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[ecwilson4]

Hi All,

I have done hours of searching of images and seen what others have done, I'm hoping for feedback on my plan (see photo). My goal is to achieve a level 9'x12' platform for my golf simulator.

Edit to drawing - my rise over the 12’ span is 1 5/8” NOT 4”



i have a 20x20 garage, half of which is a golf simulator. I am planning to run 2x4x12 sleepers every 12" over the 9 foot wide area- is this overkill? Stability where I stand is most important (hitting mat). I will use some type of hardboard/osb over the sleepers, then foam board insulation and finally the turf (possibly another thin layer of hardwood over foam board). The idea of foam board is it softens the bounce back from the screen, and rolls nicely when putting and happens to be cheap.

The rise over the 12' span is about 4", but I need to re-measure with my string line/line level. I also own a cheap laser level, is there a more efficent way of getting my rise over run and transferring it to the 2x4? My plan as of now is to get the exact rise and mark it on the 2x4, straight edge from one end to other and then skillsaw (i dont own a table saw)

Knowing how important a level hitting surface is, should i be getting the rise over run for each location of sleeper? The garage was built in 1920 and not sure how recently the slab was replaced, but assume this is my best option for what im trying to achieve? Again, open to ideas!

If you've made it this far, thank you and before I go to Home Dumpo, would love to hear feedback or suggestions of other ways to accomplish a level hitting surface.
Thanks!
Eric

 

[DGersic]

You want your platform to slope away / up from the screen?

I’d just build it with 2x10 on 16” centers, like a house floor. One end sits on the floor, other end you raise 4”. Slope established. Get or make some steel brackets, tapcon those to the floor, and bolt down your platform. Top it with 3/4” plywood.

If that’s not sufficiently solid, add a set of supports under the middle of the span.

 

[ecwilson4]

You want your platform to slope away / up from the screen?

No, was just noting the rise over run (4" over 12' span) - i used my laser level last night and turns out its about 1 5/8, not 4"- more room to play with 2x4 now!

only reason i'm doing 2x4 is because i want to stay as low to the floor as possible- eventually i will convert my garage door to a high lift but for now i'm dangerously close to hitting the tracks on my backswing.

 

[Old tool guy]

If you have 4” rise on the floor, your sleepers need to be at least 2x6 to allow for tapering and fasteners. 16” centers will be fine. Use 3/4” osb on the sleepers.

 

[hobie18]

Every foot. Sand may help. Box or open bottom.
How do you have enough height?

 

[ecwilson4]

If you have 4” rise on the floor, your sleepers need to be at least 2x6 to allow for tapering and fasteners. 16” centers will be fine. Use 3/4” osb on the sleepers.

Yes, need to update the original post as my rise is actually 1 5/8 “ over 12’

 

[ecwilson4]

Every foot. Sand may help. Box or open bottom.
How do you have enough height?

Open bottom. What do you mean by enough height? Updating post as my rise is 1 5/8” not 4” as i originally stated.

 

[hobie18]

How tall is your ceiling?
Tracks?
Lights?

 

[ecwilson4]

I raised my rafter ties, which gives me about 10 feet of clearance.

 

[hobie18]

Tracks? 7 feet or is your door much taller?

Great.
1 5/8 is a lot better than 4. Should be able to compensate for that. Wonder if the slope is consistent.
Run longitudinal with cross block or better.
Shim any off spots.
Pics!

 

[ecwilson4]

Oh you were asking about garage door tracks! Yes they’re about 7 foot, I was considering adjusting my door to only open half way, which would allow me to cut off enough of the track which would give me the overhead clearance I need. Short term solution until I go with high lift conversion (will do that in a few years when replace the doors and insulate)

 

[ecwilson4]

And unfortunately the slope is not consistent, I measure in a few different spots so I’ll rip each stringer to the exact rise.

Can you elaborate on what you mean by “Run longitudinal with cross block or better.” I’m still learning a lot of this stuff as I go! Thx for your input

 

[txvwnut]

I wouldn't mess with cutting the sleepers to match the floor slope. Build the framework then level it to the floor with shims or feet. Since you are around 1 5/8" slope you could use 2"x2" or 2 1/2"x2 1/2" angle iron to make the feet then anchor those to floor if needed. I don't think foam board is going to work for a standing surface as it will dent when you walk on it, Landau foam under your turf carpet might be a better option.

 

[Shiftless]

I wouldn't mess with cutting the sleepers to match the floor slope. Build the framework then level it to the floor with shims or feet. Since you are around 1 5/8" slope you could use 2"x2" or 2 1/2"x2 1/2" angle iron to make the feet then anchor those to floor if needed. I don't think foam board is going to work for a standing surface as it will dent when you walk on it, Landau foam under your turf carpet might be a better option.

This is what I was going to say. IMHO, this would be the best way to go.

It was painful for me to watch a relative of mine who faced a similar situation use a hand planer to level out each floor joist after he had framed everything up. If that technique makes more sense to you, and seems easier in your situation, go for it.

 

[ecwilson4]

I wouldn't mess with cutting the sleepers to match the floor slope. Build the framework then level it to the floor with shims or feet. Since you are around 1 5/8" slope you could use 2"x2" or 2 1/2"x2 1/2" angle iron to make the feet then anchor those to floor if needed. I don't think foam board is going to work for a standing surface as it will dent when you walk on it, Landau foam under your turf carpet might be a better option.

Interesting feedback, thx alot. Angle iron feet cut in increments along the 12’ span? Could you elaborate on this? Appreciate the help!

 

[txvwnut]

Interesting feedback, thx alot. Angle iron feet cut in increments along the 12’ span? Could you elaborate on this? Appreciate the help!

Yessir, you could cut a bunch of 4" long pieces and set them every 2 feet on every other sleeper then 4 feet on the alternating sleepers. Drill some holes for screws and set them like an L then anchor into the floor and lag bolt or carriage bolt though the sleeper. My numbers may be a little overkill but that should give a solid enough surface to get some good data from.

 

[Joe Reed]

Kinda off topic for this thread but thought you guys might like a laugh....

Maybe 30 years or so ago I wanted to set up a golf practice area in the unfinished attic of my house. I used a couple of layers of carpet I had to pad a hitting area and use for a mat, laid so I would be hitting in line with the rafters. I put an old mattress on the floor and leaned it vertically against the rafters with a little trough for the balls to drop into. Worked perfectly. Drop a ball on the carpet, smack it into the mattress about 8 feet or so away and the ball dropped into the trough to be collected later.

I used it quite often that winter and it was great to keep the feel of the golf swing when it was too cold to play. Then one day I was practicing full pitching wedge shots and popped one up....missed the mattress....caromed off a rafter and came right back at me, hitting me directly in the center of my forehead.

For a couple of days I had a perfect round impression of the golf ball's dimples in my forehead....much to the amusement of my friends.

 

[ecwilson4]

lol great story, unfortunately happens all too often in the home sim world, actually extremely dangerous!

 

[Just_Steve]

Islanders ****. lol

 

[ecwilson4]

Islanders ****. lol

How old are you?

 

[Just_Steve]

How old are you?

Old enough to have suffered through the dynasty.