Garage simulator guide

A garage is the most common place for a home simulator, and the most flexible. It also has quirks that a spare bedroom does not. Here is what to check before you commit.

Height: measure to the door tracks

Garage ceilings often look tall but the overhead door tracks and opener can sit one to two feet lower than the ceiling. Measure from the floor to the lowest point above where you will swing, including tracks, the opener, lights and anything on the ceiling. Also check that the door can still open freely if you mount a projector or overhead monitor.

Floor

Garage floors are usually concrete: hard, cold and sometimes sloped toward a drain. A sloped floor is worth levelling or compensating for, because the mat should sit flat. Put turf over a suitable base, and use a hitting mat designed for the club and use you have in mind. A thicker base is kinder to the joints on long sessions.

Temperature and humidity

Garages swing from cold to hot, and electronics, screens and projectors can be affected by extremes. Insulation around the door and walls helps. Depending on your climate, a portable heater, a heating and cooling mini-split, or a dehumidifier may be worth considering. Check the temperature range in each product's manual for the monitor and projector.

Light

You need to light the hitting area without washing out the screen. Dimmable LED lights with adjustable angles work well. Try to avoid bright light falling on the screen, because it reduces the contrast of the projected image.

Noise and safety

An impact screen or enclosure absorbs the ball, reduces noise and protects the wall behind it. Make sure the wall behind the screen is clear of anything fragile. Keep children and pets out of the hitting zone.

Keep your garage useful

If the garage still needs to hold a car or tools, consider a retractable screen, a roll-up mat and wall-mounted storage so the space can switch between uses.

Ask us first

If you are weighing up your garage, send us the measurements and a photo and we will help you work out which setup is likely to fit. Email hello@thegameshaus.com.