How to Build a Climbing Wall
Level up any playroom by creating a DIY climbing wall that's perfect for little adventurers. The editors at HGTV give you the know-how.
Create a space for active kiddos to adventure and play by turning a plain wall into an adorable and fun climbing wall. Not only will kids be encouraged to be active; climbing also boosts problem-solving skills, focus, confidence and resilience. The holds on this DIY wall are moveable, so the challenge can grow as they do. Of course, always ensure proper supervision and safety precautions like pads and mats to make the space safe for little ones.
How to Build a DIY Climbing Wall
Jennie Andrews
Tools and Materials
- measuring tape
- climbing holds
- 3/4-inch plywood
- drill
- drill press attachment
- 3/8-inch climbing wall T-nuts
- 3/8-inch climbing wall bolts
- stud finder
- paint
- wood screws
- extra long level
- painter's tape
1. Measure, Cut and Paint the Plywood
Jennie Andrews
Measure the width of the wall you’ve chosen for your climbing wall to determine how many sheets of plywood you will need. (Plywood comes in 8' x 4' sheets.) Make cuts with a table saw if needed. Paint the sanded side of the plywood, then let it dry.
2. Mark the Plywood
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
To allow the plastic climbing holds to be moveable, you will create an evenly spaced grid of holes using T-nuts installed from the back of the plywood. The holes will be placed at 12-inch intervals both horizontally and vertically. To create the grid pattern, mark each of the long edges of the plywood every 12 inches. Then, create a template pole to ensure straight lines. On a 4' piece of trim, measure over 6 inches and mark. Then mark every 12 inches, creating the template. Line up this piece of trim to the marks you made on the long edge of the plywood, and mark the plywood at every mark on the template pole.
3. Drill Holes
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Attach a drill press to a drill and make a hole on every mark using a 3/8" drill bit. (Utilizing a drill press ensures that the nuts will sit straight in the holes.) With the plywood face down, use a hammer to pound a T-nut into each hole.
4. Mark the Wall
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Use a stud finder to mark the location of each stud on the wall. Mark the entire vertical length of every stud using an extra long level. Place a piece of painter’s tape on the floor along the bottom and top edges of the wall. Mark the location of each stud on this tape.
5. Install the Panels
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Ask a friend to help secure the panels to the wall. Hold each piece of plywood in place and screw into the studs, starting near the tape at the top or bottom of the wall. Screw at least four screws into every stud, using the level to locate the studs that run vertically from your markings on the tape.
6. Plan a Pattern
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
To create a colorful patchwork design, use the story pole and level again to make another grid on the wall. This time, start the measurements for the grid at the edge of the wall instead of 6 inches in. Once you've made the grid, decide what colors you’d like to use and mark out your plan on a piece of paper. (Tape it to the wall for reference.) Use a small pieces of painter’s tape to mark the squares that will be painted, and write the color on each piece of tape.
7. Paint the Squares
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Tape along the outside edges of each square you plan to paint. (Use a paint scraper held at a 45-degree angle to tear the tape neatly.) Paint each square with the base wall color to help prevent paint bleeds. Let the base coat dry completely, then paint each square the desired color. Let dry.
8. Clean Up
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Gently remove painter's tape by pulling slowly in a downward motion. Clean up any pencil marks with a damp rag.
9. Install the Holds
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Jennie Andrews
Place the hold flush with the wall and thread a 3/8" climbing hold bolt through the hole. Tighten it with a hex key. Repeat this process for each hold.
10. Climb On!
Jennie Andrews
It’s no reach to say this project has a huge payoff. It gives a whole new meaning to “hanging out" together! Remember: You can remove or add holds to create easier or more challenging routes in the future.
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