Planning garage build - screen hinge on ceiling

[Patrick76]

Hi - I'm planning out a build for my garage. Based in northern IL and need to keep a car in the garage when not using it as a sim, so need to have something that I can move out of the way when not using. I have 11' ceilings and a space about 13' wide by 18' deep. I plan to install a jackshaft garage opener to get the current opener and track out of the way so I can center my hitting area on the screen. The screen will sit at the back wall of my garage, 12-18" off the wall.

Here's my plan and I'd like some feedback. I want to build a rectangle out of 1" EMT - slightly bigger than the screen, which will be either 12x9 or 13x10. I don't plan on any sort of cage frame, just 4 runs of EMT connected together as a rectangle.

I will attach the top pipe to the ceiling - either with eye bolts, hinges, or some other brackets - so the bottom of the frame can lift away from the back of the room (towards the garage door) and attach to the ceiling. For this, I plan to use a series or ropes and pulleys with a cleat to tie things down on.

I also plan to attach a net on the top of the screen to the ceiling, extending out 3-4'. I'll install rails, curtain rods, etc on each side so I can pull out nets for the side. Those will be anchored to the wall behind the screen, and when extended, I'll anchor them with sandbags or similar. When retracted, a simple bungee to tie them off will work.

Will I need to weigh down / anchor the screen itself (it will attach to the EMT with bungee balls, potentially zip ties as well)?

As for the impact screen - I'm kind of lost here. Is simply installing a screen like one from Carl's sufficient, or do I need a net as well? I plan to mount a projector and use it for golf as well as the occasional sporting event (I may mount on rail so I can move forward for 16x9).

I have more questions, but I'll stop there for now!

[COgolfengineer]

Hi Patrick, welcome to sim golf!

I'd recommend a motorized roller for the screen. It would cost a bit more than what you're thinking but will be easier to install and will look much cleaner. Plus easier to setup and takedown, click a remote control button and you're done.

With the room at 13ft wide, I doubt you'll be able to hit from center. Generally, you need about 7.5ft from tee to the wall behind your back. Howevet, the garage door rails will still be there, so you need 7.5ft from that, unless you can raise those towards the ceiling. Hitting offset isn't a big deal though, my space is only 10.5ft wide, so I hit 2.5ft offset.

You didn't mention anything about flooring. But you'll want something that will allow uou to park the car in the garage, so either drive over it or easy to remove and setup.

[Patrick76]

Thanks for the welcome and feedback. The room is actually 16' wide (standard double garage door), but there is an entry door on the wall, making the available screen space around 13'. I have an additional single car bay on each side, but I'm restricted somewhat by the rails as you mentioned. I should be able to center the hitting space in the room once I do some garage cleaning / rearranging. I have a CC elite hitting mat, 4x5, that I will move out of the way when parking cars.

I'm not looking to go crazy on the spend, which is why I'm looking at the hinge method. I plan to use a Garmin R10 and am looking at the Optoma GT1080 for my projector.

[mwnold]

I'm in the same situation with my garage build. I'm in the early planning phase. I looking into the retractable screen option. I can only find two that are reasonable - Metechs tubular motors/kits and the Sportscreen. Maybe do a GungHo impact screen and attach it with velcro to the roller.

[76LTAz]

I did the Mtech motorized roller and the GungHo Eagle Impact screen attached with velcro. Could not be happier with that decision!

[Agent Scarn]

I was really close to pulling the trigger with Gungho retractable screen but now I'm seeing this Metech option which is changing things. If I go with Metech I will be getting the eagle screen. Little tough to find reviews on it. How has it been holding up to abuse?

[MTgolfer]

I did the Mtech motorized roller and the GungHo Eagle Impact screen attached with velcro. Could not be happier with that decision!

I am looking at doing the same thing. What did you put into the bottom hem of the eagle screen for weight?

[Agent Scarn]

GungHo said to get 1 inch EMT piping for the bottom hem. I asked whether they offer one and they said the shipping cost of it is a lot so they just recommend that EMT piping.

[76LTAz]

I am looking at doing the same thing. What did you put into the bottom hem of the eagle screen for weight?

I put in 3/4" EMT. My screen is 14 x 9. GungHo sewed the velcro and the bottom hem.

[preludesam]

I have the same Metech roller. It works great just make sure you get a three-layer impact screen. I have a standard screen and it is like thunder whenever I hit the driver. You can feel the pressure wave in the garage from all the air moving. The screen is like a gigantic bass drum.

[MTgolfer]

I have the same Metech roller. It works great just make sure you get a three-layer impact screen. I have a standard screen and it is like thunder whenever I hit the driver. You can feel the pressure wave in the garage from all the air moving. The screen is like a gigantic bass drum.

Did either of you get the side rollers from metech. I am interested in having side protection as well and I see they sell a whole kit that includes them.

[76LTAz]

Did either of you get the side rollers from metech. I am interested in having side protection as well and I see they sell a whole kit that includes them.

I did not. I have ceiling curtain tracks for my side protection.

[preludesam]

Did either of you get the side rollers from metech. I am interested in having side protection as well and I see they sell a whole kit that includes them.

I did not as well but only because I was late to the game with finding their products. I wanted to do something like this, which would have been way better than what I got for probably cheaper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu_98Gl9z7o

[Cash]

I have a Metech roller as well. Works great. I ordered a screen from onestopsimshop. Beautiful screen. I had velcro added to the top backside of the screen to attach it to the roller - added the other piece of the velcro to the roller. In addition I had velcro added to each side on the front. Then have blackout curtains on tracks that connect to the sides of the screen with velcro. Also got the pocket sewn in the bottom of the screen and ordered the bungee cord in it. Drilled /screwed in eyelets into my garage floor about 1 foot from the screen and have the bungee attached to them to help keep the screen flat at the bottom.

[Agent Scarn]

How did you attach the velcro to the Metech roller? I know you have velco sewn into the screen, but how did you fix the other half of the velcro to the roller? I just discovered this Metech option after almost pulling the trigger with GungHo. So this is sort of throwing my world for a loop. Be honest - how good is that roller? Do you feel like you're missing out on anything?

[76LTAz]

My screen came with a roll of the other side of the velcro, which has an adhesive backing. So you just basically stick it on the roller. I love the Mtech roller. I ordered longer than my screen and cut down the tubes and then connected them, they are a tight fit but they just bang together. The screen is programmable with the remote to custom set the down and up points, Instructions were not the best but I was able to figure it all out. I would do it all again if I had to choose vs sportsscreen.

[Cash]

I used industrial strength velcro on the roller. The roller is heavy duty and works great.

[mario_k94]

Which roller did you order from MeTech? It doesnt list a length on them.

[76LTAz]

Which roller did you order from MeTech? It doesnt list a length on them.

https://www.metechs.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=416635

[MTgolfer]

I ordered the retractable screen roller kit from them as well. I also got one side screen roller. Should be here next week. I got a impact screen from gung ho golf. They sew in Velcro at the top for a do it yourself retractable screen. I’ll let you know how it goes. I hope I didn’t derail this thread from the original poster. Sorry if that’s the case. I was hoping this retractable screen information was helpful