Anyone DIY a hitting platform instead of paying $800+ for a commercial one?
I've been pricing out sim builds for my garage and these platform prices are insulting. $900 for some 2x4s and plywood with turf on top. I built a standing desk for my tutorial setup for under $200, so this feels like the same racket.
My plan is to frame with 2x4s, two layers of OSB, stall mat from Tractor Supply on bottom for bounce, then cheap range mat on top I can replace when it wears out. Might angle it slightly for drainage since I'm in Georgia and humidity is basically a roommate.
I hit maybe 200 balls a week, nothing crazy. Teenager uses it too when he's not glued to his phone. My swing speed is average, nothing tour level.
Main worry is joint pain from poor shock absorption. Had tendonitis in my elbow years ago from a bad office mouse, don't need a repeat. Also unsure if I need that center hitting strip everyone talks about or if that's just marketing.
What did you actually build versus buy? Any regrets on going cheap? Particularly interested if your knees or elbows punished you later for cutting corners.