How to build a climbing wall

November 27, 2012, 2:40 pm Yahoo!7

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This climbing wall is perfect for kids who love to be active. Decide on the best location – a corner makes for a more challenging climb – then simply clad the walls in plywood sheets and affix climbing holds. If you like, adjust the climb by removing a few holds to increase difficulty. Just remember to lay the foam floor mats and keep playtime safe!

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Gather your supplies

2400 x 1200 x 18mm CD plywood (we used 3 sheets)

Resin climbing holds (we used 80 assorted)

Foam floor mats

Notes:

1. This is a traverse climb, the aim being for your child to climb crossways along your wall, with climbing holds safely close to the ground. 2. If your kids want to climb higher, you will need to install appropriate hardware into a structural member of your ceiling to allow for a rope and harness setup. 3. Appropriate safety gear must be worn. 4. Always supervise your child when climbing.

Here's How

Step 1: Measure walls to be clad. Mark measurements on plywood, then clamp on a straightedge and make cuts with a power saw. Lightly sand plywood with sandpaper.
Step 2: Undercoat each piece of plywood and allow to dry.
Step 3: Apply 2 topcoats of Dulux Wash & Wear in Blue Glint to plywood. Allow to dry.
Step 4: Mark and predrill an even spread of pilot holes across top, middle and bottom of 1 plywood sheet. Stand sheet in position against wall and predrill through pilot holes into wall surface. Use drill bits appropriate for your wall type.
Step 5: To fix plywood sheets to wall, drive wood screws into timber walls or masonry anchors into masonry walls. Repeat process to affix each sheet.
Step 6: If you notice any cupping at sides where boards are butted together, add more screws or anchors to secure plywood to wall.
Step 7: Affix climbing holds to plywood with 25 or 30mm chipboard screws, depending on depth of resin hold. You can design your course first; simply lay holds out in a rough plan on your floor, then fix in position.
Step 8: Lay foam floor mats in position below climbing wall.

You’ll also need

Power saw; straightedge; clamps; medium-grit sandpaper; Dulux 1 Step Primer, Sealer & Undercoat; Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen in Blue Glint; power drill and bits; masonry anchors, to suit; wood screws, to suit; chipboard screws (we used 8-10g x 25mm and 30mm)