Build a Kids Climbing Wall

This time of year we get a lot of interest from parents looking to build a “kids climbing wall.” First of all – kudos for showing some DIY ambition, and congratulations for identifying a great sport that actually gets kids excited about exercising. Here are some tips on how to make it happen:

Where Do I Put My Climbing Wall?
Nearly everyone can find somewhere to install a home climbing wall. Some of our favorite installs have been sports court climbing walls, garage climbing wall projects, and basement boulder walls.

What if you don’t have a garage or basement? (and assuming that most of us don’t have a sports court!) A small bedroom climbing wall can be a lot of fun! My brother built a backyard climbing wall that has been popular with the whole family. All you need is a little space to turn your home climbing wall dream into a reality.

How do I Build a Climbing Wall?
Our favorite method is to utilize our 4′ x 4′ fiberglass Modular Panels. These panels are the perfect building block for your climbing wall project! They are molded from real rock, reproduced in fiberglass, and finished in a granite texture that simply looks great in any setting. Our climbing panels are weather proof and extremely durable. A plywood wall might be cheaper upfront, but a fiberglass wall will last forever! And did we mention that a climbing wall that looks like rock is much “easier on the eyes” than plywood?

Installing Panels
Our Modular Panels have 4 corner attachment points that are set in 2″ on center. Most people that are building a home climbing wall will be attaching panels to an existing wood stud wall. Run horizontal 2x4s across your wall by securing them to your studs every 16″ on center. Then attach your panels to these horizontal 2x4s using lag screws:

When in doubt, consult a structural engineer or architect.

Add Landing Pads and/or Auto Belays
We recommend that you add an appropriate landing surface pad under your climbing wall. We offer dual-density foam covered in heavy-duty vinyl in several color options. If your climbing wall is taller than 8′, we strongly recommend that you consider climbing ropes or an Auto-Belay.

A climbing wall is an exciting way to get your kids exercising! We can help you get started. Feel free to contact us with questions or prices on our Modular Panels.