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Ceiling modification for garage golf sim build
Hi everyone!
This is my first post here, I tried to post on golf simulator reddit but the post got removed for some reason.
I’ve done a fair bit of research, but I haven’t found much information on modifying ceilings for a golf sim setup. I know this is highly dependent on build type and ceiling structure, so I wanted to share my specific situation and see if anyone has experience or advice.
Background: New build
I’m moving into a brand-new house in the next month or so. Unfortunately, during the planning stage I didn’t consider using the garage as part of a golf simulator setup.
The garage ceiling height is 2790mm (9.15 ft).
Long term, I plan to build a proper shed/garage out the back and do it right — but that’s realistically 5+ years away. For now, I want a short-to-medium-term solution in the garage, with cost being the number one priority.
The problem: Ceiling height
I’m 188cm (6’2”). With just the bare concrete slab to ceiling, I can just miss the ceiling on a driver swing. Once you factor in:
• hitting mat
• raised flooring
• turf
I’ll almost certainly hit the ceiling on most driver swings.
And before anyone says “just use irons” — I get that approach, and I know many people do it. But I’d really like to:
• work on my driver
• play “normal” golf indoors
• avoid limiting the setup more than I already have to
So I’m trying to find a workaround.
⸻
Possible solutions I’ve considered
Solution 1: Raise the entire garage ceiling
This would involve vaulting the ceiling and structural changes. From what I can tell, this would be very expensive (likely $20k+ AUD), require a structural engineer, permits, etc.
At that point, I may as well put that money towards a purpose-built shed instead — so this isn’t really feasible.
Solution 2: Raise part of the ceiling (preferred option)
This seems like the most realistic and cost-effective approach.
I’ve seen examples where only a portion of the ceiling is raised to create clearance above the swing plane (photos attached). Realistically, I only need an extra 200–300mm.
A few notes:
• I’m not concerned about left-handers (sorry lefties!) — all users would be right-handed
• My launch monitor will be ground-based anyway, which already limits setup options
This would only need to accommodate the swing path, not the entire garage.
Solution 3: Long-term shed (future plan)
In 5+ years, I plan to build a purpose-built shed out the back. There’s an easement involved, so approvals and costs will be significant.
That’s why I want the garage setup to be viable for the next 5+ years, not just a temporary compromise.
What I’m hoping to get help with
Is there anyone here who has:
• raised a portion of a garage ceiling for a golf sim?
• experience with structural implications of this kind of modification?
• professional insight (e.g. structural engineer) who can speak generally about feasibility and options?
I understand the obvious answers are “get a structural engineer” or “just use irons”. If money were no object, that’s exactly what I’d do — but I’m trying to work within realistic constraints.
The main goal of this post is to learn from anyone who has done something similar, or who can offer informed advice based on real-world experience.
Thanks in advance — really appreciate any insights
Images of the truss layout, garage in its framing stage and examples of what I’m hoping for are in the link below:
This is my first post here, I tried to post on golf simulator reddit but the post got removed for some reason.
I’ve done a fair bit of research, but I haven’t found much information on modifying ceilings for a golf sim setup. I know this is highly dependent on build type and ceiling structure, so I wanted to share my specific situation and see if anyone has experience or advice.
Background: New build
I’m moving into a brand-new house in the next month or so. Unfortunately, during the planning stage I didn’t consider using the garage as part of a golf simulator setup.
The garage ceiling height is 2790mm (9.15 ft).
Long term, I plan to build a proper shed/garage out the back and do it right — but that’s realistically 5+ years away. For now, I want a short-to-medium-term solution in the garage, with cost being the number one priority.
The problem: Ceiling height
I’m 188cm (6’2”). With just the bare concrete slab to ceiling, I can just miss the ceiling on a driver swing. Once you factor in:
• hitting mat
• raised flooring
• turf
I’ll almost certainly hit the ceiling on most driver swings.
And before anyone says “just use irons” — I get that approach, and I know many people do it. But I’d really like to:
• work on my driver
• play “normal” golf indoors
• avoid limiting the setup more than I already have to
So I’m trying to find a workaround.
⸻
Possible solutions I’ve considered
Solution 1: Raise the entire garage ceiling
This would involve vaulting the ceiling and structural changes. From what I can tell, this would be very expensive (likely $20k+ AUD), require a structural engineer, permits, etc.
At that point, I may as well put that money towards a purpose-built shed instead — so this isn’t really feasible.
Solution 2: Raise part of the ceiling (preferred option)
This seems like the most realistic and cost-effective approach.
I’ve seen examples where only a portion of the ceiling is raised to create clearance above the swing plane (photos attached). Realistically, I only need an extra 200–300mm.
A few notes:
• I’m not concerned about left-handers (sorry lefties!) — all users would be right-handed
• My launch monitor will be ground-based anyway, which already limits setup options
This would only need to accommodate the swing path, not the entire garage.
Solution 3: Long-term shed (future plan)
In 5+ years, I plan to build a purpose-built shed out the back. There’s an easement involved, so approvals and costs will be significant.
That’s why I want the garage setup to be viable for the next 5+ years, not just a temporary compromise.
What I’m hoping to get help with
Is there anyone here who has:
• raised a portion of a garage ceiling for a golf sim?
• experience with structural implications of this kind of modification?
• professional insight (e.g. structural engineer) who can speak generally about feasibility and options?
I understand the obvious answers are “get a structural engineer” or “just use irons”. If money were no object, that’s exactly what I’d do — but I’m trying to work within realistic constraints.
The main goal of this post is to learn from anyone who has done something similar, or who can offer informed advice based on real-world experience.
Thanks in advance — really appreciate any insights
Images of the truss layout, garage in its framing stage and examples of what I’m hoping for are in the link below:
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