The girls started climbing all the door frames in the house giving Pat the idea to build a rock climbing wall in our backyard. I remember doing the same thing when I was a kid. A box of climbing holds showed up at the doorstep and that’s how his crazy idea began. Piper helped Pat draw out plans and budget the project, they came to me with an entire pitch, and the next thing I know…we built a backyard rock climbing wall on the side of the house! It is a great use of the space we otherwise did nothing with and the girls love it! 

How to Make a Backyard Rock Climbing Wall

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Supplies needed & estimated cost: 

2 x (4’x8′) 1″ Plywood $80.00

1 PT (2″x6″) 8′  (baseboard) 

6- 1/2′ screws to attach baseboard to studs $3.00

5/8″ Bolt, Nut, Washers (3 bolts, 6 washers) $5.00

2 x 10″ Rebar (cut to size, we had it so I’m not sure how much it costs)

3 x 12′ (2×4) $25.00

*Optional paint to match the house, an additional $10.00

Climbing holds $43

Total cost: $170 

*Optional but recommended: Add a mat underneath to soften any falls. We currently use a simple yoga mat but will be investing in a thicker mat soon. Here are a few affordable options, click for pricing and specs.

The Plans:

Step by Step making a rock climbing wall:

1. Measure your space. This is important, it will help you determine the size of your materials. 
2. 2 x (4’x8′) 1″ Plywood – Sand and paint your plywood. Let fully dry – it is helpful to do this step first so it can dry while you are building the supports for the climbing wall.
3. Secure your 8′ baseboard to the ground using Rebar. Using a mallet pound the rebar into the baseboard until flush with the baseboard.
4. Secure your three 12′ 2x4s to the baseboard and roof using brackets. Start from the exact middle of the baseboard for your first 12′ 2×4. Measure out evenly from the sides to match the roof boards for the other two 12′ boards.
5. *Optional paint the 2x4s to match your house color.
6. Add climbing holds to the painted plywood. Space them depending on the level of difficulty you prefer. If your kids are small make sure to use enough large holds so they can climb. We have a difficult part of the wall and an easier section for our kids.
7. Secure the bottom plywood with climbing holds attached to 2x4s using screws. We started our climbing wall 8″ off the ground.
8. Secure the top piece, the pieces snap together. Use screws along the 2x4s to secure the top piece.
9. *Optional use putty to fill screw holes and paint to hide the screws along the 2x4s. Cover baseboard with gravel. Add a soft landing mat for any falls. 

 

It took us a couple of days to complete the climbing wall because we took our time and the kids helped with every step. The girls love the rock climbing wall! I am so happy my husband had this crazy idea. The girls have become really good climbers and want to extend the wall higher. If we end up doing it we’ll be investing in some harnesses and Auto Belay Devises. I’ll keep you posted! 

 

Looking for another project? Check out how to make a gutter garden for strawberries.