How to Build a Climbing Frame
An indoor climbing frame can be an excellent source of exercise for children when the weather outside is less then desirable. It gives the children a chance to get out that built-up energy while providing them the exercise they need every day. It will also save the parent’s expensive trips to a climbing gym.
Things You’ll Need:
- 2 saw horses
- Circular saw
- 1 sheet of plywood
- 10 two-by-sixes or two-by-eights
- Bolts
- Drill with multiple bits
- Ladder
- Climbing holds
- Paint
- Glue
- T-nuts
- Using the ten two-by-sixes or two-by-eights, support the frame creating almost a cave-like structure. This will have a ceiling and two sides. Since this will be freestanding it has to be structurally sound and able to stand up all by itself. It should also be sturdy enough for children to climb on.
- Measure the frame and cut the plywood the appropriate size using a table saw and saw horses. If you created a frame that is four-by-eight, then you should not have to cut the plywood at all. One piece of plywood is enough for a children's climbing wall.
- Set the piece of plywood on the saw horses and drill the holes that will hold the climbing holds. These holes should be in some sort of pattern. The holes should also be spaced 8 inches apart.
- Paint the plywood and frame separately and allow both of them to dry completely. If you would like the paint to have a little texture, add one part sand to 10 parts paint. This gives the structure a more natural rock feeling.
- Attach the climbing holds onto the plywood using the t-nuts. This will securely attach the holds so that they do not twist or turn in place.
- Check the frame both visually and structurally to make sure that it will be strong enough before attaching the plywood.
- Attach the plywood with the climbing grips to the frame.
- Place the freestanding structure on a soft surface. A tumbling mat would be ideal but since not everyone has this, then soft carpet or rug will be just as safe.