Introduction: Freestanding Indoor Rock Climbing Wall for $150
I've recently gotten into rock climbing and while pull-up bars and hangboards are nice, I've really wanted a more realistic training routine. While I wanted to build my own climbing wall, I didn't think my landlord would be too happy with me anchoring it into the wall and ceiling of my apartment. Due to this fact, I had to come up with a slightly different design than most home walls. My basic plan evolved around the outdoor wall I found here - http://www.chockstone.org/techtips/woodie.htm - though I did have to make some modifications due to two constraints:
1 - It had to fit inside my tiny apartment
2 - It had to be freestanding
This is the story of my bouldering wall, it is an epic tale of trial, struggle and triumph.
Step 1: Materials
These are the materials I used. While I'm no engineer, I feel comfortable that they can withstand any load I or my roommates can exert. I didn't use the same materials as the first plan I saw and unless you build the same exact wall, you probably shouldn't either.
Materials:
(1) Case of beer (You may want more, I can't say that it will aid in construction but it'll sure make it more interesting. For instance while hanging the joists we dropped one of the sides and nearly took out our TV)
(2) Sheets of 3/4" Plywood (3/4 RTD SHTG) @ $17.97 = $35.94
(1) Additional 1' by 8' strip of plywood for the top portion (salvaged from scrap bin) - $4.01
(12) 2'x4'x104-5/8" Studs @ $3.12 = $37.44
(1) Box of 2" Drywall Screws - $6.47
(1) Box of 1.25" Drywall Screws - $6.47
(1) Box of 3" Drywall Screws - Leftover from another project
(40) Climbing Holds with Hardware (ideally you would have around 32 per sheet of plywood) I bought mine here as I've bought some holds from him in the past and have been very satisfied with both the price and quality - http://rockymountainclimbinggear.com/id71.html - $40.00
Extra T-Nuts (typically home walls have a t-nut density of 2.25 per square foot) The holds came with just enough hardware for them so if you want more configuration options you'll need to buy about 100 more t-nuts
(12) Plate Connectors @ $0.76 = $9.12
(4) 90 Degree Connectors (3" Angle) @ $1.23 = $4.92
(8) 2x4 Joist Hangers @ $0.75 = $6.00
Total Materials Cost = $150.37
Tools:
- Electric Drill
- Phillips Head Bit
- 7/16" Wood Boring Bit
- 3/8" Hex Wrench
- Tape Measure
- Protractor (or other angle making aid)
- Saw (preferably a power saw, hand saws are only cool for about 10 minutes)
Step 2: Cut It Up
You'll want to start by cutting all your lumber to size. Note that you'll also want to cut it at the right angles so all joints of your triangle sit flush.
I knew that I wanted my wall to be 4' deep so I could add sides later on by cutting a sheet of plywood in half diagonally. I also knew that it couldn't be taller than 8' (7'11" to be safe) so I decided on roughly a 60 degree overhang so that I would still have about a foot of vertical space on the top so I could mount a hangboard.
I also knew that we would be using two 4' wide sheets of plywood for the surface of the wall so I cut 6 of the studs to a tad longer than 8' to make sure I had room in case anything was off.
Step 3: Assemble Sides
Next you'll want to assemble the sides of your wall. I made sure both the front and back would be resting directly on the ground so there would be less strain on the joint. This is where you'll want to use your plate connectors.
-First pound the connectors the joints
-Second secure with 4 of the 1.25" screws on each plate.
-Repeat first and second step for the other sides of the joints
-Lastly you may want to secure the top joint with 2 additional 3" screws.
You may want to add cross bracing on the inside of the triangles especially if you want the surface of the wall to wrap around the sides. I chose to leave them unbraced and uncovered for now to save on cost. After using it for awhile I don't feel that extra cross bracing is necessary.
Step 4: Hang Horizontal Joists
For this step you'll most likely want one or two helpers to keep everything square as you hang the joists on the back of the wall. This is an important step because if you do it wrong your wall will most likely collapse. Pardon the lack of pictures while actually hanging the joists but we simply did not have enough hands.
-Fist position the 2x4 where you wanted it to go and secure it with 2 two of the 3" screws going straight through the side and into the 2x4 horizontally.
-Once the stud is in place install the joist hangers by first hammering in the stops and then securing it with 1.25" screws into the side and then with 3" screws into the 2x4. Check the pictures for more detail.
For the top two joists simply screw the connector into the side then up into the 2x4. I also used two of the 3" screws going horizontally through the side and into the joists.
I chose to use 4 horizontal joists for the overhang and 2 joists on top which the plywood sheeting would then be screwed into.
Step 5: Drill Bolt Holes
Before you mount your plywood, you'll want to drill holes for the holds to bolt into (note: if you are using screw on holds this isn't necessary). You'll also want to be careful that the joists won't block your holes. I messed up and didn't check this and now I can't use some of the holes. You'll also want to determine which side of the plywood will be the front and drill from the front to the back so that it looks pretty and doesn't give you splinters.
I copied the hole pattern found here: http://www.atomikclimbingholds.com/walldone.jpg
Step 6: Hang the Plywood
Once you have all of your joists hung on the back and the holes drilled in the plywood, you can hang the plywood on the wall. It's also nice to have a helper for this step.
-First push the bottom of the plywood as far back as it will go against the bottom joists.
-Next have your helper (or large set of clamps) hold the sheet of plywood so that it presses on the top joist.
-Then make sure the sheet of plywood is pressed firmly against the side of the wall
-Finally, making sure all parts of the plywood are flush against the joists, secure the panel with at least 5 of your 2" screws per joist.
-Repeat for second sheet of plywood
-Hang top strip of plywood in similar fashion
This was a momentous occasion for us as the pictures clearly show.
Step 7: Install T-Nuts and Holds
Install holds by pounding the t-nuts into the back of the plywood then threading the bolt through the bolt and into the t-nut.
This picture shows the correct orientation: http://www.atomikclimbingholds.com/images/ProfileBolton.jpg
Now put on your climbing shoes and chalk up, you're done!

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33 Comments
7 years ago
Ok, very cool concept, but a few big concerns. Chief among them in the materials.
Drywall screws are among the more brittle screws available. They should not be used for any kind of load-bearing purposes, especially when the load is you. They’re used frequently because they’re cheap and easily available, but you really shouldn’t be using them for anything but drywall. Just because you have some handy doesn’t mean they’re a good choice.
Use proper wood screws, construction screws, or even better, deck screws. These will be much tougher and much safer. They may cost a few dollars more, but it won’t break the bank.
Secondly, I’d use 1" plywood, not 3/4". Here again, it’s a fairly inexpensive way to beef up the construction a little. Better safe than sorry.
Reply 3 years ago
Definitely correct about the drywall screws. However, nearly every climbing wall - home or commercial gym - uses 3/4 plywood; the t-nuts and holds (often come with bolts) are made to fit 3/4 plywood. Studs are typically 2x6 for vertical to 30degrees if under 8ft. 2x8 or 2x10 for overhangs greater than 30 degrees and/or anything over 8ft. At least 2x10 for roof/caves. Plenty of good guidance from establish folks in the field -- Metolius, REI, to name a few. Probably fine with 2x4, but 2x6 18inches on center is best for your design.
7 years ago
Here you go miaddrums- I've attached my sketches as well (not that they are of any consequence) but also the website I used to calculate the angle and length of sides of the wall for the space I had- hope they help!
Reply 7 years ago
Oh ok! thanks! I think you're is a bit taller than the one i created. I'm assuming the units on yours are meters, correct? Thanks again! I'll post a photo of mine once it's done
7 years ago
Now with some holds!
7 years ago
This looks great! Well done completing such an adventurous build in your apartment!
One addition I would recommend, having built a very similar wall in my garage. I would highly recommend using Liquid Nails or something similar to hold the T-nuts in place on the back of the wall. I had a number of them that would become unseated as I was threading the bolt into them. Then the T-nut falls off, and you have to circle that hole location with a Sharpie as being unusable. Then your friends ask why you have these weird Sharpie circles all over your rad wall. Then your friends go looking for a rad wall with no circles on it. Then you're climbing over on some other dude's wall, and you feel like you're neglecting yours.
So, just use some Liquid Nails and avoid the problem altogether.
11 years ago on Introduction
Would 12mm mdf be ok for something like this?
Reply 7 years ago
MDF would not work for a climbing wall. It's essentially sawdust mixed with glue that's pressed into a board. The T-nuts would likely just tear right through the MDF. Besides, OSB is usually cheaper, and it's MUCH stronger (usually used for sub-floor in housing construction). So, OSB: yes; MDF: no.
I just noticed that I'm posting a reply to a 4-year-old question, but maybe it will help someone else. :)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I couldn't tell you for sure. My buddy built an identical wall a few months ago using OSB and hasn't had any problems so far.
7 years ago
How long did this take you?
8 years ago
Hi there I'm in the middle of making a bit of a copy of this plan. Unfortunately i can't get the plywood sheets up to the attic in the whole and have to cut them in halves. Also mine is a bit larger (just over 3 sheets). Does any of you think i need any reinforcements for where the plywood is cut? Or it doesn't really matter? I'm not sure how much structure the plywood is adding to it. Cheers
9 years ago on Step 7
This is amazing! I am going to have to encourage my husband to build this for himself in our apartment. Thank you so much for this tutorial, and great job!
10 years ago on Introduction
Major props on this build, man. I work for www.spectrumsports.com and we specialize in building and renting mobile rock walls. I must say this is a brilliant idea and so cheap! What an awesome way to spend $150.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, it's much appreciated!
10 years ago on Introduction
I was wondering how you got your plywood so cheap. A 4ft x 8ft sheet costs around $35 from where I've looked. Is your's a slightly smaller dimension or did you get it from a cheaper store? I'm trying to cut costs on my wall. Thanks!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I remember when I bought the materials my dad thought it odd that I got the plywood for so cheap. I'm not sure of the reason for the price difference. For what it's worth, a friend of mine built his wall with 1/2 inch OSB and it has fared well for over a year.
10 years ago on Step 3
is that a bamboo bike frame in the corner?
Reply 10 years ago on Step 3
Yup!
11 years ago on Introduction
Have you had any trouble with it falling forward if you get your momentum going to strong back, like on a final top out? I am making plans to build one and was wondering if maybe I should make the supports a bit angled and not straight down, just wanted to see if you have had any problems yet? Thanks!! Love the wall all the same!
11 years ago on Introduction
I would like to build a wall that I could have in my back yard, I would like to make it so, it could unfold & be like 12feet, & when closed, it would a. be protected from the environment, & b. could act as an 8ft climbing wall, like those used in boot camp. Unfortunately, 8 ft is probably the height limit, as the co op& city I live in wont allow fences etc over 8 ft. I'm sure paining the outside of the wall could protect it from the elements.