Should You Build a Home Bouldering Wall?

Climbing is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle. When gyms shut down during COVID, everyone has to get creative to feed their hunger to climb. In some cases, that meant more trips outside. In others, it meant building a home bouldering wall. Whether you fell into the climbing lifestyle post-pandemic or didn’t jump on the home wall bandwagon in 2020, you’re now considering it. At the heart of your dilemma, you’re asking yourself, “Is this the right choice for me?” A home climbing wall might sound like a dream, but it’s a significant time and monetary investment. It’s worth weighing the pros and cons before building a home bouldering wall.

The Perks of a Home Climbing Wall

Building a home climbing wall offers several benefits; otherwise, why do it?

1. Convenience: No need to drive to a gym or climbing spot. Your climbing wall is available 24/7, rain or shine. 30-minute WFH lunch break? It’s the perfect time to put down a few boulders. Or, as a parent with limited time between shuffling kids to soccer practices and school events, a home wall can make a consistent training routine feasible.

2. Customization: You can tailor the wall to your training needs and climbing preferences. Whether you prefer overhangs, slabs, or specific grip types, you have complete control of the board’s design.

3. Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment is hefty, a home wall pays itself over time if you are a frequent gym-goer who can cancel your membership in favor of home wall training sessions. It’s a one-time cost compared to monthly gym memberships (often over $70 per month).

4. Replicability: A home wall allows outdoor climbers to create replicas of crux sequences on their projects—no more rearranging weekend schedules and squeezing in last-minute trips to make it outside. You can perfect the movement at home and take a trip outside, and when you’re confident, you can send the climb.

The Challenges of Building a Home Climbing Wall

Despite the benefits, there are challenges to consider:

1. Space Requirements: A climbing wall takes up space. Whether in a garage, basement, or backyard, you’ll need room for the wall and clearance for falls or movements.

2. Cost: The wall’s construction requires a lengthy list of materials, including plywood, T-nuts, holds, and crash pads. While hardwood store materials may be reasonably priced, the costs of holds and crash pads will quickly increase overall expenses. Depending on the complexity, size, and hold selection, you might spend anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

3. Construction Skills: Building a wall requires basic carpentry skills and tools. If you’re not handy, you may need professional help, increasing costs.

4. Maintenance: Holds need cleaning, bolts can loosen or get stuck, t-nuts can break, and padding can wear out. You’ll also be the route setter for your wall. Stripping holds and resetting will take additional time and effort on top of maintenance.

5. Training Limitations: Unless you have a sizeable space and extensive resources, your wall will not have the variety a climbing gym offers. You can still have effective training sessions, but you’ll have to train smart and get creative.

Weighing the Perks and Challenges

If you’re leaning toward building a home climbing wall, here are some final factors to consider:

1. Your Goals: Are you building the wall for fun, fitness, or serious training? The answer will influence the wall’s design. For example, training (or spray) walls feature 45-degree overhangs with bad holds, while a recreational wall is vertical or slightly overhung with more jugs.

2. Available Space: Measure your space carefully. A good climbing wall needs adequate height and width to create multi-move boulders and allow movement like cutting feet. Building an overhanging wall can maximize the climbing surface if the space is limited.

3. Budget: Plan your budget realistically. In addition to materials, consider costs like tools, protective flooring, and ongoing maintenance. Climbing holds will be the most expensive material. Consider buying used holds or asking climbing gyms if you can buy old or retired holds at a discounted price.

4. Safety: Safety is always a priority when climbing. Don’t compromise your safety by choosing cheap materials and protective pads. Invest in high-quality materials, secure fastenings, and proper crash mats or padding.

5. Permits and Rules: Depending on your location, you may need a building permit from a landlord or homeowner’s association. Outdoor walls might also require permits from municipalities.

Alternative to Building A Wall

If you’ve decided that building a home climbing wall is not in the cards, consider investing in a hangboard or force gauge. These small, easy-to-install and use training devices are a great way to improve grip strength. They require minimal space and monetary investment.

A home climbing wall is the ultimate way to integrate climbing into your daily life. It offers convenience, customization, and potential cost savings. However, it’s not for everyone. The cost, space, and effort required might outweigh the benefits. Before deciding, evaluate your goals, resources, and commitment. A home climbing wall can be a game-changer for passionate climbers with the means to build one. Exploring alternatives or keeping their gym membership might make more sense for others. Whatever you decide, keep climbing and enjoy the journey—whether on your home wall, at the gym, or outdoors. Comment below if you’ve built a home wall, and feel free to share advice for others considering the idea!