his is the first question almost everyone asks — and it’s the right one. A golf simulator can fit into more spaces than you’d think, but the comfort level (and how well it actually works) changes massively depending on your ceiling height, width, and depth. Get the dimensions right and it feels like a premium “clubhouse at home”. Get them wrong and you’ll spend the whole time worrying about the ceiling, standing too close to a wall, or compromising your setup.
Below is a practical guide to help you understand what size outbuilding makes sense for a simulator room — whether you want a simple practice space or a full-on man cave for mates and match nights.
The three dimensions that matter most
When people think about size, they usually picture floor area. In reality, the order of importance is usually:
- Ceiling height
- Room width
- Room depth
Why? Because ceiling height affects your swing freedom straight away — and width affects whether you can swing naturally without adjusting your stance. Depth matters for safe ball flight and the right distance to your screen/net and projector.
1) Ceiling height: the make-or-break factor
If the ceiling is too low, you’ll either avoid driver, alter your swing, or feel tense every time you hit a full shot. That defeats the whole point of having a simulator for practice. Taller golfers and anyone with a steeper swing plane will need more clearance. And if you want guests to feel comfortable too, you don’t want a room that only works for one person.
Tip: When planning an outbuilding, remember that internal ceiling height is often lower than the external height once you account for roof build-up, insulation, lighting, and finishes. This is why it’s so important to design the structure around the simulator from day one — not the other way round.
2) Width: the “swing zone” needs space
A good build starts with the swing zone. You need enough width to swing without feeling like you’re about to clip a wall or a light fitting. Even if you can physically swing, a tight room makes you subconsciously pull back — and that leads to poor practice and less enjoyment.
Width also affects how flexible the room is. A slightly wider space makes it easier to accommodate left- and right-handed golfers, reposition kit, and add storage without crowding the hitting area.
3) Depth: safe clearance and the right setup
Depth is about creating a safe hitting area with enough space for your screen/net and the room to breathe. You need space for:
- A hitting mat and stance area
- The impact screen or net (with clearance behind it)
- Projector throw distance (if you’re using one)
- A sensible buffer so it doesn’t feel like you’re hitting into a wall two feet away
If you’re planning to host mates for a society-style night, depth becomes even more important, because you’ll want room behind the hitter for seating and viewing. There’s nothing worse than people standing right on top of the golfer because there’s nowhere else to go.
“Minimum size” vs “comfortable size” (and why it matters)
Yes, you can squeeze a simulator into a smaller footprint — but you’ll feel the compromise every time you use it. A minimum-size setup might work for occasional practice, but if you want a space that you’ll genuinely use weekly, comfort matters.
A comfortable simulator outbuilding isn’t just about being able to hit balls — it’s about:
- Swinging freely (without adjusting your mechanics)
- Having room for friends or family to sit back and watch
- Keeping the space tidy with storage so it doesn’t feel cluttered
- Allowing for upgrades later (better tracking, bigger screen, seating, TV, etc.)
In other words: the room should feel like a destination, not a cramped box.
Why design and build quality can “create space”
Here’s something most people underestimate: even a decent-sized outbuilding can feel tight if the build isn’t thought through.
Common culprits:
- Low ceilings caused by internal boxing and poor roof design
- Chunky internal framing that steals usable width
- Bad lighting placement that creates glare or hangs in the swing path
- Poor insulation/finishing choices that reduce internal dimensions
On the other hand, a well-designed structure with clean lines, smart lighting, and proper insulation can feel bigger than it is. Thoughtful layout choices — like where you place doors, windows, storage, and seating — can give you a room that feels open, tidy, and premium.
Think about how you actually want to use the room
Before you settle on a size, ask yourself one simple question:
Is this a practice room, a family fun room, or a full man cave?
- Serious practice setup: prioritise swing zone, ceiling height, and clean layout
- Family fun: allow extra space so everyone can enjoy it comfortably
- Man cave / hosting mates: plan for seating behind the hitter, a TV/media wall, storage, and maybe a small bar area
We help customers choose a layout that fits their garden, their budget, and the way they’ll realistically use the room — not just what looks good on paper.
Want a quick steer? Send us your rough garden measurements and we’ll tell you what size outbuilding makes sense for a simulator.