Gym Gear

Top 7 Wall-mounted pull-up bars

What is the best wall-mounted pull-up bar? Here are our top choices when it comes to ergonomics, possibilities, and reliability.

Man working out on the best wall-mounted pul-up bar
Travis

By: Travis

Hi, I am Travis. My main focus in life is to understand training better and help others get better results too. I used to be about the least fit kid in school and would always be last to get picked for a team. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but all my efforts just lead to injuries

For years, I had completely given up on ever getting in shape. Then I began to use my brain before using my muscles. I read every popular book on exercise, and began to structure my training.

With the right training methods, and the right machines, I was able to rebuild my body from the ground up.

According to science, I would never be able to walk pain-free again. And I would never be able to do 20 pull-ups with the injuries to my rotator cuff. But they were al wrong.

This site is where you can find all my tips and recommendations.

If you are looking to train grip strength, definition, and posture, you're talking pull-ups. Pull-ups are a challenge. They work out the brachialis, biceps brachii, brachioradialis, teres major, latissimus dorsi, and the posterior deltoid.

When done right, they also involve many of the deep spinal stabilizers. Your lumbar multifidus, transverse abdominals, and thoracolumbar fascia are all engaged when doing pull-ups.

Pull-ups stabilize the spine, reduce the risk of back injury and pain, and put the entire body to work.

Of course, the only way to get a good workout is to have the best tools. A pull-up bar at home has to be safe and effective. Wall-mounted bars offer a secure and sturdy opportunity for getting your pull-up on.

For your consideration, we're going to break down the best wall-mounted pull-up bars on the market because, well, that's what we do! Help you stay in shape and safe.

Merax Wall Mount Pull-Up Bar with man training on it Multi-Grip Chin-Up Station mounted on wall Side view of the Merax Wall-Mounted pull up bar

With its 48" width, there's room for close grip, wide grip, neutral grip, and even chin-ups. And all grips are non-slip. The angled design will protect wrists during wide grip movement. A set of suspension anchors lets you add TRX or yoga straps, power ropes, or punching bags. Designed like an Olympic style barbell, it's rugged, powder-coated, and could likely stand up to the elements if set up outside.

A solid place to start for beginners, yet the Merax is versatile enough for advanced pull-up workouts. One note to keep in mind is that the supplied anchors are of a wedge type for concrete and require a half-inch masonry bit to install.

Over a few days, we felt the results in the lats, rhomboids, and traps. This is based on the fact we've been doing pull-ups for a minute now. How you train your body might be different, depending on your level and type of exercise. We also noticed a definite improvement in core strength.

This pull-up bar lets you achieve an intense and complete workout with minimal investment and equipment.


Pros:

  • Has knurled grip
  • Angles vary for ergonomic training
  • Dual anchor points allowing connection of different systems

Const

  • Weight capacity tops out at 286 lbs.

Merax Wall Mount Pull-Up Bar with man training on it Multi-Grip Chin-Up Station mounted on wall Side view of the Merax Wall-Mounted pull up bar

The Merax Wall-Mounted Pull-Up Bar supports an impressive 440 lbs. The device is also handy for push-ups, vertical knee raises, tricep dips, and more.

You can reduce spine and elbow pressure with the two-inch high-density cushions. These provide additional comfort while working the waist, abdomen, chest, or upper body.

This is one well designed multi-grip bar for home strength training. We found it to be a comfortable fit. Hand cramps are common when using pull-up bars with bad design or construction. None of the bars on this list can be accused of that, but we still found this one particularly well-engineered for comfort.

The assembly has two options. Traditional pull up bar and handles, or utilize the padded armrests for abdominal exercises. The versatility was a welcome change, as we got more bang for our nickel and varied workout options.


Pros:

  • Excellent device for far more than chin-ups and pull-ups
  • Other training tools can be easily attached
  • Extra stable with diagonal bracing and welded corners

Const

  • Installation instructions can be hard to follow
  • Unit is on the bulky side

Joist Mounted Pull Up Bar

From a leader in exercise equipment comes the updated Joist Mount Pull-up Bar. Ultimate Body Press kicked it up a notch with new grip positions that will target specific muscles.

The parallel grips offer a wide range of motion for better repetition and form. As opposed to a door frame, this pull-up bolts to a beam. Made in the USA, it's an upgrade from a doorway bar with 21" wide grips, 14" risers, and the 42" bar, promising a top workout space in the home. Ab straps (sold separately) will burn fat, build muscle, and activate the core.

We appreciate that the Joist Mount Pull-up Bar does not require dealing with clearance issues common with a doorframe or wall-mounted bar. (This often happens when you don't research the mounting dimensions before purchase)

We were able to work out without holding back and not worry about hitting our face, knees, or any other part of the body on obstructions. And Ultimate Body Fitness's line of accessories like gymnastic rings, push-up rings, and abdominal significantly increase the number of exercises you'll be able to do on this.


Pros:

  • Four pull-up positions: narrow, parallel, wide, standard
  • Mounts to exposed beams in the home
  • Grab the Ab Strap or Bodyweight Resistance packages (sold separately) and take the workout to the next level

Const

  • Pre-threaded holes are off-center

Gronk Fitness Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar

Don't limit yourself. The Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar from Gronk Fitness trains the entire body. You can do pull-ups, dips (if the ceiling is high enough), and abdominal crunches with proper tools.

Powder-coated smoothness ensures non-slip handling. Rust-resistant, the bar manages to hold an impressive 800 lbs.

The device is built to support ab straps, elastic bands, and gym rings. It's a great way to kick-start the abs and obliques and perform knee-ups and leg lifts.

The Gronk Fitness Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar will be a key instrument in a complete upper body home workout.

Designed and manufactured by football great Rob Gronkowski's company, this product is what every athlete wants to be: a beast.

Over four feet long (something to be aware of for deciding placement), that huge size and sturdy material mean that this pull-up bar can manage a ton of weight capacity. We could almost see even Gronk's friendly nemesis, Tom Brady, diving into this with ready to grin and sweat it out.


Pros:

  • Complete standing pull-up station
  • Redesigned to bolt flush against support brackets, guaranteeing maximum loading capacity
  • Excellent for both commercial, home, and garage gyms

Const

  • Fabrication issues diminish the product's right-out-of-box potential
  • A bit on the pricey side

Woman doing leg raises on wall-mounted pull up bar Man doing pull ups on ceiling-mounted pull up bar

Both a ceiling and wall mountable pull-up bar, this is an excellent option for chin-ups, kipping pull-ups, and chin-ups.

With Grade 8 wood hardware, you're guaranteed sturdiness and three varying sized bars to accommodate wall mounting and ceiling height needs.

The bars are built with welded 14 gauge steel and triangular gussets to hold 600 lbs of body weight. You'll feel no unwanted movement or flexing thanks to the solid feel of the bar. Sturdy gym-quality will make this device a long term part of your routine.

Being highly compact and mountable to a variety of surfaces makes this one of the best pull-up bars for various situations. It's also one of the easiest bars to assemble. It can easily be bolted to a ceiling or wall, offering you a lot of freedom organizing your home gym's layout.

We were especially impressed with the 48" wide grip. The comfort and simple installation make this an excellent bar for any home gym.


Pros:

  • Functional as both wall or ceiling mounted bar
  • Quality welded, powder-coated, hammer tone steel
  • Adjustable bar height settings to match user reach

Const

  • The bar's not non-slip

Ultimate Body Press Wall Mounted pull-up bar

Simple and affordable, the Wall Mount Doorway Pull Up Bar combines both performance and versatility. The rigid, all-welded steel pull-up bar has 1.25" tubing and stands at 4.25" away from the wall. This leverages a full range of motion and supports better form and focus.

Pick up an optional resistance trainer and turn the bar into a complete bodyweight gym. You'll get stability and comfort alongside confidence as you safely put in the reps and form to get results!

We especially liked the angled ergonomics that reduce strain. These bars are ready for the most strenuous workouts. If you're up for serious results at home, this wall-mounted pull-up bar deserves serious consideration. It features a sturdy 32 mm diameter tubing and grips that increase extend workouts.

The all-steel construction and powder-coated finish blend in with most interiors. Save space and start setting PRs with this pull-up bar.


Pros:

  • Fits 24-30 inch king stud openings
  • Variation and sets supported by ergonomic design
  • Allows daily training with high-intensity workouts

Const

  • The bar's large diameter can be hard to grip for smaller hands

Yes4All Wall Mount Chin Up Bar

With a high weight capacity of up to 500 lbs, this is one of the sturdiest bars on our list. That same construction promises stability and safety and peak performance for amateurs and seasoned athletes alike.

The design's finish is non-slip, unlike glossy or chrome competitors. The surface is going to hold up for many years and workouts. The bar's compatible with concrete and wood ceilings or floors and, for your convenience, can be installed horizontally or vertically.

This one is a great choice for an overall strengthening of the upper body muscles without leaving the house. It is a no-frills option, but it's really affordable and will return on every dollar spent.

If you're looking to pump up your shoulders, spine, biceps, arms, and general upper body muscles in the comfort of your own room, we have to suggest the Yes4All workout bar.

As stated, this is a no-frills option. The grip is straight without any ergonomic angles. You might have to add some tape for frequent use and extensive workouts.

But that is only a small drawback of a bar that is sturdy and very affordable.


Pros:

  • Wide grip, narrow grip, and neutral grip among the many exercises available
  • Very affordable
  • Good quality materials and construction

Const

  • Designed for 16" stud only

Will a pull-up bar damage my wall?

The fact is almost all damage to walls, door frames, and ceilings, somewhere in the vicinity of 99 percent, can be boiled down to scuff marks and peeling or scraping of paint. A huge portion of other damage is usually the result of misuse of the product or poor installation. This is why you should carefully review instructions before installing a pull-up bar. If you find issues, contact the manufacturer. Many users tend to find "creative" solutions for getting around problems they encounter, and this can lead to unintentional misuse of the product and damage, and worse.

What is the best height for a pull-up bar?

The best height for a pull-up bar is highly personal. Height, weight, arm length, they all play a significant role. So there is no standardized rule for mounting. One guideline says mounting should be, at minimum, 20" below the ceiling, yet above the floor with leeway for the user to hang freely, knees bent, feet not touching the surface. You should definitely have enough room to complete a full pull-up, i.e., raise your chin above the bar.

How can I learn to do a pull-up?

How about right now? Stand below the bar. Reach up and grab, keeping palms facing away. If necessary, bend your knees, so you're not touching the floor each time you do down. Pull your body upward. Pull as high as you can, getting your chin close to the bar, or better yet, above it. Hold for a moment. Lower your body, making sure to unlock your arms. In other words, go as far down as you can. For more info, go ahead and check out videos or tutorials. And don't be discouraged if you find you can't do one. This is common. Practice and perseverance is the only way to go here.

Is it possible to mount the pull-up bar outside?

That depends on the device. Not every model was designed to be installed outdoors. Before making a final decision on your purchase, know exactly what you plan to do with the pull-up bar. Even if the description implies the product will work outside, give them a ring, send an email, or enter a reliable forum or chat room to get the scoop. It wouldn't be surprising to learn "both indoor and outdoor mounting options" means there have to be specific exterior conditions for outdoor safety and performance.

How far should a pull-up bar be from the wall?

Regardless of what you plan to do -- simple pull-ups and chin-ups or full-body workouts, it's important to give yourself some room to move. For pull-ups and chin-ups, give yourself somewhere between 18" and 24" clearance between the top of the wall and the bar. A pull-up can be a complex device with additional features, and these must be taken into consideration. You have to gauge how much space you'll need for a bag, or stretching, and other priorities.

How much space do you need above a pull-up bar?

A pull-up bar needs to have enough space to raise your chin above the bar. This last part of the movement is very important to get the most out of the pull-up. While there are mounting bars for ceilings, floors, and outdoors, the general placement is in a doorway. This is mostly because the most affordable options and easiest installations are for doorway products. In these cases, height will be determined by the doorway. Properly engineered devices know this and design their pull-up bars for multi-purposes.