Chris Tansey // Phoenix, AZ
When did you build your wall?
February 2015 according to my Instagram account.
How long did it take you to build?
It took many late night sessions after work and several weekends to build with the help of a few friends of course.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build?
I repurposed and was donated much of the lumber, 3/4 inch plywood and Simpson tie brackets from the church I worked at. I probably had to spend maybe $500 on additional plywood, framing supplies, lag bolts and t-nuts. I used twin mattresses for a crash pad for the longest time, but eventually my climbing gym upgraded their pads and offered their members to take as much of their old flooring home if they wanted it. So my nice commercial gym padding was repurposed and donated too.
Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I wanted a literal “man-cave” so I made sure the roof was climbable and that the steep walls could serve as storage shelves in my garage.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
The most difficult aspect for me was figuring out angles and how to cut 2×6 framing lumber and plywood without a miter saw or table saw.
What would you do differently?
I really do love how it turned out. If I could do it differently, I would’ve bought a table saw and miter saw, but I think I managed okay with my 20 year old skill saw.
What is your favorite aspect?
I love building stuff, so the pride of saying, “yeah, I made that” is my favorite part. I also have 2 daughters that are 2 and 4 years old that love climbing on it. Hearing my girls ask me to go rock climbing in the garage is now my favorite part, and I hear it everyday now quarantined at home which adds more joy. I have pictures with family, friends and myself using it, but just provided pictures of the wall.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Enjoy your homewall, but be sure to also support your local gym. You may spend several thousand dollars between materials and climbing holds, so be thankful to your local gym that spent $1million+ to open that venue for you.
Do you have any connection to climbing brands or gyms?
Not currently. I do have SBA approved funds of $1million to start a gym in my area but finding a facility has been difficult and then the Covid situation happened. Although I’m thankful I have not signed a lease yet, I am still actively looking for spaces and am hopeful in the 4-6 months it takes to build, the landscape will be better to open a gym. I’m thankful for CBJ and CWA resources that are helping gym owners (and future gym owners) navigate this time and keep optimism and excitement in the climbing world.
