Imagine a school playground transformed into an exciting adventure zone, where children can challenge themselves while developing essential physical and problem-solving skills. Traverse walls are the perfect solution, providing an engaging climbing experience for students of all ages.
On this page we'll explore the various types of traverse walls we offer, how the children can use them, and the benefits they bring to schools and playgrounds. One thing we should make clear though, is that the terms "climbing walls" and "traverse walls" are commonly used to refer to the same thing and we will be doing the same on this page.
All of our climbing walls are designed for children to travel from side to side across the wall, traversing along the way. This keeps the children lower to the ground and ensures a safer climbing experience than vertical climbing walls (we don't supply these) where the children climb up the structure.
Our traverse walls provide an engaging and challenging play area in which children can problem-solve, explore and develop physical skills whilst staying reasonably low to the ground.
Our traverse walls come in two main varieties.
Wooden traverse walls. Made by ourselves from timber selected from sustainable sources.
HDPE traverse walls. Very strong plastic panels with holds mounted on them. Perfect for attaching to flat brick walls.
We also supply climbing holds in various different colours.
We build our traverse walls to suit your requirements. They can be free standing installed into a grassy area or wall-mounted along a suitable secure wall. We offer zig-zag, flat, in & out, HDPE, and budget options, so there’s a traverse wall for every school playground.
Flat traverse walls are a cost-effective option for schools and playgrounds, offering a straightforward installation and with low maintenance requirements.
These walls encourage physical activity and foster problem-solving abilities, adding a fun and challenging element to any play area as the children traverse along the wall.
When installing flat traverse walls, it is essential that the wall is firmly mounted and that the holds are securely attached, as well as being mindful of the height and steepness for the intended user. This is something we take into account with all of our installations.
In & out traverse walls provide an engaging climbing experience. As the wall goes along it's length recessed sections ensure the climber has to go 'in' before coming 'out' again further down the wall.
This is great for promoting physical activity and fostering coordination and balance in children. These walls can be utilised for climbing, traversing, problem solving, obstacle courses, and other physical activities. Perhaps tie a row of ribbons along the wall and the children have to reach them as part of a team?
Although not a specific type of traversing wall, in & out walls are an example of how traverse walls can be adapted to suit various needs and challenges.
For a unique climbing experience, consider zig-zag traverse walls. Arranged in a zig-zag pattern, these walls are designed to be climbed horizontally and are ideal for school children of all ages.
They can be double-sided which offers a distinctive challenge. Remember that zig-zag walls provide a safer alternative to traditional climbing walls as they are designed for horizontal climbing rather than vertical. We can also increase the difficulty of the route by making the angle change from each section more acute.
The cost of these walls depends on the size and complexity, but they can be a valuable investment for schools and playgrounds. Installation is simple and usually completed within 1 day.
Constructed using HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene) these walls are a budget conscious option yet built to last a long time.
HDPE traverse walls are built with materials that are resilient and capable of withstanding outdoor conditions. Known for their strength and durability, these walls are suitable for outdoor, or indoor if you wish, use and resistant to weathering, making them an ideal choice for school playgrounds.
Installation typically involves securing the boards to a wall or other structure with screws or bolts, or attaching them to posts or other supports to construct a freestanding wall.
Traverse walls are designed for horizontal climbing, as opposed to vertically oriented walls. Multiple rows of climbing holds run along the lower section of the wall for use as foot holds.
We use green, blue and red holds to colour code the difficulty of the routes through the climbing holds.
Along the upper section, a wider span of climbing holds shows the children the route to be navigated across. Again, colours show the difficulty of the route. For an extra dimension, nothing stops children using all of the holds and making their own routes up if they wish to.
To safely traverse across the wall, children must think critically and ensure each move is planned to avoid getting crossed up further down the line.
We build our walls to last.
We use play grade laminated posts treated to Use Class 4 (UC4) for our upright supporting posts. Laminated wooden posts have several advantages over normal wooden posts, and these include:
Strength and Durability: Laminated wood posts are often stronger and more durable than normal wooden posts. They are manufactured by gluing together multiple layers of wood, which can increase the overall strength of the post. This process also allows for greater control over the quality and uniformity of the wood used, reducing the risk of knots, splits, or other natural defects that could weaken the post over time.
Resistance to Warping: Because laminated wood is made up of several layers of wood, it is less likely to warp or twist over time compared to solid wood. The adhesive used in lamination also adds an additional layer of resistance against moisture, reducing the chance of rot or mold development.
Sustainability: Laminated wood can be made from smaller pieces of wood or from wood species that grow more quickly and are therefore more sustainable. In contrast, solid posts often require larger, older trees.
Shaking: A technical term to describe the cracks which naturally appear in wood over time. Laminated wood has a greater level of protection against cracks, shaking, going through the entire wood. Therefore it's stronger.
However, it should be noted that laminated wood posts are usually more expensive for us to purchase than traditional wooden posts due to the added processing they undergo. When we undertake a playground project we want it to last and so anything we can do to ensure the structure is solid and will last years in your playground, we do. One of the reasons why we use laminated play grade wood.
We use Redwood treated to UC4 (Use Class 4 is for end uses where wood is in contact with or very close to the ground and frequently wet.) for all of our panels. At 45mm thick they're strong and will last years.
Wrap this whole package up with resin climbing holds fixed securely to the panels, and you've got a solid durable climbing wall which is going to last.
Download our traverse walls catalogue from our website to browse through a variety of designs suitable for all ages.
After reviewing, why not reach out to us and arrange a site survey tailored to your playground's needs.
We're ready to help create a more engaging play space for your students.
Wide range of traverse wall options
UC4 pressure treated timber
Wall mounted or free standing
Designed to suit your available space & budget
The cost of traverse walls varies depending on the type of the wall and how long it is. We offer budget-friendly options to more premium designs.
Examples: A standard HDPE climbing wall starts from £585, while our much larger wooden walls start from around £2700.
Keep in mind that these costs can vary greatly. A 12m long wall, double sided and with bespoke parts is likely to be around £12,000 including installation, whereas a 4m long wall will be around £3500 - £4000.
We're here to help and can talk you through the specific requirements and costs of a traverse wall for your school or playground. We're always just a phone call or email away, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
Our climbing holds are made from resin with internal strengthening to give them as long a life as possible.
The surface feels grippy, like a stone found on the beach . Which is great for grabbing onto with your hands or feet.
You can purchase climbing holds separately from us if you're looking to build your own traversing wall.
Traverse walls encourage students to engage in physical activity, providing a fun alternative to traditional sports. By stimulating physical activity and enhancing balance, coordination, and strength, traverse walls offer a unique and engaging way for students to develop essential physical skills.
Furthermore, these walls can be used in conjunction with other physical activities, such as obstacle courses and team-building exercises, to create a comprehensive and diverse physical education program.
Case studies and testimonials showcase successful traverse wall installations in schools we have completed work at, highlighting the benefits and positive impact on students.
With many school traverse walls completed in the UK, Signet Play is renowned for its high-quality construction and attention to detail, ensuring that no compromises are made in the building process.
Traverse walls offer an exciting and engaging way for students to develop essential physical and problem-solving skills. With various types, long lasting materials, and designs available, there’s a traverse wall to suit every school and playground.
By incorporating a web of climbing holds schools can create unique and challenging climbing experiences that foster teamwork and physical activity. As showcased in case studies and testimonials, traverse walls have a positive impact on students and their educational environments, proving to be a valuable investment for schools and playgrounds alike.
