Noah Stuart // Portland, OR
When did you build your wall? Was it a “COVID baby”?
April 2020 and yes, it was COVID baby!
How long did it take you to build and what did that time look like?
The first iteration took about 3 days. Most the time was spent actually getting the materials (don’t have a truck so that was a little tricky) and putting in all the t-nuts. It took a good afternoon to figure out how to actually get it upright.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build? Any surprises there?
All the wood is pressure treated because it lives outside in the PNW. The total material costed around $450.
What are you doing for padding?
Currently using 4 crash pads and my childhood gymnastics mat.
What was your primary incentive for the wall? Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
I always thought it would be fun and really wanted to try to set my own routes. COVID made the actually commitment an easy choice. I spent a lot of time looking on YouTube and google images to find a design that worked for our space.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
The most difficult aspect was deciding to add another 3 feet or so. It was a little sketchy and made me wish I had a taller ladder.
What would you do differently?
I would have painted a cool design on it and wish I did it sooner! If I wasn’t a renter and had more money I would have made it easily adjustable or added more angles to climb on.
Did you make any mistakes along the way or choose to re-do any aspects?
100% should have made it the full size from the start rather than adding it on later.
What is your favorite aspect?
I think the volumes are really fun and I added a little extra wood panel to the side that has really opened up the possible movement. Additionally, just have an extra spot to hang out with my roommates during COVID has been awesome. I feel really privileged to be able to have the wall!
How often do you use the wall? Do you think you’ll still use it as much when the gyms fully open back up?
As a household it is used almost everyday! I think we will use it slightly less once gyms are fully open. I believe the wall may become more training specific and possibly the center of social gatherings.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
Like most everyone has said just go for it! It has been the best decision of COVID reality by far! Also look on Craigslist for holds and make your own volumes/ holds if you can!
