Homemade Rock Climbing Wall

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Rock climbing is an endurance sport that tests your strength and agility. Rock climbers climb either up or across rock structures or artificial climbing walls. With the appropriate materials, build your own artificial rock-climbing wall in the comfort of your own garage or backyard. Get creative when building your own wall by designing different climbing routes and by using a variety of holds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

1 textured climbing-wall panel, 4-by-4 foot
8 kiln-dried lumber studs, 2-by-4 inch, 8 feet in height
Tape measure
Handsaw
1 box of 1 5/8-inch drywall screws with Phillips head
Cordless screwdriver
Drill bit
Electric drill
6 bolts
12 washers
12 nuts
Crescent wrench

Step 1

Use the saw and split one of your 8-foot lumber studs in half to make two studs, each 4 feet in length. Screw the studs to attach them horizontally to the top and bottom of your climbing panel. Space the drywall screws every 6 to 8 inches. Rest your panel on top of the studs as you do this.

Step 2

Take the tape measure and determine the distance between the top and bottom studs. The length should be approximately 7 feet 9 inches. Use the handsaw and cut three lumber studs to this measured length.

Step 3

Screw two of the 7-foot-9-inch studs to the left and right sides of your climbing panel. Space the drywall screws every 8 inches. This completes a frame. You should have lumber studs framing all the edges of your climbing-wall panel.

Step 4

Attach the remaining 7-foot-9-inch stud to the center of the climbing panel, between the other two framing studs. Avoid blocking the holes of your panel as you do this or block as little as possible.

Step 5

Take the four remaining lumber studs to use two for each side of the climbing panel. These four studs will serve as braces to hold and support your climbing panel. Start with two studs and drill 16 holes, 3 inches apart, down the studs, starting from the three ends. On the last end, drill one hole. Use the Climerware hole pattern and repeat the same for the last two studs. The holes will allow you to adjust the angle of your climbing panel.

Step 6

Go back to your climbing panel and use the tape measure and drill one hole in each stud side, 6 feet from the panel's bottom. These holes will attach to the studs as the top part of your climbing panel.

Step 7

Measure 5 inches from the panel's bottom and drill a hole in each stud side. These lower holes will attach to the studs as the bottom part of your climbing panel.

Step 8

Carefully tilt the climbing panel up and rest the panel to a stable wall in your house or garage. Take the remaining four studs and bolt two studs at the top and two studs at the bottom on each side of your panel. Do this by carefully positioning the panel away from the support of your garage walls. See Climerware's example for bolt placement. Bolt with two washers and two nuts for each hole.

Step 9

Use the two remaining bolts and attach the two ends of your lumber studs or braces, one on the left and another on the right side. Bolt with two washers and two nuts for each hole.

Step 10

Stabilize the panel. You now have a free-standing climbing wall. Get some holds in different designs and varieties to design your new climbing wall.

Tips & Warnings

Place a crash pad or padding on the floor underneath your climbing wall braces.

Place a crashing pad or cushion on the floor where the climber may fall.

Be cautious when rock climbing even at your own home. Wall climbing is a dangerous activity and may result in injury.

Resources

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

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