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Wet Woody? 2-Apr-2009 At 5:25:53 PM Camjammer

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I've had a woody on the side of my house for about 4-5 years now. Made from 5 panels of 1.2 x 2.4m standard ply (about 12mm thick - can't remember the exact specs). I did a bit of research when I built it and Marine ply was recommended but I couldn't be bothered spending the extra money at the time. The wood itself has lasted well in its location and I wouldn't bother with marine ply if I did it again in this location. Its only vertical as i don't have enough room in the lane down the side of my house to have any useful overhang, but it is 3.6 metres high as 2 panels are horizontal and 3 are vertical. It is dynabolted to the wall with spacers and partially protected from the weather by the eaves of the house. Some of the edges of the ply are delaminating a bit so try and waterproof the edges as best as possible and it'll save you time and money in the long run.

It has lasted reasonably well but the T-nuts are rusting so moving the holds is a hassle as the bolts don't screw in easily and so push the nuts out the back of the ply. This is a pain as i have to dismount the whole panel to reset the T Nuts - thus I don't bother moving the holds that much now. Consider access to the back of the panels in your design if you intend on using it for a number of years.

I painted the panels with paving paint and threw a few handfuls of sand over them when it was still wet for grip. This has lasted really well and still provides excellent grip for smears 5 years later as well as protecting the wood - cheap and easy to do. All up excluding holds I think it cost me about $400. It has been useful to get a quick fix of climbing when you only have a limited amount of time but it does lack the variety offered at a gym or the genuine feel of real rock.

Hope this helps and if you want to see some pictures of how I did it please contact me.