Matt Morrison // Atascadero, CA
When did you build your wall? Was it a “COVID baby”?
Labor Day Weekend 2020. Yes and No. I’ve been out of climbing for several years for various reasons and have really been itching to get back to it. Our local climbing gym has been closed due to COVID so I decided to build my own wall.
How long did it take you to build and what did that time look like?
It took me about five days to build and paint the wall. I may have been able to complete it sooner but the temperature was brutal. Three of the days were over 110 degrees. The most monotonous part of the process was drilling the t-nut holes in the sweltering heat.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build? Any surprises there?
The wall only cost about $75 to build. My son-in-law brought me 25 twelve foot 2×4’s and 8 sheets of 1/2″ OSB from a remodel project he was working on. My wall is 9 feet high and 12 feet wide. I doubled up the sheets of OSB so the wall is very sturdy.
What are you doing for padding?
Nothing currently. I’m on the lookout for some curb alert futon pads.
What was your primary incentive for the wall? Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
My primary incentive to build the wall was to put my climbing holds to the test. I made all my holds. I have developed a new composite that I believe will last much longer than any holds on the market, will not grease-out or get slick, and won’t warp over time.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
The most difficult aspect in designing my wall was admitting I am no longer a youngster. At 56 years old I knew it would be best to keep the angle somewhat moderate. I have three 9 foot panels. One panel is vertical, one is 3 degrees past vertical, and the last is 6 degrees past vertical.
What would you do differently?
I added some texture to the paint I applied to the wall. I found out quickly that was a painful mistake.
Did you make any mistakes along the way or choose to re-do any aspects?
I was fortunate not to make any structural mistakes during the build. I probably should have made one of the panels overhang or steeper to add greater difficulty.
What is your favorite aspect?
There are several. I can walk out my door and do a session when ever I want. I also get to spend time with my daughter and grandson climbing on the wall. My wall is north facing and shaded by oak trees so I can climb all summer long with worrying too much about the heat.
How often do you use the wall? Do you think you’ll still use it as much when the gyms fully open back up?
I currently use it 3 days a week. I’ll continue to use it even when the gyms re-open.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Do it! It’s worth the time and effort. Keep your ears open for people, friends, co-workers doing remodel projects so you can pick free materials.
