Hangboard on plywood panel not in contact with wall

I have a stepped ceiling and I want to attach my hangboard to vertical part of the ceiling step.

L  |    - imagine the ceiling is the left of the screen and the pipe “|” on the right is the floor. The bottom part of the L is where I want to screw the plywood into the studs. The ceiling continues toward the bottom of the screen the the lower height of the rightmost part of the L.

I hope this description makes some sense…

The ceiling is too high for me to attach the hangboard directly, so I want to get a big piece of plywood that will extend below the section of wall that the plywood is mounted to and then to screw the hangboard into the plywood at a comfortable height.

While I can securely attach the plywood to some good studs, the hangboard will be attached to the plywood only where the plywood extends below the wall. Wondering if you all think there’s a chance this can safely work out and how thick the plywood should be if it can work.

My DIY skills are limited, so this solution will get me to a hangboard routine a lot sooner than having to build some more complicated bracing.

Thanks for any advice!

Sounds totally fine. 1/2 inch is probably more than sufficient. Pro tip: attach a 2x4 or something to the back side of the plywood so you don't have nasty screw ends sticking out waiting for you to snag yourself. You could also attach a pulley system for counter balance if needed.

How much distance is it that you are trying to get away from the ceiling? In other words what would the dimensions of the piece of plywood be? 

Use 3/4 plywood, grade doesn’t matter. You don’t have to buy a whole sheet, they have various sizes at Lowe’s or Home Depot… make sure you screw into framing with at least 4 screws, 3” deck or framing screws, don’t use drywall screws.
If it’s a finished ceiling there is probably cornerbead on the edge of the step. It will make your job easier and less damage to the ceiling if you pre-drill your holes with an 1/8” drill bit just to keep the bead from pulling away when you run the screw in. 

Agree with Doug S above. Make sure you hit studs.

Other concern, Depending on how far below the wall the plywood is hanging in space I would start to worry about plywood flex over time - especially with any dynamic load like pullups. It wouldn't fail, but the wobble could get annoying. If its hanging anymore than maybe 18" below support I would consider adding some bracing running down the length of the plywood. 

Thanks for the advice folks! The top of the hangboard will start after about 8 inches of unsupported plywood.

Seems I should be ok without bracing - but just so I know what kind of bracing would you suggest? Would that just be two strips of hardwood or metal screwed into the plywood to prevent it bending? I should be able to add that later down the edges if I need it.

"If it’s a finished ceiling there is probably cornerbead on the edge of the step." - what does that mean for me? I guess I should just avoid drilling into the studs right near the edge of the step so that I don't drill through the cornerbead?

Daniel Baumanwrote:

Thanks for the advice folks! The top of the hangboard will start after about 8 inches of unsupported plywood.

Seems I should be ok without bracing - but just so I know what kind of bracing would you suggest? Would that just be two strips of hardwood or metal screwed into the plywood to prevent it bending? I should be able to add that later down the edges if I need it.

"If it’s a finished ceiling there is probably cornerbead on the edge of the step." - what does that mean for me? I guess I should just avoid drilling into the studs right near the edge of the step so that I don't drill through the cornerbead?

If you’re only dropping about 8 inches then you definitely don’t need to add any additional support or blocking. I refer to the corner bead just to help you minimize the damage you might do to your finished ceiling, because running a screw through the metal bead will cause it to crack. You are correct, if you run your screw just above the corner bead you won’t have any problem. 

Yeah I would use 3/4 ply. At 8 inches you might be fine with out any extra stiffening, could always beef it up later if you need to. 

Awesome! Thanks for all the help everyone.

I doubt you need a big piece of plywood.  I hung my hangboard in a similar fashion using two 2x4s screwed in at the top, then just a small piece of plywood where I wanted to mount the board.  Might save you some $.

Thanks all for the tips.

Seems solid enough right now.