How to Make Wooden Climbing Holds

Whether you're making your own climbing wall or merely replacing some worn holds, you'll want to consider using wood. Wood is an inexpensive and strong material. It can be worked into many shapes, giving you a variety of different holds, and is also easy on your hands. Wooden holds are easily installed and make an attractive climbing surface.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood
  • Woodworking tools
  • Drill
  • Wood sealer
  • Wood glue
  • Sand
  • Bolts
  • Washers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your wood. You'll want to use hardwood like oak or maple, not softwood like pine or cedar. You can buy a 2x4 at your local lumberyard and cut it into several smaller pieces ready to be shaped. If you're lucky enough to own hardwood trees, you could use pieces of fallen limbs and incorporate the natural shape of the wood.

    • 2

      Shape your wood. While the shape is entirely up to you, you'll want to round off any sharp edges and sand the wood to prevent splinters. You can us files, saws, planes, sand paper, Dremel tools, or any other woodworking tools you have. Be sure there is a flat surface to place the hold flush against the wall.

    • 3

      Drill an appropriately sized hole in the middle of your hold. This will be determined by the size of your hold and the size of the bolt you'll use to attach it to your wall.

    • 4

      Seal the wood. This is most important if your climbing surface is outside. You may also stain it if you want your hold to be a particular color.

    • 5

      Paint the hold with wood glue and cover it with sand, creating a rough surface that will be easier to grip yet not give you splinters. Let the glue dry before attaching the hold to the wall.

    • 6

      Apply more wood glue and sand to the flat side of the hold. This will help prevent the hold from spinning on the bolt. You could also stick a piece of stair tread to the back of the hold to prevent slippage.

    • 7

      Attach the hold to your wall using a bolt and washer. If you're bolt goes completely through the wall attach a nut and tighten.