How to Build a Wrestling Ring
The big matches are thrilling for all wrestling fans. Bodies fly across the ring landing cross body on another with a thud and a bounce. What could be more fun than trying out a few moves on your own? Maybe you or one of your friends is the next big star of the WWF. Whether in your backyard or in a warehouse space, wrestling rings can be built for the amateur.
How to Build a Wrestling Ring
Key Materials
There are sites and stores where you can obtain all of the materials you will need to construct a safe and professional wrestling ring (total cost approx. $5,500.00.) The materials offer a few choices but are generally standard for the finished product. The biggest material issue you’ll need to deal with is the steel support for the ring itself. Plans are available for a support system, but locating the steel required may be difficult. Without steel the ring is sure to collapse after the first jump from the ropes.
Other materials needed for the ring include the ring canvas, mat with coil spring, ropes or cables, turn buckles, wood planking, and padding. The quality of the materials that you use is determined by the abilities of those wrestling. If a 250lb. man is going to be flung against the ropes a cable type rope system may be wise. If an 85 lb. 10 year old is the wrestler then a rope system may be more economical and effective. In most respects, the same can be said of the other materials that could be used. Turnbuckles don’t need to be cinched down quite as much for a small body so a less ’stressed’ product can be used.
Putting it Together
A good set of plans is always the best way to go. First you’ll need to get the ring up off the ground a bit; experts suggest 2-3 feet. If the project is a backyard adventure you may need to sink in some footings to keep the ring stationary. Make your ring carcass using the steel and wood planking. Be sure the ring is square, because it will be experiencing high structural forces. An untrue carcass will fold quickly.
Your corner posts should lead straight into the ground - this is where all the forces will be focused. The ropes or cables come through the turnbuckles at this point so make sure extra support is provided. Cable ropes will transfer the force to the posts much more effectively than a regular rope system.
Choosing your canvas or mat depends on your physical abuse tolerance. How much do you want it to hurt when you hit the mat? A coil mat with a bit less bounce will mean more pain when compared to a mat with a lot of bounce.