This pre-covid build in San Mateo, CA, was the perfect 6th birthday gift for Russ Renza’s twin boys. The 10-30-degree adjustable feature allows the family to make it more challenging as they progress in their newfound hobby. Check out past HWOW here.
When did you build your wall? Was it a COVID baby?
We built it as a 6th birthday present for our twins, finishing in early February. One of them had got really into climbing since about November and it was problematic to take him to the climbing gym as much as he wanted (constantly). Initially the wall had few holds but once COVID started we started to add holds every couple of weeks, until it became what it is now. We weren’t really climbers before COVID but we’re starting to be now!
How long did it take you to build and what did that time look like?
3 weeks mostly designing, painting the chalkboard paint, and doing construction. I did it entirely by myself in the evenings.
Not including holds and padding, how much did it cost you to build? Any surprises there?
Under $500. It took a while to find the right setup to make it adjustable.
What was your primary incentive for the wall? Did anything in particular inspire your wall design?
Growing boys. Our kids were 5, 5, and 3 when we started and I had never done a pull up in my life (now I can do them, thanks to the wall!). The adjustable angle was a huge factor because I thought it would let us make it more challenging to keep up with everyone’s improvement. Definitely a good decision.
What are the dimensions of your wall?
It’s 8×8 with an adjustable angle of 10-30 degrees.
What was the most difficult aspect of the design and build?
Design. Making it easy to build and safe enough to trust with our kids. It was pretty scary lifting it up for the first time and trusting our weight on it.
What would you do differently?
Given the space, nothing. Our climbing obsessed twin used it 3 hours a day since March, so no complaints here!
What is your favorite aspect?
Angle adjustment from 10-30 degrees and the hilarious kids holds from Atomik, like the basketball. The twin who loves climbing is also obsessed with the NBA and the basketball is his favorite hold.
Did you make any mistakes along the way or choose to re-do any aspects?
I noticed critical nuts loosening from the vibrations from climbing and had to replace them with lock nuts. It’s been good ever since
How often do you use the wall? Do you think you’ll still use it as much when all of the gyms open back up?
My kids use it about 3 hours a day.
Any words of wisdom to aspiring homewallers?
If it can tow a car, it can support a wall. Also, we liked the splash wall approach, just loads and loads of holds for infinite variety. My next wall will be a bit taller – we could only fit 8×8 last time and 12×12 or 10×10 would be better for adults.
Want us to consider your woodie for a future Homewall of the Week? Submit your homewall here to be considered. Winners get a $100 giftcard to Atomik to pick out some goodies for their homewall. Thanks Kenny!
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