Structural Connectors for Climbing Walls

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Structural connectors add strength to the joints in your climbing wall. They are available at most hardware and lumber yard stores. Your framing will go much smoother and in many cases you can use a structural connector in place of a more complicated compound joint.

The small added cost to the project is worth it... easier framing, stronger joints, simplified connections, and the cost is low compared to the total cost of your project. Here are some of the most common structural connectors for use in building a climbing wall.

Joist Hanger

Joist hanger. These are used in construction to attach a floor or ceiling joist to headers. The joist hanger can support an angled stud or joist.

Tie plate. These are flat metal plates with holes for screws. They reinforce flat surface joints. T connectors provide a similar function but can only be used when the joint is a T, whereas the tie plate can be used for any angle, and it’s much less expensive.

A tie plate reinforces flat surfaces.

Framing angle. This is a versatile metal tie used in framing. It can be bent to match the required angle. However, as with any tie, only bend it once. Bending more than once weakens the joint.

A framing angle is bendable to allow adjustment to angles.

Angle bracket or corner connector. This is a metal bracket designed to reinforce wood connections at 90 degrees.

Structural Connectors

An angle bracket, or corner connector, reinforces 90-degree angles.

Tie strap. This is a flat metal strap used in a similar way as the tie plate. A tie strap may be chosen over a tie plate due to its more convenient size.

A tie strap reinforces flat surfaces, functioning the same as a tie plate.

A joint is the weakest point in a wall. A climbing wall, with various angles, protrusions and geometric features has a lot of potential to put stress on joints. Structural connectors are versatile, easy to use, and adaptable to a variety of angles you might need in a climbing wall. There are quite a few types to choose from. Using a structural connector in joints will strengthen the joint reducing squeaking and flex during climbing.

The book How to Build Your Own Climbing Wall goes into greater detail about leveling and anchoring a climbing wall. Highly recommended for your project.

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