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Short answer: a golf simulator shed should be about 12–15 feet wide and 18–20 feet deep inside, with a 10-foot ceiling so you can swing a driver. A basic 12 × 20 shed runs about $7,000–$15,000, and a finished simulator shed with power, insulation and climate control often lands between $10,000 and $35,000+ before the simulator gear. No room for a shed? An outdoor golf simulator works on a covered patio or in the yard with a net, a mat and a portable launch monitor, as long as you bring the electronics inside between sessions.
Below: shed sizes, costs and permits, then how to set up a simulator outdoors. Check any space in our golf simulator room size calculator.
What size shed for a golf simulator?
| Width | Depth | Ceiling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare minimum (cramped) | 10 ft | 10–16 ft | 8.5–9 ft |
| Comfortable | 12–14 ft | 18–20 ft | 9–10 ft |
| Lefties and righties sharing | 15 ft+ | 20–21 ft | 10 ft+ |
- Ceiling height is the hard limit. Standard sheds often have 7–8-foot walls, which is too low for a driver. Look for taller walls or a vaulted, mono-pitch or scissor-truss roof so there are no ceiling ties in your swing. See ceiling height for a golf simulator.
- Depth depends on your launch monitor. Radar units like the Garmin R10 sit 6–8 feet behind the ball and need about 18–20 feet of depth. Units that sit beside the ball, or overhead, work in shorter buildings. See how much space you need for a golf simulator.
- Put the door on a side wall, not behind the screen or directly behind the golfer.
How much does a golf simulator shed cost?
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Basic 12 × 20 shed | $7,000–$15,000 |
| Larger or custom building | $20,000–$30,000+ |
| Electrical | $500–$3,000 |
| Flooring | $500–$2,000 |
| Heating and cooling | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Plans for a purpose-built golf shed | About $500 |
| Simulator gear | $1,000–$15,000+ |
Some golf simulator retailers now sell plans for purpose-built golf sheds. Carl’s Place, for example, sells a 13 × 20-foot vaulted-ceiling plan with a 12-foot hitting area for about $500, including the electrical plan and a recommended equipment layout.
Building checklist for a simulator shed
- Foundation: a concrete slab is the most stable and keeps moisture away from your electronics. Treated wood or compacted gravel can work for lighter builds.
- Insulation: insulate the walls, ceiling and floor. Launch monitors, projectors and PCs don’t like big temperature swings.
- Power: plan outlets near the projector mount and the computer, and consider a dedicated circuit if you’re adding heat or AC.
- Climate control: a small heat pump or mini-split keeps the space usable year-round and controls humidity.
- Lighting: light the hitting area, not the screen. Dimmable LEDs work well.
- Windows: keep them out of the path of the ball and away from the screen, or cover them, so daylight doesn’t wash out the projector.
Do you need a permit for a golf simulator shed?
Often, yes. Many towns require a building permit for sheds over a set size, commonly 100, 120 or 200 square feet, and a simulator shed is usually larger than that. Running power to the shed almost always needs an electrical permit, whatever its size. Setbacks, height limits and HOA rules can apply even when no permit is needed, so check with your local building department before you buy a kit.
Outdoor golf simulator: three ways to do it
1. Practice setup in the yard
The simplest option: a golf practice net, a hitting mat and a portable launch monitor, with shots shown on a phone or tablet. There’s no screen or projector, so daylight isn’t a problem, and everything packs away after each session. Budget about $1,000–$1,500.
Check Garmin R10 price on Amazon
2. Full simulator on a covered patio
A roof over the hitting area lets you add an impact screen and projector. A projected image is hard to see in daylight unless the area is fully shaded, so a deep covered patio, carport or a side screen or curtain helps a lot, and evening sessions look best. Use a bright projector (at least 3,000 lumens), and choose screens and nets rated for outdoor use.
See golf simulator enclosures on Amazon
3. Inflatable or tent enclosure
Inflatable golf cages and tent-style enclosures give you a covered hitting bay without building anything. They cost a few thousand dollars, which is often less than adding a roof, and some can hold a projector and screen.
Tips for using a simulator outdoors
- Pick the right launch monitor. Portable radar units like the Garmin R10 are the least sensitive to lighting. Camera units that sit beside the ball can also work outdoors, but keep the hitting area all in sun or all in shade, because moving shadows can cause misreads. Overhead units need a permanent, covered space.
- Bring the electronics in. Don’t leave the launch monitor, projector or computer outside. Nets and mats handle weather far better.
- Mind the cold. Most launch monitors are happy down to about 40°F. Store batteries indoors and let the unit warm up before you start.
- Stake the net. Wind doesn’t bother radar, but a net catches wind like a sail.
- Run power safely. Use an outdoor-rated outlet and extension cord for the projector and computer.
Shed, outdoor or garage?
| Simulator shed | Outdoor / patio | Garage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to create the space | Highest ($7,000–$35,000+) | Lowest | Low to moderate |
| Year-round use | Yes, with insulation and HVAC | Limited by weather and daylight | Yes, with heating or cooling |
| Projected course play | Yes | Covered and shaded areas only | Yes |
| Permits | Often | Usually not | Usually only for electrical |
| Main limit | Budget and lot size | Weather and light | Door tracks and parking |
Still deciding? Our golf simulator for home guide walks through every choice in order.
FAQ
How big of a shed do I need for a golf simulator?
About 12–14 feet wide and 18–20 feet deep inside, with a 10-foot ceiling, is comfortable for one golfer swinging a driver. Go 15 feet wide or more if lefties and righties will share it.
How much does a golf simulator shed cost?
A basic 12 × 20 shed runs about $7,000–$15,000. With electrical, flooring, insulation and climate control, finished simulator sheds often cost $10,000–$35,000 or more, plus the simulator equipment.
Do I need a permit for a golf simulator shed?
Usually. Many towns require a building permit for sheds over about 100–200 square feet, and adding electricity almost always needs an electrical permit. Check with your local building department and HOA first.
Can you use a golf simulator outside?
Yes. A portable launch monitor with a net and mat works almost anywhere outdoors. A projected screen needs a covered, shaded space, and electronics should come inside after each session.
Sources: Golfer’s Authority, what size shed for a golf simulator; Carl’s Place, Four Season Hideaway golf shed plan; Heartland Sheds, shed permits; Rain or Shine Golf, outdoor golf simulator options; The Left Rough, outdoor golf simulator; MyGolfSpy, golf simulator projectors explained.
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