Guides · Enclosures, mats and hitting surfaces
Carl's Place DIY vs. Pro vs. Curved vs. Built-In: Which Golf Simulator Enclosure Fits Your Room?
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Choose Carl's DIY for a lower-cost freestanding setup, Pro when you need a larger frame with supported electronics mounts, Curved for a planned curved-screen installation, and Built-In for a permanent room with its own screen anchors and wall protection. The best fit depends on usable room dimensions, installation skills, and what the selected kit leaves for you to buy. The enclosure price alone doesn't cover a playable simulator.
Let the room rule some out
A garage with an awkward ceiling, a finished bonus room, and a commercial-style bay don't need the same structure. Measure usable width, height, and depth first, including the space behind the impact screen and the area the golfer needs to swing.
Carl's Place lists the DIY enclosure from US$999.95, the Pro from US$3,409.95, and the Curved from US$4,894.95 in its kit collection. These are advertised starting prices for selected enclosure configurations, not complete-room totals. Allow for applicable tax, delivery, framing, protection, and simulator equipment. The Built-In price comes from the room customizer.
DIY: 1-inch EMT
The DIY enclosure uses a 1-inch EMT frame. The base kit includes the screen, enclosure fabric, and fittings; the pipes require a framing add-on or a separate local purchase. If you source the EMT yourself, use the cut lengths for your chosen size.
It suits someone who's happy to measure carefully and do some assembly, in a garage, basement, or shed where fitting the room matters more than a furniture-like finish.
Pro: 2-inch EMT, still self-assembled
The Pro enclosure uses a heavier 2-inch EMT structure, with pipe framing sold separately. Carl's Place supports frame-mounted projectors, overhead launch monitors, lighting, and other accessories with the appropriate mounts and crossbar. Check the selected mounting parts and installation instructions before placing equipment on the frame.
Look at this one if the simulator is staying put and you want a substantial bay with room for mounted equipment. The enclosure doesn't change the launch monitor's measurement accuracy.
Curved screens and projectors
Carl's Place describes the Curved kit as bringing a curved screen without a visible join to a DIY-friendly design. The image wraps around the hitting area instead of sitting on one flat screen in front, which calls for a projection plan suited to the curve.
Plan the screen shape, image mapping, projector position, and room width together. A projector layout that worked on a flat 16:9 screen won't necessarily carry over to a curved one. Get the proposed projector and software arrangement confirmed before ordering the enclosure.
Built-In, for a room that stays a golf room
The Built-In Golf Room Kit uses a wall-anchored cable system for the screen. Wall and ceiling protection can be configured with padded panels, tiles, or curtains; don't assume every protective surface is included in the starting selection. Carl's Place describes this as a project for people skilled at home renovation.
Measuring on site matters more because the walls, outlets, trim, doors, and ceiling transitions become part of the install. The screen anchors need suitable wall structure. Any outlet that has to move is a job for a licensed electrician.
Pick the screen separately
Check the screen materials available for the particular kit. The enclosure comparison lists several materials for DIY, but Premium or High-Contrast Gray for Pro. You can't assume each family offers the same low-cost screen option.
For a room that's mostly for practice, a less expensive screen may do fine. If the simulator doubles as a home theater, compare surface smoothness and impact-noise construction before paying for a cosmetic enclosure upgrade.
Behind the screen
Rear clearance is easy to forget because nobody sees it once the room is finished. Use the selected enclosure's recommended rear buffer as well as its fitting allowance. A gap that merely lets you assemble the frame isn't necessarily enough for the screen to move on impact.
In a short room, that space can shift the tee, launch monitor, and projector enough to change the whole layout. Choose the enclosure after the swing and equipment positions fit with the specified buffers in place.