There are two common methods for installing RopeGun Climbing panels. The first (not the best) is to just butt each panel snugly together against the next panel. This works if you are just installing a few panels or a single row of panels. However, if you are installing many panels stacked on top of each other and next to each other, then, you should use the ‘honeycomb’ method of installation.
The honeycomb method uses a 1/4” spacer between each panel. This installation method will give you a really neat honeycomb pattern and will hide slight installation imperfections. A good 1/4” spacer to use are the big 5 gallon paint sticks from Home Depot or Lowes. Cut one of these sticks into 3 or 4 pieces each 4-6” long. After installing your first panel use the 1/4″ spacer paint stick to create a uniform gap between panels. The look you are trying to achieve is similar to the grout lines between floor tiles.
Another installation trick is to layout your pattern onto the wall before actually fastening/screwing your panels into place. Make paper or cardboard cutouts of the full and half size panels and then tape these cutouts onto the wall before installation. This will save you much headache and make the installation process easier (“measure twice – cut once”). RopeGun Climbing usually ships a paper or cardboard cutout with our panels as a packaging protective measure to protect the faces of a two panel package. You should use these cutouts to layout your wall. If you need more paper or cardboard to make additional cutouts ask Costco or Sam’s Club for some. These stores are constantly recycling paper and cardboard product dividers which work great for cutouts.
Another installation trick is to use an air-gun to tack the climbing panels into place using trim nails. Of course, you will need access to an air compressor and air-gun. This method is nice as you can temporairly install the panels and, if necessary, remove and replace a panel more easily while minimizing damage to your panel and wall. Once all the panels are tacked into place to your liking, then, pre-drill and countersink all the screw holes. Complete the installation process by securely screwing and fastening in the panels.
Finally, it is not necessary to install your wall flush to the floor. You should be using some type of crash pad/mat whenever climbing/bouldering. As a result, you can likely start your wall 6-12 inches off of the floor to allow room for your crash pad.
If you have any installation questions, please contact RopeGun Climbing, LLC ([email protected]).