How to Build Indoor Climbing Walls

Climbing walls are a fun way to exercise and have fun at the same time. If it is not possible for you to go to a place that has a climbing wall, or if you are really interested in climbing, then you might consider making one for your own personal use. Making an indoor climbing wall uses the same processes as making an outdoor one. The framework must be sturdy enough to support the weight of a full-grown adult. Since they are so large, it can take quite a while to make one, so be sure to leave enough time for that. The height of the wall also depends on your ceiling height, so be mindful of that when designing the size.

Things You'll Need

• Power saw
• Extension cords
• Power drill and screwdriver
• Step ladder or extension ladder
• Level
• Tape measure, marking pencils
• Power jig saw
• Chalk line
• Gloves, safety glasses
• Combination or framing square
• Ratchet and sockets
• Step ladder and / or extension ladder
• Crow bar
• 2 saw horses and work table
• Drop cloth
• Paint roller
• 5 gal bucket
• Paint brushes
• 1/2", 5/8", 5/16" drill bits
• Hammer
• Several "C" clamps and wood clamps
• Chisel
• Thick poster board for model
• Design plans
• Sheathing for wall
• 2x4s or 2x6s for the framework
• Paint
• Sand
• Handholds (if using)

Instructions

1. Decide what you want your climbing wall to accomplish. Then consider the space that you will use to build it in. These will be the parameters for your wall.

2. Make careful plans when designing your climbing wall. As people will be using it heavily, it needs to be designed very well for safety reasons. It is important to make detailed plans both on paper and with a scale model. Be sure to consider whether or not your climbing wall will attach to a pre-existing structure. That will make a difference in how it is built.

3. One of the best materials for this step is heavy poster board. It kind of represents what the wood will look like. The most important step when making the model is to make sure that none of the poster board is bending in any way. The model has to be an exact replica of what the final wall will look like. The best scale to use is 1 inch representing 1 foot.

4. The framework is the most important part of the wall. Use small nails to put the framework together temporarily while you adjust to make sure that the framework is square. Drill holes in the same place on each side where the screws will go. Square the frame again, and drill the screws in. Repeat this for all frames. Measure diagonally from each side to check that it is square. If the measurements are not equal, then the frame is not square. Joints are very important. Reinforce all studs and joints with screws. When angles join, cut the pieces so they fit together smoothly. To anchor the frame (also called the ledger board) to the wall, it is necessary to attach the frame with lag screws to the wall. Use a washer with these screws so that they don’t bite into the wood. Attach the joists with joust hangers to the ledger board. Be sure to anchor everything at the top and bottom of the wall. Attach the top plate of the climbing wall to the ledger with two screws per joust, 1 per side.

5. Drill the holes in the plywood before hanging the wall. This is much easier. Drill from the climbing side, to avoid splinters. Use a chalk line to mark parallel lines on the sheet 8 inches apart. Start this pattern 4 inches from the edge of the sheathing. Use a 7/16-inch bit to drill through both pieces of plywood. Doing this will give you 72 t-nut holes equally spaced so that no 2x4s are hit. Don’t install the t nuts until you cut the wood. Cut the sheathing to the size needed for your project. Install the t nuts into the holes that you have drilled. Glue them in, and use a hammer to get them in good. This is important for safety. Install the sheathing after one final check of the framework.

6. Prime the wood. Mix 1 part of sand to 10 parts of paint in the top color. Once the primer has dried, apply it to the wall. Be sure to plug the t nut holes. If you are adding the climbing hand and foot holds to your wall, now is the time to install them. Be sure to get them very securely fastened.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the best things to pug a t nut hole with is a golf tee embedded inside the hole.

• Wall climbing is dangerous, so make sure you have all safety equipment necessary, including crash pads.