Building a Back Yard Wall Questions!

Hey all. I'm putting together a back yard training wall for myself and my kids to mess around on. I'm planning on something like a 20 degree overhang max because I'd like my kids to be able to use it. It would be cool if it were adjustable from vertical to overhang... but thats a stretch. I'd like it to be self supporting and not pour concrete footings in the event it has to be moved for whatever reason. Already have plywood and holds... just need to come up with a clever plan.

Has anyone had issues with home owners insurance hassling you about the safety of a DIY wall? I'm a little concerned mine may attack us here in the strict state of Massachusetts.

I'd love to see some outdoor DIY walls ya'll may have built. If you've built a free-standing outdoor wall please chime in and post some pictures! I need some creative influence.

Thanks!

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/106606591/what-does-your-woody-look-like

Hi,

  The problem with a freestanding wall is you need to find ways to keep the supports out of the way of your climbing.  The steeper the wall the farther the supports need to extend.  If you want to build something that is usable in many seasons then you need to cover the back of the wall with roofing panels.  If you don't plan to use marine grade plywood and pressure treated lumber or it will start to fall apart pretty quickly.

Here is my adjustable angle mostly freestanding woodie at 15 Degrees

and at 40

I use a tarp as a lean-to that closes off the wall area and extends across the patio when in use.  Fully flashed with a metal roof and a gutter to get the water out of the way.

I think it would be cheaper to dig 4 posts and build a patio roof then hang the wall from a beam if you have the flat ground.  PM me if you are serious about the build and need some plans.

Kevin Stricker wrote:

Hi,

  The problem with a freestanding wall is you need to find ways to keep the supports out of the way of your climbing.  The steeper the wall the farther the supports need to extend.  If you want to build something that is usable in many seasons then you need to cover the back of the wall with roofing panels.  If you don't plan to use marine grade plywood and pressure treated lumber or it will start to fall apart pretty quickly.

Here is my adjustable angle mostly freestanding woodie at 15 Degrees

and at 40

I use a tarp as a lean-to that closes off the wall area and extends across the patio when in use.  Fully flashed with a metal roof and a gutter to get the water out of the way.

I think it would be cheaper to dig 4 posts and build a patio roof then hang the wall from a beam if you have the flat ground.  PM me if you are serious about the build and need some plans.

Sent you a PM!

Kevin,  this is amazing and exactly what I am shooting for.
If you have any design specs or additional photos, please could you post or forward them on?

If not, please could you answer a few questions?

I've done the best I can to figure out what exactly you have done.
I am guessing this is a 12' x 12' board?

I *think you are using vertical joists, but from what I can make out these are at 4' intervals? Is this correct?

Can you tell me what thickness of timber you have used for:
1)  the main frame
2)  the joists behind the board
3) the support posts

Also, could you tell me how the board pivots - and on what it pivots?
and lastly, the timbers and angles used for the supports on the sides?

Finally, if you had to rebuild, are there any changes that you would make?

Thanks in advance
 

Hi,
  Wow that was a lot of questions. As a building professional that tutorial would run you about $100. As a climber I will give you some beta.

Wall is 12’x12’ built on a 2x8 frame oriented vertically. The joists are on 4’ centers with 4’ center mid span blocking. I would not recommend the average builder attempt this. I was pushing the limits of joist spacing and used HD pocket screw joinery on all connections.

Wall is built with 3/4”’CDX Home Depot plywood. I wouldn’t recommend this either as it’s prone to splitting, but it’s cheap and with some filler and good paint it works OK.   Back of wall is corrugated metal roofing.

The premise of the wall is good, but the practicality of an outside wall above 8,000 feet makes the climbing season short. I will not build another center articulating wall. Changing angles changes the entire nature of the climb. I hope to rebuild it this summer into a fixed angle boulder shed with heat. Cheers!