So you’re thinking of starting up a home gym, and you want to purchase gym equipment.

The beauty of a home gym is that it is built entirely based on your personal preferences and fitness goals. That is, of course, subject to your budget. 

As far as gym equipment goes, steel plates are a must-have in any home or commercial gym. They can serve multiple purposes, to aid in targeting different muscle groups in a variety of ways. 

At Akfit, we are a fitness specialty store that offers top-of-the-line fitness equipment and expert advice. Whether you are a gym owner or a regular fitness enthusiast, we specialize in supplying and maintaining gym equipment, while guiding our clients in their fitness journey. 

In turn, many of our clients ask us about the cost of a steel plate weight. We understand that cost and budget are an important part of any buying decision, especially given that steel weight plates are only one aspect of a complete gym setup.

When it comes to the cost of steel weight plates, they are not necessarily cheap. You will want something durable and functional to maximize your investment. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. 

So what should you expect to pay for quality steel plate weights?

This article will outline the cost of a steel plate weight, both industry-wide and specifically sold at Akfit, so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

In this article …

1. What are Weight Plates and How Are They Used?
2. What Factors Impact the Cost of a Weight Plate?
3. Cost of a Steel Plate Weight Industry-Wide
4. Cost of a Steel Plate Weight at Akfit

What are Weight Plates and How Are They Used?

Simply put, a weight plate is a flat, heavy object, usually made of steel, cast iron, rubber, or urethane. A weight plate is used independently, or more commonly, in combination with barbells or dumbbells to produce a bar with a desired total weight. A weight plate is used for the purpose of physical exercise, and more specifically, strength training. 

When buying weight plates for your facility or home, there is a range of options in the market to choose from. However, remember that the most affordable option may not necessarily be the best.

Rubber or urethane coated steel weight plates are a popular option for home gyms and commercial fitness facilities. This is because the coating prevents it from rust, scuff resistance on floors/ lifting surface, dampens noise while using, unlike other materials such as iron. They also have handles that make for an easier lift and come in many colors, which some customers prefer. Steel plates are generally the go-to choice for corporate purchases as they are inexpensive and durable.

What Factors Impact the Cost of a Steel Weight Plate?

There are a number of factors that can affect the cost of a steel weight plate, making it a tricky piece of equipment to buy. 

Calibrated vs Cast Plates

Weight plates are offered in a variety of weights and sizes, ultimately impacting the overall cost.

One option for buying steel weight plates is to go for calibrated powerlifting discs. The weight of these plates are as true and accurate as possible. These plates are generally much slimmer than your basic cast plate. They also follow a color scheme according to weight, so you know you won’t have to struggle with sorting your equipment. However, with cast plates the weight may not be as accurate. These plates are a cost-friendly option and cheapest to purchase in bulk if you are on a limited budget , but can provide a good bang for your buck and a basic option for your own personal home gym.

This is why calibrated weights are used even in-home or garage and commercial gyms, despite being originally meant for professional powerlifting. Calibrated weights are able to provide a more precise measurement of you or your customers’ abilities and their lifting attempts. Ultimately, the more accurate your plate is, the more expensive the plate will be. 

Features and Materials 

Generally speaking, the less effort that is put into the manufacturing of the plate, the lower the cost will tend to be. 

For example, a large variety of olympic-style plates are made from cast iron. However, some of these plates may be coated in rubber as well. Rubber coating on weight plates are meant to provide more grip, safer to use, and help be protective of your floors and other equipment. With that in mind, rubber-coated plates tend to be more expensive. 

Brand

Reputable brands offer plates that tend to guarantee quality and durability. They are reputable for a reason after all, however while some brands may be associated with higher costs, it doesn’t mean these reputable brands still don’t provide some cost friendly options as well. 

While non-reputable brands may run you a good amount of savings, you ultimately get what you pay for. Buying non-reputable products can run you the risk of receiving a defective item, or worse, a completely 

Still, you don’t want to get caught up paying just for the brand name. 

When buying from an online retailer, it is worthwhile to examine the review section on your selected product. Past experiences and the number of satisfied users can be a good indication that you’re getting in terms of quality, durability, and usability. Some brands can generally still be inexpensive and can still give an accuracy guarantee. While other brands can come at a premium cost because they are well-known and established in the industry.

When shopping in-store, it is important that your retailer vets the caliber of their brand selection and doesn’t just sell any brand out there. 

Number of Plates Purchased

The more plates you purchase, the more you will spend … that is a given. 

If you’re getting weight plates for your home or garage, expect to pay the advertised retail price. While the store may run occasional discounts and promotions, the price of steel weight plates are usually consistent. 

Cost of a Steel Plate Weight Industry-Wide

Generally speaking, you should expect to pay about $1.75 to $4 per pound on steel plate weights. 

It can be tricky to know right off the bat the number of weights you can or want to lift. It all depends on your personal abilities and the goals you want to achieve. In the 198-pound weight category, which is the weight of an average American man, they usually start off at 135 pounds of weight, if this is an untrained individual. For intermediate, advanced, and elite lifters, they can usually bench 215, 290, and 360 pounds.

As mentioned, simple cast iron plates are your best bet for an affordable set of equipment, starting from as low as $1.50 per pound. In some cases, even less. But they may not be the best quality, even for basic cast iron plates.

Machined cast iron plates can start from $1.80 and go up to $3 per pound depending on the factors mentioned above.

Calibrated, professional IPF powerlifting discs will set you back from $2.50 to $4 per pound on average. 

Cost of a Steel Plate Weight at Akfit

Now, let’s take a look at the cost of steel weight plates at Akfit. 

Depending on the individual what your needs are, you could spend as low as $5 on a plate or spend up to over $600 on a single plate. 

Regardless of the amount you spend, all Akfit products come with a standard manufacturer warranty that protects the value of your purchase. The warranties range from a 6-month to 1-year period, depending on the specific product details. In terms of steel weight plates, the warranty is dependent on the weight of the plate you buy.

Purchasing a Steel Weight Plate at Akfit

If you have made the decision to purchase a steel weight plate, either for your in-home gym or commercial gym, it is important to weigh your options and consider what will best fit your needs and budget. 

That is why our team at Akfit is dedicated to helping our customers reach their fitness goals and get the best value from their investments. 

Our fitness specialty store offers a wide selection of steel weight plates that cater to different users and settings. From a careful selection of brands, our weight plates match various lifting styles, including Olympic lifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and performance training. Further, the quality of our steel plate weight selection is bound to provide our clients with years of daily use. 

For more information on our product and service offerings, visit us in-store or request a virtual appointment with one of our trusted professionals today.