Backyard boulder wall build

A video of the process we went through to complete this boulder wall.
Over the course of 5 days we were able to construct a really cool wall.
If you have any questions let me know in the comments.
Materials
15 - 8' 2X4s
2 - 10' 2X4s
2 - 8' 4X4s
2 - 12' 4X4s
3 - 4'X8' 3/4" plywood
8 - 1/2" carriage bolts 8" long
8 - 1/2" washers
8 - 1/2" nuts
4 - 2X4 brackets (as seen at 11:18 mins into youtube video)
16 Bags 80Lb quikrete
ALOT of a screws 3" long
Tools used
Drill
Circular saw
Post hole digger
Shovel
Ladder
1/2" drill bit
Hammer
Tape measurer
Wheel barrow
Trowel
Access to running water
Hope this helps.
filmed on GoPro Hero 7 Black.
here's a link to Elrick climbing his new wall.
• DIY Rock Wall first ac...

[@dominictucker]

Love how you did the hand gesture to indicate you was gonna cut the clip, but just repeated yourself lol! Great build!

[@ChrisGranata]

I thought that part was kinda funny so I left it in. This is one of the first videos where I turn the camera on myself to provide commentary. Starting to get more comfortable.

[@BugalydoshOG]

Woohoo!!! First comment!!! It was a great time thanks for all your support!!! The wall is so awesome and Elrick (4 years old) already completed his first accent :-D

[@ChrisGranata]

This was a fun project to work on. Cant wait to see some videos of Elricks progress.

[@DontBeStatusQuo]

He sounded so excited! “I can’t wait to climb my new rock wall”

[@LouDude502]

Lol, guess I'm one of those rare people that watch all the way to the end lol. Thanks for posting. I'll be starting my wall soon. 🤙

[@ChrisGranata]

Awesome to hear 🙌 . Thanks for watching. This makes for a fun project.

[@skeptical-of-all1633]

Game recognize game. Y'all got skills.

[@ChrisGranata]

Thanks dude!

[@OBSDy]

Wow! That's amazing

[@ChrisGranata]

Thank you!

[@noahhallisey8291]

what an epic build and video! ALSO almost 40k views !!! TOO COOOOOL

[@ChrisGranata]

Thanks dude! Yeah this video blew up right after the pandemic started. It helped alot of people out. I still get instamgram DMs weekly asking little build tips.

[@captain905]

great build. got me thinking about one now...

[@ChrisGranata]

Thank you! This wall is still going strong. Great investment.

[@jennaanderson6106]

Nice work guys

[@ChrisGranata]

Thank you. The wall has been working amazing.

[@MattCookOregon]

Badass. Great build.

[@MattCookOregon]

Hell ya i watched til the end

[@ChrisGranata]

@@MattCookOregon haha. Appreciate that dude.

[@lukemcnamara9517]

Hey mate love the wall! Consider adding a sheet of ply on the back to help protect the rig from the weather :)

[@ChrisGranata]

Great idea Luke, the owner went with a slightly cheaper option of a durable camouflage tarp. It should be ok for the type of weather we get.

[@DontBeStatusQuo]

What a wild truck!!!! And you forgot to edit a section out! Hahaha what an awesome build! Great work

[@DontBeStatusQuo]

I liked the commentary. Definitely adds value to the video..

[@ChrisGranata]

@@DontBeStatusQuo that part made me laugh a little while editing so i left it lol.

[@photoadventures]

Awesome build! Quarantine got us climbers going mad for something to do! I can onlt imagine the quality of route setters going up after this trying time bwahaha!

[@ChrisGranata]

The route setters in our local gym are awesome! I'm sure they're at home with their drawing boards planning some evil projects.

[@YnseSchaap]

1:10 I thought you were holding a drone 🤣

[@ChrisGranata]

Thats funny. Another viewer thought the same thing about the shot around 4:45 into the video. That sander does have a very drone like humm to it.

[@Fogmeister]

Haha at 4:45 I 100% thought it was a drone shot with that sound in the background. 🤣

[@ChrisGranata]

DUDE! so true. That's funny, even the way the camera moved kinda looked drone like. I actually just picked up a drone recently and plan on incorporating some drone shots into some videos.

[@Fogmeister]

Chris Granata yeah, the smooth movements confused me even more. 🤣 Nice wall though, I bought a house 6 months ago and want to build something in the back garden. I don’t have anywhere this amount of space though but I like the idea. Might be able to fit something like this in. 👍🏻

[@ChrisGranata]

My personal wall is a little smaller and built off the side of my deck, so far it has been working great.

[@sherwinchia8114]

Sick rig fellas 👍👍

[@ChrisGranata]

@@sherwinchia8114 thank you. It's been holding up well.

[@rikvdmark]

Cool project! I have definitely been inspired. I'm looking at building a indoor climbing setup in my garage. It’ll be lower but wider, I think I can make it work. Maybe a little roof section ^^

[@ChrisGranata]

That sounds awesome. I've seen some really cool project built in garages! Great idea, definitely give it a go.

[@84v7climbers7]

Check my wall out, I also suffer from a low ceiling garage. I made mine moveable to take outside and add an extension piece.

[@ChrisGranata]

@@84v7climbers7NICE! i've seen that video. very interesting wall.

[@rikvdmark]

84v7 Climbers Thanks, I definitely will 😄

[@Hoyuu]

hey Rik! Did you make the indoor garage climbing setup?

[@Craxler]

Dont forget to make some volume boxes to make it more fun and challenging rather than a big flat wall :D

[@ChrisGranata]

Great advice! I've been thinking of trying to make a few. Maybe this summer I'll get on that.

[@Craxler]

You could perhaps even expand it with another wall and use the taller post as a corner :D So many possibilities! Great project :D

[@ChrisGranata]

Great minds think alike... since completion side walls have been added! And the owner even put some bolts up top so kids can toprope it.

[@DontBeStatusQuo]

Woah! 42k views! That’s awesome!

[@ChrisGranata]

AYYY lots of people must be building walls while having to stay home.

[@noahlorbach4047]

How wide were the foundation holes? Also, looking back, would fast setting cement have been worth the extra $$$? I'm trying to decide which one to buy - regular is much cheaper but fast setting you can just pour in and soak.

[@ChrisGranata]

If you need to get the project done quick the fast cement should work fine. And it is definitely possible to mix it right in the hole, about a foot at a time and make sure it mixes good. Our foundation holes were approximately a foot wide.

[@NickAlberto]

Chris. you and eric inspired me to make my own backyard wall. One question - did you guys have to check with the town's code about the build height of the wall?

[@ChrisGranata]

AWESOME to hear that! get after it, I'm not sure if the owner of this had to do anything with the town to construct this.

[@aurrasing1274]

I'm going to start building next week and I'm so nervous. I'm scared it won't be even lol

[@ChrisGranata]

Measure twice, cut once. You can do it.

[@JordyaMattson]

sick

[@ChrisGranata]

Thanks dude!

[@SendStory]

This looks great, what are the final dimensions and angle? What an awesome space to build this, I plan on building a wall next spring, but I definitely am a little more confined on space.

[@ChrisGranata]

The finsihed wall stands 11.5 feet tall and is 8 feet wide. The angle is somewhere between 65 and 70°.

[@Yanvonschleck]

Looks like a 30° overhang to me :)

[@stefanfriedemann3873]

plywood was PT? 3/4"? do you worry about water collecting and freezing on the back side with the horizontal supports acting as collectors for rain and snow?

[@ChrisGranata]

ALL the wood used for this was pressure treated. The homeowner had been thinking about tacking down a durable tarp to protect the back from winter weather, I'm not sure if that ever happened. I did bring that point up to him, I suggested covering it with more plywood, as a tarp is not as durable or long lasting...

[@BugalydoshOG]

@@ChrisGranata Yea I got a nice Camo tarp mounted on the back, keep it on all the time (still breathable but prevents moisture/leaves/debris from getting into it.

[@liamkidd3809]

How far away are the tall posts from the shorts posts? Like the wholes in the ground

[@ChrisGranata]

I don't remember exactly, I drew this all out on graph paper to scale first so at the time of building I had an exact number. I think it was between 2.5 and 3 feet.

[@BryanStJohn-vv8nr]

you can by pre-sanded plywood FYI for your next build ***note one side of the plywood is sanded be sure to use the right side*** but anyways cool project

[@ChrisGranata]

Good to know.

[@pprivremenikorisnik]

Hi, I am building my climbing wall also, still gathering material. Can you tell me please the dimensions /widths) of 4 posts you used? Thanks!

[@ChrisGranata]

The 2 front tall post are pressure treated 4X4s 12feet long. The back 2 post are pressure treated 4X4s 8 feet long. All 4 post are dug 3 feet into the ground and secured with concrete.

[@zacherywilliams3587]

Hey i really like thiss wall! Id love to have one of my own, the videos helpful but do you have any offical plans for this? Or would you be interested in building one if paid? Im also from CT southeastern

[@ChrisGranata]

It's not too tough of a process to get one of these put together, I wouldn't mind helping you out building one... My instagram handle is @homegrowngrizz if you wanna add me and chat a little bit about what is needed.

[@84v7climbers7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXSok5WQhs2VZtk

[@zacherywilliams3587]

Dont have an instagram, have a different medium for messages? I found a site with your basic build. Started working on it over the weekend. Get back to me via email if you like [e-mail]. Even if i can just bounce ideas past you

[@tylerleaman3482]

Do you know what paint was used or how he made the textures on the ply?

[@ChrisGranata]

He told me it was some sort of concrete putty he applied to the wall and then painted over it, I'm not sure of the exact product. It did adhere to the wood pretty well.

[@ckindly3325]

What size bolts did you use to support your wall to your posts?

[@ChrisGranata]

1/2" carriage bolts 8" long

[@RossPotts]

I’m wondering if it would be worth the extra expense to install asphalt shingle on the back side to protect the back of the wall in weather...

[@ChrisGranata]

That's a great idea, in this case we tacked down a heavy duty tarp. The tarp has been holding up well as of now, but will need replacing in the next few years.

[@RossPotts]

@@ChrisGranata thanks. I’m leaning in that direction, as I think there wouldn’t be anything needed cover-wise while changing the wall angle, since it would always have a cover.

[@markoshea9900]

Hey, I’m thinking about this myself. Are they 2x6 planks for the frame?

[@ChrisGranata]

they are only 2X4 planks, Pressure treated.

[@markoshea9900]

Chris Granata thanks! I’m almost finished my build now. I’m thinking about only using 1 bolt on each post, and drilling multiple bolt holes on the top posts. This would allow me adjust the angle fairly easily. Any thoughts on this? Do you think 2 bolts per post is essential?

[@ChrisGranata]

@@markoshea9900 the owner of this wall had the same idea!!! I talked him out of it tho. It sounds awesome, but in reality I didnt see him using that feature enough to incorporate that. And the wall weighs ALOT, it would take multiple people to hold it while another moves the screws, had this wall been built for adults and not children maybe we would have done that to have sone more challenging angles. I think 1 bolt would be strong enough to hold the wall up granted it is a proper graded bolt... when we first got the wall vertical we had 1 bolt on each corner and it was able to support me while a banged in Tnuts. We did 2 bolts just for safety.

[@jonnes__4657]

🐱‍👤I'm an engineer. We normally put steel anchors into the foundation concrete and fix the wooden beams to the steel-parts. Because over time the rain water destroys the wood going into the concrete. The soil material never should touch the wooden columns. Did you calculate the storm load? .

[@ChrisGranata]

I definitely see how that could help! Good advice... Alot of the online tutorials we watched did it this way so we followed suit. We did end up painting the wood to help slow the deterioration process. If there's a future wall project ill use that method.

[@jonnes__4657]

@@ChrisGranata Yes, paint the wood from the concrete end to some inches above ground, especially in the area of the ending of the concrete! It would be better to use gravel to fill it up. Gravel doesn't hold back water and dries more quick. Fungis love moisture in the wood! That all depends in what climate zone you live, how much rain you have there! But I think for some years it's okay.

[@Kamikaze_4]

Awesome project! About how much did the whole project cost?

[@ChrisGranata]

This project cost about $1000 between all the pressure treated wood, materials, and climbing holds.

[@Kamikaze_4]

@@ChrisGranata Awesome, thanks :D

[@aaronnelson7770]

Did you fill the holes half way of concrete or all the way?

[@ChrisGranata]

we filled them all the way up to just about an inch below the surface, there's a quick shot of this at 7:12 into the video for reference.

[@ChrisGranata]

and at 7:33 another shot for reference.

[@timtaylor9590]

if you put a slotted arc on the back posts u cant make an adjustable wall

[@ChrisGranata]

That's true. We did think about making it adjustable, but decided against it overall.

[@PureNaturalLiving]

What did you use to do that texture on the wall? Concrete?

[@ChrisGranata]

I forget the exact product. But it was some sort of super textured paint.

[@PureNaturalLiving]

@@ChrisGranata If it comes to you, we're probably a week or so from the build... although we may purchase the plywood this week and start prepping it for the build.

[@orchardhillsfarm]

is that sweet truck still for sale??

[@ChrisGranata]

He sold it. But yeah. It was really cool.

[@BugalydoshOG]

Hi Dutch, I do import and sell them, PM me if you'd like one.

[@hersiny7177]

What size where the post?

[@ChrisGranata]

They were 4X4s the front ones are 12 feet long the back were 8 feet.

[@dredzik]

What grade of bolts did you use? 8.8 or just 4.6 / 4.8?

[@ChrisGranata]

We used "Everbilt 1/2" in. -13 x 8 in. Galvanized Carraige Bolts" from our local Home Depot. Not sure the exact grade.

[@dredzik]

@@ChrisGranata Cheers mate, I am digging the holes today. Will be setting this thing up tomorrow / Friday. Thank you for the video!

[@dredzik]

@@ChrisGranata kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaClfZdnjNStosk - this is us. Cheers again!

[@aaronnelson7770]

How far a part were the footers from each other?

[@ChrisGranata]

I forget the exact measurement. I drew all this out on graph paper first so we knew exactly how far we needed to go. I think it was about 3 feet.

[@aaronnelson7770]

thanks im building my own wall after your model

[@ChrisGranata]

Graph paper is very helpful when trying to scale out distances and angles before starting.

[@joshmacneal2545]

How much for the little truck?

[@ChrisGranata]

This one sold. But you can get them at BJz Cycle Shop in Plainfield CT

[@jcproductions007]

You said you were going to take the side braces off, however you left them on and painted them instead ? Was that due to added strength and you realised they were better off being attached ? Or just forgot to take them off ?

[@ChrisGranata]

At 10:29 into the video you can see that the side braces we originally used are just pieces of scrap wood we found, not pressure treated 2X4s. So we did end up taking off these weaker pieces of woods for something a little sturdier. The plan was definitely to have those braces on the whole time for strength reasons.

[@jcproductions007]

@@ChrisGranata thx for the haste in reply and explanation. A solid build mate. Well done. Hope your channel grows fast mate, you deserve more subs 👍 just added myself for support.

[@smug8567]

You better be careful on those rocks tomorrow buddy. And you're not getting any sandwiches either.

[@ChrisGranata]

Interesting.

[@smug8567]

@@ChrisGranata lol

[@Cropinky]

dudes bein dudes

[@ChrisGranata]

Yeah buddy.

[@sarahcoley5333]

how much did you end up spending?

[@ChrisGranata]

This project ran close to $1000 when all said and done.

[@Tondadrd]

Uuu that is very affordable! I think there is space for it on our garden, I might just try it!

[@84v7climbers7]

@@ChrisGranata Was that including holds?

[@ChrisGranata]

@@84v7climbers7 in this case YES. the owner found a really good deal on Craigslist in VT for a good amount of holds, otherwise they're pretty expensive if bought brand new.

[@GMK28]

40k Views : !!!!!!!!

[@ChrisGranata]

Huge Milestone!

[@DeePunter]

y do u need to paint it

[@ChrisGranata]

Just to further protect the wood from CT westher. And cause it looks really cool afterwards.

[@lobsterslayer874]

Go 2 more levels

[@ChrisGranata]

Higher?

[@DinhQHuy]

Driver's on the right seat but drives on the right side of the street. Where is this???

[@ChrisGranata]

This is in Connecticut. The owner imports these trucks from over seas and sells them in the US. Good eye catching that. Those trucks are cool.

[@lobsterslayer874]

Dose he get little cars too

[@ChrisGranata]

@@lobsterslayer874 not that I know of.

[@ehoh3246]

How has your home insurance handled this?

[@ChrisGranata]

I'm honestly not too sure, I was only involved in the building portion of this project. But a video of this wall can be found on the homeowners channel here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWS9dX9-j819nJo He might be able to give more insight.

[@iraswanson3436]

Wow, you put untreated wood directly into the ground. I remember when I didn’t understand how quickly wood goes bad on the ground. What, I’m not sure I’ve ever not understood that basic concept. Hopefully the homeowner or his kids don’t get hurt by your carelessness. Don’t try and be something you’re obviously not, a builder. You’d be looking at a law suit if you did that to someone I knew. You’re seriously going to get someone hurt.

[@ChrisGranata]

The wood IS treated, also it is set into concrete in the ground. Not just placed in a dirt hole. The wood was also painted to seal it even further. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIjClqN6l66tqq8 Here is a link to the wall I based my project on, we used the same method as far as structure, this guy lives in a similar climate and has had no issues after 2 years.