Garage build in the great white north....Share your knowledge

[Dmoe]

Hey there golfers,
I am new to the forum, but have been doing a bunch of reading. I plan on doing a garage build up here in Canada to get me through the long winters. Currently, the ceiling height in my garage is 8'6" with a loft above it. I decided on the weekend to tear down the drywall and extend the ceiling height in the garage to 10ft. That being said, i will have an area of approximately 10 x 10 for a screen. I was hoping to build a frame out of EMT, and attaching a screen to it. I am really lost when it comes to screens. It seems going to various websites, screens significantly differ in price, from Par2Pro, to Spectrum, to Allsport, to West Coast Nets etc. What is the go to budget friendly screen? My plans/goals are as follows:
-Likely use skytrack, unless i find a deal on a better system
-Short throw projector (not sure what kind) mounted above the hitting area
-Black out curtains ceiling mounted on both sides of the 1 inch EMT frame
-Netting and padding on the ceiling
-Country Club Elite hitting mat

Just really trying to piece things together and get a plan built. Not sure why some screens are $1200 and some are $500. Is the jump in price really refecltive on the jump in quality?

Any sort of expertise from all you guys would be great.

[GrecoISU]

I'm new to this as well but I've been buying my things to get started.

What I've noticed about screens is that some are a little more durable but more so the fibers are woven closer together which provides a more crisp image. Some people are using white archery netting to project onto but the image isn't nearly as good.

My plan:
Carl's Preferred (purchased) 4:3 12x9ish
EMT Enclosure
Archery Netting for the back of screen
Quattro Mat (purchased)
Black curtains on sides using tracking to retract.
Skytrak (purchased -- backordered to mid October)
Chamberlain Wall Mounted Garage Door Opener (purchased and installed)

[Dax]

Check out par2pros slightly imperfect screens. They don’t always have them, but price for what you get looks amazing.

[3on3putt]

I think the 3 pillars of a screen are (in no particular order):

1. Quality of image
2. Durability
3. Performance (sound and ball bounce back)

I think most screens sacrifice a little in one area for the sake of the others. Namely, having fibers that produce a crisper image may not hold up as well to the pounding of balls.

On the very top shelf of the screen options you may be able to find some that don't really sacrifice anything, but of course you'll pay top dollar for that. And I think everyone has their own preferences for what they prioritize (for instance, some people don't mind having a louder screen if it means a better image or some people don't mind a slightly less quality image if it means better durability.)

I would stay away from archery netting though. At the very least, I'd recommend something like a Supertex. I got a 9x9 one brand new for $130. I would consider that as sort of the entryway into screens. Start there and work your way up the ladder as your budget allows.

[Dmoe]

I was just reading a few builds on here. Since I will still be using my garage as a garage, I like the retractable idea. A manual 10 x 8.5 sportscreen is $239 and then I can attach an HD screen to that as has been done by others....par2pro Is $375 for a premium screen to go on top. Essentially I will have a retractable premium screen for just over $600.

[GarageDasein]

Is there a reason people use EMT over PVC in screen builds? Weight?

[3on3putt]

PVC just isn't strong enough. It sags under the weight of the screen.

[Knickerbocker]

Is there a reason people use EMT over PVC in screen builds? Weight?

PVC is not recommended.

[Dmoe]

The more I read about the mevo plus, the more I think I'd be swayed in that direction. I have the depth in my garage to place it 8 ft behind the hitting area, and the fact is comes preloaded with 5 courses and E6 is pretty sweet

[Dmoe]

here is a quick sketch. As you can see, i am trying to do the best i can with the space. I plan on doing a retractable screen, and the stairs to the loft will also retract up to the joists.
I am just trying to figure out space etc. I think i can easily get away with 84" off the left wall to the impact area on the mat and 8 ft from the impact screen.


Screen size is 10 ft side X 8.5 ft high
I am trying to figure out how much to offset the screen off centre so the hitting area stays in the middle without sacrificing long club swings......

Thoughts anyone?

[Canadian Dave]

Hey! I too am planning a build in the Great white North. I’m having problems sourcing the corners for the screen frame and side netting. I can get them in the states for $90 but shipping is another $120 😳. Cannot seem to find a Canadian source for these items. Any suggestions?

Incidentally I intend buying my screen from heavydutytarps.ca they do a sawdust mesh that has grommets installed around the perimeter and from what I’m seeing, is fairly durable and great value for money.

[GrecoISU]

Maybe look up tent suppliers and see if they can source them.

[Dmoe]

Hey! I too am planning a build in the Great white North. I’m having problems sourcing the corners for the screen frame and side netting. I can get them in the states for $90 but shipping is another $120 😳. Cannot seem to find a Canadian source for these items. Any suggestions?

Incidentally I intend buying my screen from heavydutytarps.ca they do a sawdust mesh that has grommets installed around the perimeter and from what I’m seeing, is fairly durable and great value for money.

I wonder what the picture would be like on this sawdust screen