Kids need to spend time outdoors to stay healthy, fit and avoid accidents while running around indoors! One way to burn off excess energy is with a climbing wall.
But you don’t need to go out and buy your kids some fancy, high-priced one. At least, not when you can build one for a fraction of the price. Just watch the video and follow this guide.
We’re building a climbing wall that’s basically made of two panels. Each panel is about 45 inches wide and 7 feet tall, and we’ll join the panels with a hinge at the top like an A-frame ladder.
Sounds simple, right? Then let’s get to work!
First, we need to construct two panels from pressure-treated 2-by-4’s that we will screw together with 3-inch deck screws. The vertical, 7-foot pieces are on the outside; we’ll attach the horizontal pieces about 6 inches in from either end of the vertical pieces.
One panel should be 3 inches narrower than the other, so it can fit between the other panel’s verticals.
Add a vertical 2-by-4 to the middle of the wider panel to support the 1-by-6 boards that will hold the climbing wall’s grips.
Nail or screw the 1-by-6’s horizontally across the frame, starting from the top, horizontal 2-by-4’s, and work down to the lower one.
Align the tops of the two panels with the smaller one inside. Drill a 5/8-inch hole through both boards on each side and install a 5/8-inch galvanized carriage bolt through each hole before securing it with a washer, lock washer and nut.
Spread out the cargo net in the opening of the smaller panel so you can mark locations for the rope that secure it. Then drill 5/8-inch holes to thread the rope through and tie it off.
Finally, you’re ready to attach the climbing wall’s grips to the larger panel. Drill random holes all over the surface before attaching the climbing grips with the supplied bolts and T nuts.
Thread the bolts through the grip and then the panel before attaching a T nut on the backside of the board.
After one fastener is in each grip, rotate the grip to your preferred position before drilling the second hole and adding the other bolt.
Once all the grips are secured, you can position the wall at the angle that best suits your children.
That’s it! Now you’ve got a climbing wall, and your children can explore new heights in your backyard.
Watch the video above to see the process step by step.
Can you can provide list of materials and quantities needed for each for this project?
Hi, Becca!
We’re glad this project inspired you to build a children’s cargo net/climbing wall.
All materials needed for this project are mentioned in this article.
Quantities will vary based on the climbing wall’s size.
We recommend determining the A-frame’s size (whatever fits best for your backyard) and providing those measurements to your local home center.
The home center’s employees will be happy to cut and provide enough 2-by-4’s and 1-by-6’s to meet your project’s unique needs.
Good luck with this project, and please share photos with the TodaysHomeowner.com community after it’s completed! 🙂
After it is finished. You say position the wall at an angle that best suits your children. The design allows you to change the angle which is brilliant, but how does the structure keep from falling if it is able to move/change degree of angle?
Hi, Dan,
This structure is pretty heavy and supports its weight, but it can be moved.
The legs dig into the ground to keep them from spreading apart
Thanks for your question!
I absolutely love this idea. Are there some building plans or a kit that this climbing wall can be built from?
Hi, Andrew,
Glad to hear you enjoyed this project!
We occasionally receive similar requests, but do not have individual/customized plans available for distribution.
However, the step-by-step video has everything you need to build this project.
Take care,
Thanks for the plans! I’m building it now and it is a great design. I threaded my own cargo net through the frame using arbor rope and clove hitches, but this overall build is easy and the structure should last for years.
Glad to hear it, Joe! When you’ve finished the project, we’d love to see the photos!
What are the height and ages of children that would enjoy this.
Hi, Steven,
Most kids ages 10 and under should enjoy playing on this climbing wall.
We recommend scaling these directions, as needed, to accommodate any unique needs.
Good luck with your project!
Where can I find lumber with rounded edges as shown in the video?
Hi, V,
First, ask your local home center whether they make custom cuts such as rounded corners.
If they don’t, no worries. This do-it-yourself job requires standard woodworking tools that you can rent or purchase.
Just create a template, or jig, cut off the excess wood with a jigsaw, and round the corners with a router.
Good luck with your project. 🙂
Wheres a list of materials? A list of tools?
Imagine baking a cake without a simple list of ingredients? With only directions?
You took the time to write up a procedure so please don’t make it a “puzzle” to figure out what I need to get from my local lumber yard.
We’re glad this video inspired you, Denise! This article names the tools needed to complete this project.
Building materials’ sizes vary based on the project; we recommend cutting everything to the desired size.
Thanks for watching!