What does your Woody look like???

Here's what I've come up with. Currently 8'×12'. The wall is completely removable, and I set it up so I could easily add four feet in width if I feel so inclined.

Hey MP I'm starting on my climbing wall and have a question about structure. The suggestion from the Metolius page is to do 16" centers with 2x6s. My previous single sheet 'wall' wasn't even on centers, it was just a 2x4 on either side. Granted it had a tiny amount of give, but going from 48" centers with 2x4s to 16" with 2x6s seems like overwhelming overkill.

Any evidence/experience you can share?

Ray

I bet they recommend 16'' on center because that is standard spacing when framing. if I were you I would just go 16'' on center with 2x4s, I dont think that would be overkill

yeah, a little flex wont kill you or make the wall fall down, its fine. I might go 16oc with 2x4s just cause but its fine

Ray Lovestead wrote:Hey MP I'm starting on my climbing wall and have a question about structure. The suggestion from the Metolius page is to do 16" centers with 2x6s. My previous single sheet 'wall' wasn't even on centers, it was just a 2x4 on either side. Granted it had a tiny amount of give, but going from 48" centers with 2x4s to 16" with 2x6s seems like overwhelming overkill. Any evidence/experience you can share? Ray

Contractor guy here: O.C. makes a difference, with some caveats: What is your overall joist length? (In this case, wall height). Angle? Attachment? The steeper the angle, the more stress on the center of the span, IE the point between the top and bottom of the wall. Ever walk on 'spongy' floor, a floor that bounces? Inadequate floor joist spacing, or inadequate joist sizing. The cost difference is really negligible between x4 or x6, and the difference between 16oc and 24 oc is one joist per 4'; or if your wall is 8' wide, 2 extra sticks. Just do it the right way, spend the extra $10.
my $.02
And yes, you can feel the difference, especially when your 200 pound friend starts dynoing!

Thanks Muscrat for putting it into perspective. It doesn't cost much more considering I'm not building a house, it's just a freaking wall with some plywood on it. Adding 3 or 4 extra joists won't break the bank.

Ray

Here is mine ,outdoor Stone woody....

Not really "mine" since it was inherited, but the best we can do down here: My wall/system board and sleeping area, McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

EricBacus wrote:

This^^^ has a lot of potential. Are you considering building panels up to the high ceiling? It looks like you could have 12-18' of climbing without too much fuss. With a thick enough landing, that would be pretty damn epic.

Height is key. Build a big wall from bottom floor to the top ceiling in that barn and you won't regret it for a moment, I can guarantee! Of course that assumes you have the time and $$$ to devote to the project. Until the, enjoy your creation! :) Good on ya

This thing beats the 2 hour drive to the nearest gym.

Here's my back porch wall. I built it at a 20 degree overhang. It's 10 feet tall and 16 feet wide. Next step is more holds and some volumes.

Just thought to mention this: If you're looking for a paint that doesn't attach and pull off when you move holds, I strongly recommend porch and floor paint. I've moved holds around a lot and have yet to loose any paint

Henry Holub wrote:Just thought to mention this: If you're looking for a paint that doesn't attach and pull off when you move holds, I strongly recommend porch and floor paint. I've moved holds around a lot and have yet to loose any paint

is the primer needed?

Sanllan wrote: is the primer needed?

Nope- I did two coats over ac or acx grade plywood. The paint is usually used to coat concrete and wooden porches. Its made to stand up to elements, having chairs drug across it, etc. Its super durable

Henry Holub wrote:Just thought to mention this: If you're looking for a paint that doesn't attach and pull off when you move holds, I strongly recommend porch and floor paint. I've moved holds around a lot and have yet to loose any paint

I've had good results with Behr's textured DeckOver product, even with a single coat and no primer. Is there a particular brand that you'd recommend?

I've used Ace Hardware's porch and floor for the wall simply because they're down the street from me. I've used other brands before for other projects with essentially similar results.