How to Build a Freestanding Climbing Wall

Rock climbing builds strength and endurance, but many people aren't lucky enough to have great climbing walls nearby. You can build your own freestanding climbing wall that will let you stay in practice. The frame can be made out of plywood and 2-by-4 lumber, with store-bought climbing holds bolted to its face. This simple wall will allow you to do basic climbing and practice holds in the comfort of your own back yard.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-4-inch boards, 8 feet long, 6
• 2-by-4-inch boards, 3 feet 9 inches long, 6
• Drill
• 3-inch galvanized wood screws
• 4-by-8-foot sheet of 1-inch plywood
• Climbing holds with bolts
• Pencil
• 3/8-inch bolts and nuts, 5 inches long, 4
• Saw
• 4-inch galvanized wood screws, 4

Instructions

1. Assemble a box out of two 8-foot boards and two 3-foot-9-inch boards. The shorter boards should be inside the longer boards, with all four boards standing on edge.

2. Drill two one-sixteenth inch pilot holes through each corner of the box, then attach the 2-by-4s together with 3-inch galvanized wood screws.

3. Lay a 8-by-4-foot sheet of 1-inch plywood on the box.

4. Drill a pilot hole every 4 inches around the board's perimeter into the box below it, then screw the board to the box with more wood screws.

5. Position various climbing holds on the wall and mark their bolt locations with a pencil. Drill holes for the bolts through the plywood, then bolt the holds firmly in place.

6. Stand the wall up on its 4-foot edge. Have a friend hold it while you work.

7. Place two 8-foot boards on the ground next to the sides of the wall, standing on their narrow edge. There should be 1 foot of board behind the wall, with the other 7 feet extending in front of it. These will stabilize the wall.

8. Drill a three-eighths inch hole through each board and into the wall.

9. Thread a galvanized three-eighths inch bolt through each hole and screw on a nut, tightening it most of the way. This allows the wall to pivot back and forth to create different degrees of climbing difficulty.

10. Attach two more boards two feet down from the top of the wall also using three-eighths inch bolts. These will angle down to the ground and support the wall.

11. Tilt the wall forward as much as you want. The further forward it is tilted, the harder your climb will be. Do not tilt the wall deeper than 15 degrees.

12. Cut a miter on the bottom of the angled boards so they rest flat on the stabilizing boards on the ground.

13. Drill two pilot holes into the joint between each angle board and ground board. Screw them together with 4-inch wood screws.

14. Finish tightening all of the nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Use weather-treated lumber if using this climbing wall outside.