How to Build a Home Rock Climbing Wall

Rock climbing for many is a passion as well as a great form of exercise. Like other forms of sport or exercise you want to do at home, being able to rock climb in your living room or wherever, simply requires the creation of a home rock climbing wall.

Things You'll Need

• Rock wall design book
• Studs
• Screws
• Plywood
• Washers
• Drill
• Drill bit
• Plastic bottle
• Razor
• Peg or straw
• Concrete
• Bondo resin
• Sand
• Bolts
• Primer
• Latex paint or deck coating
• King-size sheets
• Foam scraps
• Carpet scraps
• Old mattress

Instructions

1. Plan the home rock climbing wall by first deciding on its location and purpose. The type of wall varies whether it will be freestanding, built into an existing structure or used for endurance training. Refer to "Home Climbing Gyms" by Randy Leavitt and Anthony Scoggins, a design and planning book. Also, estimate cost by multiplying the cost per material by the number of material by two.

2. Create a design for your home rock wall by first consulting with a licensed engineer and rock wall designer. Use their expertise to determine the proper support for the load of the wall and the climber's weight.

3. Construct the wall framework out of two by four and two by six studs. Build the outer framework on the floor separately from the support pieces. Add the support studs and trusses to the framework using screws. Reinforce all studs and joists with plywood and screws instead of nails. Attach the header board that anchors the climbing wall to the wall with lag screws and washers.

4. Stack sheets of plywood for the surface and drill 7/16 holes using a long drill bit through all sheets at one time. Drill holes in a random pattern about a foot or more apart. Use a 20 to 26 ounce hammer to put t-nuts in the holes in the back of each plywood sheet. Screw the plywood to your frame putting screws at five-inch intervals.

5. Use recyclable plastic bottles such as empty two-liter cola or other drink bottles to create the rock holds for the climbing wall. With a razor, cut two and a half inches off the bottom and fill with a concrete, bondo resin and sand mixture. Insert a peg or straw to make a hole for the bolt and let dry. Cut away the plastic bottle bottom and attach the hold to the plywood using bolts when ready for holds.

6. Add texture to the wall by painting it with a sand and latex paint mixture with a 10-to-1 paint-to-sand ratio. Apply primer to a clean surface before painting. Slip resistant deck coating and porch paint are other alternatives for paint.

7. Make a home rock climbing wall fall mat by sewing two king-size sheets together and stuffing the sheets with scrap upholstery foam or carpet pieces. You can also recycle an old mattress to save money.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending upon the design of the rock wall, you may need a building permit, so check with the local permit office.