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build a climbing wall

Original Post
mtt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 0

Hey everyone,

I want to build a climbing wall but don't really know how to go about it. It will be on an existing wall that is about 20 ft high. Does anyone have any advise or know any good websites with good info?

cheers,

beavs · · Ft. Collins, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 250

Previous post pretty much sums it up, and a quick google search should give you the basic idea. I have never textured any of the walls I've built but I might on my current wall - I've had problems with spinning holds and I think some texture could help reduce the problem (I used sanded plywood which is otherwise very nice). Every wall is structurally different depending on what you have available to attach it to. If the 20' wall you are working with is a standard studded wall it should be no sweat, but if it's a masonry wall or something else you might have to roll up your sleeves and get creative. Good Luck!

Jason Hundhausen · · Bozeman, MT · Joined Jun 2007 · Points: 1,855

Metolius has some good beta on their website about how to design and build a wall. One thing I haven't seen mentioned on any websites is the type of hardware to use (t-nuts and bolts): don't use stainless steel! The bolts will gall terribly and can become nearly impossible to remove once tightened (think permanent spinner holds). Stick with alloy steel cap screws and you shouldn't have any problems. Also, shop around for good deals on t-nuts. I think I got 400 from Crater Holds for about $32, but that was a while ago. Good luck!

Andy Librande · · Denver, CO · Joined Nov 2005 · Points: 1,880
mountainproject.com/v/bould…

More info in the above thread that was already posted. Building climbing walls can be pretty simple. I have built three free-standing walls and one that we screwed straight onto ceiling beams. All were pretty quick to build and the key is to try to keep it simple unless you have some good carpentry skills.

My only advice is to make it steep (around 30-45 degrees)as vertical walls become boring extremely quick when you are climbing it all the time.
LeeAB Brinckerhoff · · Austin, TX · Joined Aug 2008 · Points: 10,288
  • Vertical is boring
  • 2x6 is good
  • Angle changes are good
  • 20' is HUGE without a rope
  • Kickers are a good idea 1-2' at the bottom
  • Steeper lower 45 then less steep higher 15-30, keeps weight on your feet.
  • Use a short set screw on your T-nuts to keep them from getting pushed out the back.
  • Sanded plywood is a must even if using a thin coat of texture unless you want an uneven surface. Also it typically will have fewer voids and therfore stronger.
  • You can probably get away with 2 foot spacing on studs unless you go really and consistently steep, though if the wall you are working with is 16 inch that will be easier.
  • Plan the t-nut spacing so that they don't land on a stud and predrill the whole stack at once then install the t-nuts prior to putting the panels up, no matter how good your access to the back of the wall is, it's still going to be easier to put the t-nuts in when on the ground and the panel is flat.
  • The best wall in the world with a crappy selection of holds is still a crappy wall. Ponny up for a good selection of nice holds and you will enjoy and use it more. Stay with small and medium size holds, features are for gyms and take up too much real estate on a home wall.
  • I'm sure there is a ton of stuff I'm forgetting, take your time and have fun building it then enjoy it afterwards and post pictures of it.
Kevin Stricker · · Evergreen, CO · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 1,197

Most 2x6's you would get at a home center are Hem Fir and are not suited for steep climbing walls. 2x8's should be the minimum with 2x10's necessary for taller steep walls. Climbing walls over 15 degrees overhanging should be treated as a residential floor in terms of building a suitable structure, it's very important to make sure that your attachment points are completely bomber.

The Metolius website has a great little how to guide that should get you going.

If you are interested in hiring a pro, give me a call or shoot me an email. I have built several walls for customers, am affordable, and have excellent references.

Taowood Carpentry and Remodeling

p.s. Home Depot has ACX plywood on sale right now for $23.97 per 3/4" sheet. This is close to 30% off the standard price so you should go get your plywood before it's gone.

Lauren Fallsoffrocks · · A beach with climbing · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 260

I second the advice to buy good holds. Holds from a variety of hold companies make things more fun.

Textured paint is easy: buy cheap paint from a store that re-sells opened or partially used paint and add play sand directly to the paint. Try it out a few times to get the right ratio.

Oh, this is an absolute must: drill the T-nut holes from the side that you will be climbing on. If you don't, the wood will splinter, then you will have to sand every single t-nut hole to avoid loosing excessive amounts of skin, blood, and shoe rubber on the splinters. Our local gym just built a new bouldering area and they left splinters all over the wall. I have the scars on my knees and the back of my hands to show it.

Mike Lane · · AnCapistan · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 880

Here's a couple tips for cheap and easy texture.
One, get some oops paint from Home Depot, usually about $5.00 a gallon.
Second, the best trick for adding texture is granite dust. You can get that usually for free from a tombstone carver, they have tons of it. Paint the plywood before you drill for the t-nuts.

fishbelly Hilden · · Huntsville, Alabama · Joined Apr 2009 · Points: 0

find a housing contractor, Ask about leftover lumber. They throw it away . The owners don't want it once the house is finished.
Check out a small independent hardware store for T nuts. You may be able to get them in bulk at a lower price.

Even if you use treated lumber. waterproof it.

T Bauck · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 4

A couple of tips:

When drilling the T-nut holes, put 2 pieces of plywood together with the surface you will be climbing on touching. This keeps the plywood from splintering.

Wood holds are great - the smoother texture is easier on your hands and makes you grip a bit harder. You can make your own cheap using hand rails and the decorative caps for hand rails.

When getting the lumber, take some time to grab the pieces without knots (or in the case of plywood, voids). They also need to be straight.

You can often get used mattresses cheap from motels - you need something to land on and a single bouldering pad is probably not big enough.

Painting is probably not worth it - it makes it harder to mark routes with tape.

Don't forget to think about lighting. I use a 4' Fluorescent light. It lights things up well and avoids shadows.

mtt · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 0

Thanks everyone for all your info!!!

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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