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Vertical traverse wall directly connected to studs?

Original Post
Richard Border · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 6

I'm hoping someone can tell me whether or not this is a horrible idea:

I was thinking of building a small vertical traverse wall in my bedroom by fixing some 2x6s to the wall studs (one at foot level, one at hand level) and covering them with screw-on jibs:

______________
| . x .x x |
|__._______x__|

______________
| x . . . x |
|__x____xx____|

Would this destroy my wall?

chris magness · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 590

No, it won't ruin your wall. But there will be repair work once the 2x stock is removed (patch holes and repaint wall). Not sure this is a worthy effort though, your movement options will be very limited.

You'd be better served to use the 2x as strapping and run 3/4 ply over it. Drill holes and install t-nuts first, jibs can be installed anywhere.

With either option, limit the number of holes drilled by using structural screws: RSS GRK or a Timberlock/ Ledgerlock of some sort, a 4" screw should give you adequate stud embedment (if your house has 2x6 walls use 5" screws). Predrill and use 4 per 2x6x8 (2 @ 16" from ends) if you use plywood, 6 per 2x6x8 (2 @ 16" from ends and in middle) if you don't. Fasten the plywood to the 2x6 with screws that won't penetrate through to the drywall. And use a bunch of them.

One more thing: be cautious of wiring.

Cheers dude.

Muscrat · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 3,625

Hope you own the house, this is justifiable 3 day eviction for landlord, in our state. (and yes i'm the evil landlord).
Don't do it! I am also a contractor, the chances of doing damage to adjoining walls, ceilings, etc is high. Many interior walls are not load bearing, may not take lateral stress loads.
If all being equal it works to do this, +1 on using plywood. Will distribute the load more evenly, give you more options, and etc. I would put one stud on the floor, as this is not overhung much of the force will be down, better to have it on the floor as opposed to the wall. And make sure you don't hit plumbing or electrical in the wall.

AndyMac · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 1,123

Get a hangboard instead. Less work and your efforts won't be almost wasted by doing traverses on vertical terrain with very few options to grow. There will be less damage to the finish work in the room as well.

chris magness · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 590

I should clarify: I was assuming you'd be doing this on an exterior wall where the wall assembly is beefier. As Muscrat suggested, this could cause a fair amount of deflection on an interior wall, and if you're in a rented property it's best to contact your landlord first.

Richard Border · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 6

Thanks for the beta guys--probably won't do it. The idea would have been to make it easier to warm up for hangboarding sessions but it sounds like if I really wanted to do that a free-standing overhung wall would be a better option. Thanks

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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