shear strength and durability are worth considering. It partly gets there with an industry-leading 12.5″ loadable sleeve length. It also has a larger, heavier frame for extra stability and support.
Thankfully, it includes locking caster wheels as standard in case you need to move the tree around the gym. It also contains four barbell holders, which is double what others offer. Each bar tube has a UHMW inner lining for sleeve protection.
I recommend this tree mostly for people who have a larger gym and want an all-in-one plate tree. Because of their extra features and weight capacity, it’s one of the most expensive plate trees, but it ships for free and includes a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent weight capacity
- 4 Barbell Holders
- 12.5″ sleeve length is best in class
- Includes wheels
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Larger than most
- Powder coat on sleeves show imperfections
- More expensive than most
REP Fitness Horizontal Plate Rack: Best Horizontal
The REP Horizontal Plate Rack is a great compact solution for storing plates. It offers partitions, wheels, and even two barbell holders.
Key Specs
- Weight Capacity: 550 lbs
- Weight: 45 lbs
- Dimensions: 53″ L x 15.75″ W x 11.5″ H
- Plate Sections Sections: 5
- Barbell Storage: Yes (2)
Summary
The REP Horizontal Plate Rack is my top pick for those looking for a floor unit. I recommend this style mainly to Olympic weightlifters and those who frequently deadlift since it’s easier to load a barbell on the floor with low-resting plates.
This is an ideal solution if you have a lifting platform – put it directly in front of the platform and have easy access to your plates on both sides of the bar. However, I only recommend this setup for bumper plates. Iron plates will work, but they tend to slide in the rack, which can be annoying.
This plate rack has five divided sections for storing different weight plates. Measuring 53″ long, it can handle up to 550 lbs of weight, which is on the high end for a horizontal system.
It also includes a handle and wheel kit for easy transportation and two UHMW-lined barbell holders for extra versatility. Similar to the REP Plate Tree above, their horizontal rack is affordable, ships for free, and includes a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- 5 partitions for weight separation
- High weight capacity for floor model
- Wheels for easy portability
- 2 barbell holders for additional storage
- Solid price w/ free shipping
Cons
- Dividers aren’t adjustable
- Doesn’t work as well with iron plates
PRx Weight Plate Wall Storage: Best Wall-Mounted
The PRx Wall-Mounted Plate Storage is an efficient, space-friendly plate tree with several sizes for your plate storage needs.
Key Specs
- Weight Capacity: 270 lbs – 460 lbs
- Weight: 21 lbs – 37 lbs
- Dimensions: 3″ OR 19.5″ W x 55.5″ OR 75.5″ H
- Plate Sleeve Length: 8″
- Barbell Storage: No
Summary
PRx is known for their creative wall-mounted home gym products. From squat racks to plate storage, they’re one of the best when it comes to getting equipment off your floor.
The PRx Wall-Mounted Plate Tree comes in 3 or 4-peg options with standard weight capacities of 270 and 360 lbs. However, they also sell a weight wing extension that can accommodate an additional 100 lbs, taking the resistance up to a max of 460 lbs.
The 8″ sleeves are powder-coated and fit Olympic weight plates. They also offer enough spacing to fit full-diameter bumper plates on each peg, except for the wings, which fit smaller change plates.
The PRx system is very affordable, especially compared to some of their other products. It’s also made in the USA and easy to install in the existing studs in your wall.
Pros
Ultimate space savings
Available in 3 or 4 pegs with optional wings
Good sleeve length of a mix of plate widths
Lightweight and easy to install
Affordable
Made in the USA
Cons
- Lower weight capacity than freestanding trees
- Powder coated sleeves
CAP Barbell 1-Inch Plate Tree: Best for 1″ Standard Plates
Summary
The CAP 1″ Standard Plate Rack is essentially the same as the Olympic rack above except that it’s built for standard weight plates. It uses the same A-frame design, but because it uses less material, it’s lighter and more compact.
The sleeves are also slightly longer, but the overall weight capacity is the same. It also has two center posts for change plates and rubber feet for floor protection.
I only recommend this rack if you own 1″ standard plates. You can technically use Olympic plates on this rack, but they’ll move around more and can impact the spacing since the plates will hang slightly lower.
Pros
- Ultra-compact A-frame
- Good weight capacity with 8″ sleeves
- Ideal for Standard 1″ plates
- Great price w/ free shipping
Cons
- Angled sleeves aren’t as easy to work with
- Not as heavy-duty as Olympic trees
Compare our Top Picks
Compare our selection of the best plate trees below based on key specs. Scroll right to see more.
REP Plate Tree See More | Rogue Plate Tree See More | CAP 2″ Plate Tree See More | Bells of Steel Plate Tree See More | REP Horizontal Rack See More | PRx Wall Plate Tree See More | CAP 1″ Plate Tree See More |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Award | Best Overall | Best Heavy-Duty | Best Budget | Most Versatile | Best Horizontal | Best Wall-Mount | Best for Standard Plates |
Length | 24″ | 26″ | 22″ | 27.9″ | 53″ | 3″-19.5″ | 22.5″ |
Depth | 24″ | 24″ | 19″ | 32.2″ | 15.75″ | 8.5″ | 18″ |
Height | 50″ | 50″ | 37″ | 62.2″ | 11.5″ | 55.5″-75.5″ | 37″ |
Weight | 35 lbs | N/A | 21.5 lbs | 88 lbs | 45 lbs | 21-37lbs | 19 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 850 lbs | 1,000+ lbs | 500 lbs | 1,700 lbs | 550 lbs | 270-460 lbs | 500 lbs |
Sleeve Length | 8″ | 12″ | 5″ | 12.5″ | N/A | 8″ | 8″ |
Types of Plate Trees
Vertical Plate Tree
The vertical plate tree is the most common type of plate storage. It takes up a small footprint and usually has three tiers of plate sleeves for all plate sizes.
Vertical trees are great for any plate style, including iron or bumpers, and they typically have 300+ lb weight capacities. Many also include wheels for portability and barbell holders for additional storage.
I recommend a vertical tree to most because of its ease of use and loading potential.
Horizontal Plate Tree
The other common type is the horizontal plate tree, often called a toaster rack. These systems have fixed or adjustable dividers to create plate sections for different weights. They also may include wheels and barbell holders, just like their vertical counterparts.
The biggest reason to get a horizontal plate tree is if you’re performing a lot of floor-based movements (e.g., deadlifts and Olympic weightlifting movements). The ability to load a barbell on the floor with plates on the floor saves energy and speeds up the process.
When buying a horizontal tree, make sure to check the loadable length because some are much shorter than others.
How to Pick a Plate Tree
Here are a few of the most important factors to consider when buying a a plate tree:
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the most important factor when picking a plate tree. Most high-quality trees can hold at least 300 lbs, but some can hold close to 1,000. Even if you don’t own a lot of plates, I recommend trees 300+ lbs for better durability. Plus, you’re covered if you decide to add more plates later.
Footprint
Most plate trees are similarly sized, but look at the specs to determine which ones fit your space better. If you have a smaller footprint to work it, I recommend vertical storage since you save space with height.
Sleeve Length
The sleeve length is one factor in determining a plate tree’s loading potential. Most vertical plate trees have sleeves between 7″-12″ long. Those with longer sleeves tend to also have larger weight capacities. I recommend 9″+, but trees with 7″ sleeves are perfectly fine for those with fewer plates.
Sleeve Diameter
Plates come in two sizes: Standard (1″ holes) and Olympic (2″ holes). Most home gym owners have Olympic plates, but those with standard plates should identify plate trees with 1″ sleeve diameters. Olympic plate trees are typically more expensive, but they have larger weight capacities and are more durable overall.
Portability
Some plate trees have wheels at the bottom, allowing you to move the storage unit easily. While not essential for some, it’s a nice feature for those who move equipment frequently. It’s also convenient if you have dedicated training stations and only one area for plates.
For example, you can wheel the plates from your squat rack to your deadlift platform without carrying each plate individually.
Barbell Storage
Many plate trees have built-in barbell holders or options to add them. This is a great feature for staying even more organized, especially if you only own one or two barbells. I recommend trees that have barbell holders with UHMW interior linings to protect your bar’s sleeves.
Price
Depending on weight capacity, materials, and other features, plate trees typically range from $50-$300. If you have a lot of weight to store, I recommend focusing on options on the higher end of the price scale to ensure strength and performance. Otherwise, you don’t need to spend a lot to get a solid plate organizer.
Honorable Mentions
- Titan Olympic Plate Tree & Bar Holder – The Titan Olympic Plate Tree is a solid vertical option with wheels and two barbell holders. It has three tiers for ample storage, but it didn’t make our main list because the plate posts are only 7″ long. If you don’t have a lot of plates, it’s a good choice. However, I recommend other trees with longer posts for most.
- Marcy Olympic Weight Plate Rack – The Marcy Vertical Plate Rack is a nice budget option with good overall specs. It has wheels, two barbell holders, and three storage tiers. However, its build quality isn’t as strong, and it has a lower weight capacity than most.
- Rogue Horizontal Plate Rack 3.0 – The Rogue Horizontal Plate Rack 3.0 is a premium bumper plate storage option. It includes 5 adjustable stainless steel dividers and 33.5″ of loadable space. It also has a handle and wheels for easy portability. However, it didn’t make our list because of its higher price and some users pointing to the textured powder coat damaging their plate finish.
- Steelbody Horizontal Plate Rack & Bar Holder – The Steelbody Horizontal Plate Rack is a budget-friendly option with four fixed compartments for storing different weight increments. It also includes two barbell holders and a handle/wheel kit. However, it didn’t make our main list because it’s shorter and has less loading potential than the REP horizontal tree.
FAQs About Plate Trees
Should I Buy a Plate Tree for My Home Gym
A plate tree is a great addition to a home gym for storing and organizing your weight plates. They take up minimal space and increase your training efficiency by keeping your plates in one area. They’re also affordable and improve the overall look of your gym.
What Type of Plate Tree is the Best?
Plate trees come in two types: vertical and horizontal. Vertical trees are better for lifters who frequently load a barbell on a rack since the plates sit higher. However, horizontal trees are better for lifters who often lift from the ground since it’s easier to load the barbell from a low position.
Are Weight Plate Trees Safe and Stable?
Yes, plate trees are safe and stable. Their steel construction and foot design can handle a lot of weight without the risk of the tree tipping. However, you should still load the tree as evenly as possible. I also recommend buying a tree with enough weight capacity to serve your needs.