Commercial vs. Home Golf Wall Panels: What You Need to Know in 2025

Setting up a golf simulator at home or in a commercial space can be exciting, but protecting your walls and controlling sound are often overlooked. Two common solutions are wall panels and netting, each with different benefits depending on your setup. Understanding how they work can help you make the right choice.

This guide covers:

  • The purpose of wall panels and netting
  • Pros and cons of each solution
  • Placement and installation tips
  • Recommendations for home vs. commercial setups
  • FAQs and practical advice

What Are Golf Simulator Wall Panels?

Wall panels are padded or acoustic materials installed on walls—and sometimes ceilings—of your simulator space. Their main purposes are:

  • Protecting walls from errant shots or equipment
  • Reducing echo and improving acoustics
  • Enhancing the visual appeal of the room

Panels can be made from foam, fabric, or acoustic-grade materials and come in a variety of shapes, colors, and mounting styles.

What Is Golf Simulator Netting?

Netting is typically made of durable mesh material and is installed around the hitting area to catch balls. Netting:

  • Stops golf balls from hitting walls or furniture
  • Provides a safety barrier in tight spaces
  • Is lightweight and easy to move or adjust

Netting is often used in combination with panels for a full-protection setup.

Wall Panels vs. Netting: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Wall Panels Netting
Wall Protection ✅ Absorbs impact, prevents dents and scuffs ⚠️ Only stops balls from hitting walls, walls behind netting can still take damage
Sound Reduction ✅ Reduces echo and reverberation ❌ Minimal noise reduction
Aesthetics ✅ Professional, polished look ⚠️ Can look temporary or unfinished
Durability ✅ Long-lasting, high-quality materials ⚠️ Mesh can tear over time
Installation ✅ Simple DIY or professional mounting ✅ Quick DIY setup
Customization ✅ Sizes, colors, finishes ⚠️ Limited options

Key takeaway: Panels improve sound and aesthetics while protecting walls, whereas netting is mainly about ball containment.

Placement and Installation Tips

For Wall Panels:

  • Cover side walls at the hitting zone and behind the impact area
  • Add panels to the ceiling if the swing path is high
  • Use corners to trap echo and reduce low-frequency sound

For Netting:

  • Install around your hitting mat or enclosure
  • Ensure there’s enough height and width to catch stray balls
  • Check tension regularly to maintain safety

Home vs. Commercial Considerations

Home Setups:

  • Focus on reducing noise and protecting walls from occasional shots
  • Panels can match décor for a cohesive look
  • Netting may be optional if space is limited

Commercial / Studio Setups:

  • Durability is key—panels must handle repeated use
  • Netting ensures safety for multiple users
  • Professional aesthetics are important for client impressions
  • Custom layouts and branding may be required

FAQs

Do I need both panels and netting?

Often, yes. Netting catches balls, while panels absorb impact and reduce noise.

Can I use regular acoustic panels instead of golf-specific ones?

Only if wall protection isn’t a concern. Regular panels reduce echo but won’t prevent dents or scuffs. Residential Sound Panels provides sound panels that do both reduce sound and prevent dents.

Are panels easy to install?

Yes, with adhesive, brackets, or professional installation, panels are lightweight and simple to mount.

Will netting stop all stray shots?

Netting catches most balls but can allow some to hit walls if not installed properly.

Absorb Sound & Protect Walls

Choosing the right protection for your golf simulator depends on your priorities. Golf Simulator wall panels provide sound absorption, wall protection, and a polished look, while netting offers ball containment and safety. Many setups benefit from using both together for maximum effectiveness.

Elevate Your Golf Simulator with Residential Sound Panels

Setting up a home or commercial golf simulator is an exciting investment. Without proper wall protection and sound control, you risk expensive repairs, noise issues, and a less professional environment. Residential Sound Panels provide a complete solution with industry-leading sound absorption, durable wall protection, and a sleek appearance.

Protect your walls, reduce echo, and enjoy a more immersive simulator experience. Explore the best Residential Sound Panels today and take your golf setup to the next level!