Creating a home climbing wall has been a dream of mine since college. My new garage provided the perfect opportunity to make this dream a reality. The wall is 8 feet wide by 9.5 feet tall and set at a 30-degree angle. Here’s how we made it happen, including some of the challenges we faced along the way.
The Inspiration
During college, we had a small climbing wall in our outdoor garage. It wasn’t a replacement for the climbing gym, but it allowed me to squeeze in some climbs between classes and invite friends over to set new problems. As a new homeowner, I was eager to build a wall in my garage. The initial cost was relatively low (until we started buying holds), and we even managed to creatively raise the ceiling height.
The total material cost for the climbing wall was $360, and here’s a breakdown of how we achieved it.
Design Considerations
Living through three winters in Philadelphia made me a big fan of indoor climbing setups. I settled on a 30-degree angle for the wall, inspired by various recommendations and the versatility it offered. To ensure the wall was right for our space, we used tape to outline the wall’s dimensions on the floor. This step helped us visualize the project and make necessary adjustments before committing to construction.
Construction Steps
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Framing the Wall: We started with the basic structure. Using 2x6 studs at 18-inch spacing, we attached them directly to newly installed scissor trusses for added height and stability. Blocking was added between studs to increase rigidity.
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Painting and Drilling: Before drilling, we painted the plywood sheets to make the wall visually appealing. Jenna, a talented artist, created a tessellated design on the plywood. We then measured and drilled holes for the t-nuts, spacing them 8 inches apart.
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Installing T-Nuts and Holds: We used industrial t-nuts to ensure they wouldn’t spin. This was crucial for a durable and frustration-free climbing experience. We then mounted the wall panels and secured them with Torx head screws every 6 inches for added stability.
- Adding a Footer: To make the wall more functional and enjoyable, we included a 12-inch tall footer. This allowed us to use the entire wall surface, especially useful for endurance training on a shorter wall.
Materials Breakdown
| Name | Description | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screws | 3" Torx construction screws | $27 | Strong and reliable |
| 2x6-10ft | Lumber for wall studs | $132 | Used for roof trusses and wall framing |
| 2x4-10ft | Lumber for blocking | $8 | Added for higher blocking |
| Bolts | Hex bolts, nuts, and washers | $6 | Used for securing roof trusses |
| Plywood Sheets | 3/4" 4x8ft plywood (3) | $106 | One sheet cut for footer and top board |
| Paint | Paint and rollers | $30 | For base color and design |
| Metolius Holds | Climbing holds (30 holds) | $195 | Initial batch to start |
| Atomic Holds | Simple jugs (12 holds) | $90 | Additional holds for variety |
| T-nuts | Industrial screw-in t-nuts (150) | $51 | Ensured holds stayed secure |
| More T-nuts | Non-screw-in t-nuts (24) | $3 | Extras from a friend |
Final Thoughts
Building a home climbing wall was a rewarding experience. It provides a convenient way to train and stay in shape, with the potential to replicate specific outdoor climbing challenges. While our setup is relatively simple, it’s versatile enough to keep us engaged and improving.
Additional Resources
- REI Blog on Building a Climbing Wall: Detailed instructions with reference photos.
- Dave MacLeod’s YouTube Video: Insights on optimizing your home climbing wall.
- Metolius Climbing PDF Guide: Comprehensive resource referenced by REI.
- Alpine Vagabonds: Inspirational guide on building an adjustable Moon Board.
Building your own climbing wall is a great way to stay active and continuously challenge yourself. Happy climbing!