How to Make a Climbing Wall From Pegboard

A climbing pegboard wall can be found in many gyms throughout the country. It is used by placing pegs in the holes and then pulling yourself up. You can climb the board or do pull-ups to strengthen upper body muscles. While you can purchase a climbing pegboard from a gym supply store, it is not necessary to waste the money. The article that follows will instruct you on how to make your own.

Step 1 - Create a Pegboard Wall Base

A climbing pegboard has to be able to not only stay on a wall safely but be able to hold the weight of a person climbing it. Place one piece of the plywood on your work surface. Apply the liquid nails to the plywood around the edges about 1 inch in.

Add a ribbon of liquid nails in the center so that it covers at least 4 vertical inches. Place a second piece of plywood on top of the first and apply adhesive again in the same manner. Continue until you have three layers of plywood. Put the clamps on the stack with one on each side. You may need up to three clamps per edge, and this will help keep the plywood together so it will not slip. Wait about a day for the liquid nails to dry before moving forward.

Step 2 - Secure the Wall Section

The pegboard layers you made have to attach securely to the wall. This is where the fourth piece of plywood is used. Use the stud finder to locate where the studs are in the wall. Mark the first stud and the one next to it as you want the pegboard wall to be attached to both. Using a drill, a screwdriver bit, and screws, secure this piece to the studs. Place two screws at the top and bottom, 6 inches in from both sides, and continue to install a pair every 2 feet.

Step 3 - Make the Peg Holes

Use your yardstick and measure 4 inches in from the top, bottom, and both sides of the stacked plywood. Mark these spots, and then from these marks make another set every 8 inches. Make sure they end at the 4-inch perimeter you marked off.

Attach the 1 3/4-inch drill bit and begin drilling each of the marks you made on the plywood. When you are finished, you will have the completed pegboard. Take the dowel rod and insert it into each hole to ensure a good fit. If the holes are a little tight, you can use sandpaper to round them out.

Step 4 - Finish the Pegboard Wall

Place liquid nails on the plywood attached to the wall and to the drilled stack. Press them together, then insert screws through each corner and another on each side every 2 vertical feet. Cut the dowel rod with a saw so that you have two pieces each 7 inches to use in your exercises.