Building materials and roof (barn style garage) questions

[chite]

Thanks for the forum. I've been reading it as I contemplate turning the upstairs of a gambrel roofed (barn style) garage into a simulator. Looks like Protee will be my choice, though I'll decide the technology closer to the finished project. I'm building the garage from scratch, and am confined by local height restrictions. Here's a few things that I'm still wondering about:

1) What interior siding materials should I use? I'm thinking some sort of hardwood plank would look nice, but didn't know if dark wood would scuff. Any other ideas? All but the floor will be covered in this, as I won't have a flat ceiling under the roof rafters.

2) How much room do I need behind my ball for safety? (How far back must I go before I can place a couch, yet still make sure I can swing confidently?)

3) Gambrel roof attics (where my simulator will be) have sloped walls toward a less sloped ceiling. The central point of my ceiling (directly above the ball) will be 10' (less flooring thickness). From there, the roof slopes down on both sides, basically to 9' height as the ceiling gets 3 feet from the center. (6 feet of ceiling width will be 9-10' height.) Is this sufficient?

4) Do short throw projectors placed on the floor in front of the ball work for the protee? (I'm thinking of skipping the putting sensor.)

5) How much space do I need behind the screen to absorb the impact?

[goatbarn]

1. Your preference. This doesn't really have any impact on simulation, so I guess go as cheap as you want?
2. I'd say 8' from ball is enough. Still, if someone plans on sitting on the couch 8' behind the ball while you swing driver, there will be some uncomfortable-ness.
3. Ceiling height is most important above you (not the ball) and behind you (ie, where you club swings on backswing and follow-thru), so make sure the space where the club is swinging has the most room.
4. Where the projector is won't impact simulation (other than obvious putting, but you said that), so wherever you want. I'd make sure that, if it were in front on the ground, a topped driver won't hit something on the projector shield that would come back at you.
5. 12-16 inches. Could do less if you want to back it with foam panels/tight netting.

[chite]

Thanks for the responses, goatbarn. I'll probably go for seating in the back corners of the room. I got the ground projector idea online and think Golfsimulatorguys.com sells a unit for that that will deflect topped hits up, not back.