Building a training space in your home is supposed to be fun and exciting. It can quickly become stressful and confusing, though. One thing our customers get stuck on early on in the journey is choosing between a built-in golf simulator impact screen vs golf simulator enclosure kit with impact screen.

Both setups let you practice at home with an impact screen and a realistic hitting area, but the experiences they offer are very different. The right choice will depend on your space, budget, and long-term goals.

A built-in screen transforms a dedicated room into a seamless, professional-grade simulator, while an enclosure kit gives you a freestanding, modular solution you can set up, move, or pack away as needed.

So what matters most to you, permanence or flexibility? Aesthetics or versatility? Either way, Indoor Golf Outlet has you covered. Shop our golf simulator enclosure kit, or consider the Carl's Place Built-In Golf Room Kit. 

Expect the lowest prices online with world-class support along the way. Get in touch today for a personalized recommendation on your next steps, or learn more about the differences between these two approaches below.

Pros and Cons of Carl’s Place Built-In Golf Simulator Impact Screen

A lot of our customers prefer the Carl’s Place Built-In Golf Room Kit to the Carl’s Place C-Series DIY Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit, Carl’s Place C-Series Pro Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit, or Carl’s Place Curved Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit with Impact Screen, and it’s easy to see why. The Carl’s Place Built-In Golf Room Kit is perfect for creating a permanent, polished simulator space that feels specifically designed for your home.

It attaches directly to your wall for a sleek, professional look that you won’t get from a portable setup. But with that high-end finish comes a few things to consider. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Seamless, clean installation. Looks like a commercial simulator bay.
• Custom-fit design tailored to your specific room dimensions.
• High-quality impact screen built to withstand thousands of shots.
• Maximizes available space since there’s no freestanding frame or netting.
• Ideal for creating a dedicated, permanent golf room you can use anytime.

Cons:

• Requires planning and highly-precise measurements.
• Not portable. It stays where you build it.
• Higher initial cost than many freestanding enclosures.
• Does not provide wall and ceiling protection unless you add Carl’s Place Padded Walls and Ceiling Panels.
• Less practical if you are working with 11’+ ceilings or vaulted ceilings.

This kit delivers everything you need if you’re committed to building a permanent golf simulator room. But if you want something that’s easier to move around, you may be drawn to the other half of our built-in golf simulator impact screen vs golf simulator enclosure kit with impact screen conversation.

Pros and Cons of a Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit With Impact Screen 

Going with a standalone golf simulator enclosure kit and impact screen can make more sense if you need flexibility in your setup, if you have ceilings greater than 11’, or if you have vaulted ceilings. These freestanding kits include an impact screen and protective side and ceiling barriers so you can practice or play safely, and on your own terms. Pros and cons include:

Pros:

• Completely portable. Easy to assemble and disassemble as needed.
• Includes protective side and top barriers to safeguard walls and ceilings.
• Compatible with garages, basements, barndiminiums, and shared-use spaces.
• Available in multiple standard sizes and custom sizes to fit a wide range of room dimensions.
• Generally more budget-friendly than permanent built-in options.

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer the same polished, integrated look as a built-in system.
• Takes up a bit more floor space due to the freestanding frame and side barriers.
• Can show wear if moved or taken down repeatedly.
• Less permanent, which may feel less premium to some golfers.

You might go this route if you’re not quite ready to commit to a full golf simulator room or need the flexibility to reclaim your space. That said, you’ll wish you’d just started with a built-in golf simulator impact screen if you eventually decide to make your space permanent. 

So, where does that leave you in choosing between these two options?

Built-In Golf Simulator Impact Screen vs Golf Simulator Enclosure Kit with Impact Screen: Which is Right For You?

You can’t really take any more steps in building your dream golf simulator until you’ve zeroed in on either a built-in impact screen or a freestanding enclosure kit. Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends entirely on your goals, your space, and how you plan to use it.

Installation and Setup

The built-in option looks way more polished and permanent especially if you add padded walls and ceiling panels. Just keep in mind, the installation often requires the help of a contractor or handyman. It’s designed to integrate cleanly into your walls and ceiling for a seamless, professional look.

While considering the Built-In Golf Room Kit,just be aware it takes careful planning, precise measurements, and more time investment upfront. This is where the simplicity of an enclosure kit becomes really appealing. You can set one up in an afternoon, and all you need is enough room to fit the frame. This is the more DIY friendly option.

Cost and Budget

It’s no secret that building a golf simulator can be expensive. In addition to the impact screen and enclosure, you’ll need a golf launch monitor, golf simulator projector, golf simulator software, and other golf simulator accessories like a hitting mat. So, which is the more economical choice here?

The built-in route tends to cost more - and this goes back to the extra work that goes into installing these. It’s a premium solution for golfers who want a custom-finished space. It’s easy to justify if you’re a business owner looking to bring a simulator into your space.

In contrast, enclosure kits are the affordable way to start practicing indoors. Even the largest models cost less, and you can always upgrade or replace pieces over time without tearing into drywall or hiring help.

Space and Portability

You probably don’t have unlimited space to work with, so you need to think about efficiency as far as footprints go as well. A built-in screen maximizes every inch of your room because it eliminates the need for a freestanding frame. That’s a big advantage for space-constrained environments.

However, an enclosure kit gives you flexibility. You can move it to another room, disassemble it when not in use, or even take it with you if you move. Just keep in mind that it does take up more space in your room because of the enclosure surround and frame footprint.

Aesthetics and Durability

We’ll be honest, it’s hard to beat the clean lines of a Carl's Place Enclosure. It gives your simulator room the feel of a commercial bay: immersive and professional. It’s also highly-durable, portable, and designed to withstand heavy use.

On the other hand, the Built-In Golf Room Kit is a highly-customized solution that transforms your room into an ultra-premium environment for working on your game and competing in simulated play. When it comes to pure aesthetics, the Built-In Golf Room Kit is the winner, simply because it makes the simulator appear like it was designed for your room..

Either Way, Indoor Golf Outlet Can Help You Bring Your Setup to Life!

Whether you choose the built-in route or go with a golf simulator impact screen and enclosure, we’re here to help you make your vision a reality with the best selection of products and world-class customer service from A to Z.

Our team works with golfers every day to match their goals, budget, and space with the right products. We do it with care, expertise, and honest advice. You gain access to the industry’s most trusted brands at unbeatable prices.

Our service doesn’t stop at checkout, either. From planning and product selection to installation guidance and long-term support, we’re invested in your experience. Reach out and let us help you create a golf simulator setup you’ll enjoy for years!

Bringing Our Golf Simulator Impact Screen Comparison to a Close

Both built-in impact screens and enclosure kits have their pros and cons, and only you can determine which makes the most sense for your space. We hope this guide helped you narrow it down. 

Built-ins deliver a permanent, premium feel, while enclosure kits offer flexibility and easy setup. Either way, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team is ready to help you weigh the options and find what works best for you. So, get in touch and start planning out your space!