how could i build a rock climbing wall?

Question

i want to build a practice wall in my backyard (i have plenty of room for it). what kind things would i need? or is there some kind of builder that does strange things like that? and are there any special neede permits? i live just outside city limits.

Answer 1

i think there are contractors that would do a project like this and when you hire one ask them if you need a permit

Answer 2

The ones that I have climbed at camp were man-made rocks that attached to 3/4" plywood with screws. The severity of the angle would be up to you. Frame structure and plywood would have to be for exterior use, of course. I don't think a permit is in order, but I'm not familiar with your codes.

Answer 3

Wow, this would be a major build. If made from concrete, you'd have to have a frame of rebar and mesh then have the concrete blown in/on.

A concrete block wall that high, wow, would need a footing, rebar, etc.

A wood wall would need some serious support behind.

When climbing first became popular I had a client ask if he could convert a 10 foot high cinder block wall to a climbing wall for his daughter. I didn't encourage drilling into the retaining wall, but did hint that maybe some type of adhesive could be applied for misc toe and finger holds, but that water in the wall might be a problem. In other words, I didn't want to do it for him........

Answer 4

Without major construction, and attempting to actually build a concrete mountain, why not build a framework, much like a house is framed. It might initially look like a Billboard sitting on the ground. It need not be exactly plumb, but that's pretty much your choice. You can anchor the structure using 4 x 4 treated posts at an appropriate height, and dig them into the ground to 3 ft, pour concrete, angle or plumb them in your design, and install exterior 4x8 sheet stock as the basis for attaching "climbers."
You might budget in, marine plywood and seal it multiple times? You certainly can simulate "Rocks"/protrusions with 2x treated lumber bolted through the plywood sheeting in some design you choose for ease or difficulty.
Heavy duty angle iron pieces at 90 degree angles bolted and protruding would work as well. There are companies online that do "artificial" perhaps even offering the various pieces to attach in various sizes, shapes, etc.
In my opinion the aesthetics of the device should be less important than its purpose, but certainly even as I suggested you could BUILD your own mountain, by using mesh over the ply and applying concrete.
I suspect a permit isn't necessary, but I'd check anyway. Code violations would mean you might be asked to tear it down and remove it. If you have neighbors, you might also question them to judge if or not they care.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

should be easy to do. there are dozens of suppliers that could provide anything from the hand holds only to detailed plans and designs to the complete setup.

http://www.americanrockclimbing.com/
http://www.thesummitusa.com/climb/bouldering_climbing_walls.htm
http://www.edgewalls.com/
http://www.eldowalls.com/homepage/downloads.htm

as other said check the zoning and play safe...

Answer 6

something that we use as a shield and something hard to break