About Our Walls
Our Design Philosophy
Leading Edge Climbing Walls (LECW) has been designing and building climbing walls since 1995. We have developed a design and construction process that enables us to meet the changing needs of our clients while providing the highest quality construction available in this industry. Because we build only five to ten projects each year ($200,000 - $300,000 annually), we can guarantee that each project gets our full attention and can be custom-tailored to the exact needs of the client.
Our design process begins with our first discussion with the client. We determine the experience level of the intended users; recreational vs. instructional use; desire for special features such as laybacks, huecos, climbable cracks, overhangs and sculpted arêtes. We create a three-dimensional model of the design based on this information and measurements of the available space.
We believe that a three-dimensional model is the only method of accurately showing the client exactly what the climbing wall will look like and how it will function. CAD drawings and two-dimensional renderings are much simpler to provide but are difficult for clients to fully understand and visualize the end result.
Our model is given to the client for their in-put and will be re-done until their needs are satisfied. This process usually takes about four weeks. The completed model is then shipped to Structural Consultants, Inc., of Denver, CO. This independent engineering firm provides working drawings, specifications and calculations that meet C.W.I.G. standards and the engineering needs of the building that will house the wall. This part of the process usually takes about two or three weeks.
Our philosophy at LECW has always been that the climbing wall must provide the greatest flexibility possible for route-setting. We provide the highest t-nut density available in the industry with 72 t-nuts per 4' x 8' section of wall with an 8" x 8" grid pattern. It is absolutely essential to provide this density to ensure that climbing routes can be changed regularly to keep the user's experience fresh and challenging - that is what keeps them coming back.
Our high-tech acrylic concrete surface texture is more durable than trowelled systems.
LECW takes great pride in our special features such as laybacks, huecos and climbable crack systems. These natural features exactly duplicate climbing situations found in outdoor climbing. This is an important feature for college programs providing climbing instruction.
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Our Design & Construction Process
Our process begins with an initial meeting to assess available space and to discuss the client's climbing program and the terrain best suited to meet their needs. Leading Edge Climbing Walls, Inc. (LECW), creates a 3-D model of the proposed climbing wall using this information. This model helps the client visualize the finished wall and determine the need for any modifications in the proposal.
LECW will have Next Level Engineering Services engineer the climbing wall to C.W.I.G. (Climbing Wall Industry Group) specifications and to the structural requirements of the building once the final design is agreed upon. The client provides engineering information on the building. Engineering packages generally require 3-4 weeks to complete.
LECW climbing walls are constructed of 16 guage steel structural studs and/or 2" x 2" x 3/16" welded angle iron. All framing is 24" O.C. to provide maximum rigidity and strength for the structure. The frame is sheathed with AC or BC grade Douglas fir plywood. All plywood sheathing is attached with self-tapping #10 fasteners every 8" and all horizontal seams between framing members are blocked with wood 2" x 4" stock.
Next, LECW applies its proprietary texture to the surface of the plywood. This texture is a polymer-modified acrylic concrete that can be colored to resemble real rock. This product has a compressive strength of 4,000 - 6,000 p.s.i. which is approximately four times harder than standard troweled-on texture systems. LECW guarantees this texture against any peeling, flaking, chipping or wear-through for three years.
Our t-nuts are spaced at a density of 2/sq.ft. on all climbing surfaces. T-nuts will be attached with three 1/2" wood screws.
Belay bars will be 2' sections of 3" diameter stainless steel pipe, attached directly to the climbing wall frame. LECW can also provide bolts and stainless steel hangers for lead climbing on any overhanging terrain.
LECW can provide a mix of modular handholds from several companies to complement the features of your wall. We can also provide world-class initial route-setting by Staci Fairbank of Boulder, CO. Staci is a UIAA professional route-setter who has set routes for numerous competitions and the ESPN X-games.
LECW can provide staff training.
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Natural Features
Our natural features, such as climbable cracks, liebacks and sculpted arêtes are the most realistic available
from any wall builder.
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These realistic features combine with the highest t-nut density available in the industry to provide the flexibility necessary to create an infinite variety of climbs at all levels of difficulty. In addition, these natural features are ideally suited to teaching outdoor climbing and rescue techniques in a safe indoor setting. |
