Grady Bagwell // Oakwood, OH
When did you build your wall? Was it a “COVID baby”?
I started planning in May 2020 and finished construction in July 2020. This was definitely a COVID baby. I have always wanted to have a home wall, but COVID pushed me to go ahead and build it!
How long did it take you to build and what did that time look like?
The majority of the time was planning. In planning: First iteration was to be in the garage. Second iteration was in the basement. Final iteration ended up back in the garage. Once I finalized that this was going in the garage, the hardest part was reinforcing the 14 ft span with 2×12’s. This was the most labor intensive part. The wall framing was straight forward being just a 30 degree overhang. The wall itself took about 5 days – the 1000 t nuts seemed to take the most time…
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build? Any surprises there?
The wall lumber (including delivery), hardware and t nuts cost around $1000.
What are you doing for padding?
I have 3/4″ gym foam squares in the landing zone to just cover the concrete flooring and two crash pads that get shuffled around on top.
What was your primary incentive for the wall? Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I have always enjoyed climbing/training on home walls. Being able to walk out back and sneak a good training session in is priceless.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
Hardest part was placing the wood order! I was way over thinking about messing up cuts/not ordering the correct amount etc and having to reorder lumber during the pandemic.
What would you do differently?
For the space that it is in, I would leave it the same! Originally wanted to do a 45 degree but needed to wall to best serve the whole family. After a few months of use now, it is just tall enough and wide enough to keep busy.
Did you make any mistakes along the way or choose to re-do any aspects?
Nope! Benefit of overthinking it all… everything worked out.
What is your favorite aspect?
My favorite part is being able to have neighborhood boulder sessions!
How often do you use the wall? Do you think you’ll still use it as much when the gyms fully open back up?
3-4 times a week. Will still be using it as much when gyms fully open back up just for the convenience of having it for training.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Overthink it, make sure you have a decent height/width for climbing surface….then just do it. You will not regret it!
