Thread by @mkuplens

Weekend DIY

#playgroundsubstitute

Needs a fourth panel. Turns out it’s not a challenge for our lad yet, though the left side path is a bit tricky.

How to:

1. Acquire plywood, handholds, structural screws (to attach to wall)

2. Do the layout. Use human with real movement to figure out scale and placement.

3. Plot cuts for plywood breakdown (because a sheet of plywood is not attractive attached to your wall)

4. Measure right & bottom offsets for each handhold position. You’ll need this shortly.

Then clean up the tape before it leaves residue on your floor.

5. Transfer measurements to your plywood, cut sheet to width, drill handhold holes.

I started with one hole at the offset positions, then marked second hole using a handhold rotated into the desisted position.

6. Cut your angles. Round over edges (router optional) and sand.

7. Varnish. Knockdown after curing, varnish again.

8. Bung in the anchors for your handholds.

The bit they came with will seem to have been undersized. You’ll be fine. Use a hammer and hit hard.

They’ll straighten themselves out with some percussive loving.

You will understand these statements.

9. Locate studs in your installation wall. These are crucial for solid installation. Please don’t use a drywall plug. Think of your/your child’s skull.

10. Install using hardware of your choice. I used 4x GRK RSS structural screws. They have serious shear strength - and sunk into studs, they should hold just fine.

Talk to an engineer to confirm. I’m a DIYer, not an engineer.

11. Install handholds, step back, and admire your work.

Give yourself a pat on the back. Go ahead. Your kid(s) will probably forget to thank you.

12. Put a bit of padding under the climbing wall and let them at it.

-fin-

PS: Parts list -

1. Plywood (3/4 inch in my case for handhold-retaining strength)

2. Handholds (amazon.ca/20Pcs-Shape-Cl… is what I bought - more than you'll need)

3. GRK RSS10318 screws (local hardware store or online)

PPS: Tools list -

1. Circular saw;

2. Drill;

3. Stud finder. Or you could just randomly stab your walls;

4. Oscillating saw or jigsaw if you need cutouts;

5. Brushes and varnish. I guess those belonged on the parts list. C'est la vie;

6. Ruler/tape/cutting guide…