I have just put together my hitting mat/platform for a retractable simulator setup using the SportScreen in my garage. I purchased a 5×5 Matzilla Ultimate hitting mat and built a platform out of 1/2” thick osb for the floor, 2” thick foam board insulation, and the hitting mat on top surrounded by 2x4s on the perimeter. Total size is about 62”x62”. I plan on putting pull handles on one side of the 2x4s and rigid caster wheels on the opposite side for easy movement around the garage as I plan on still being able to utilize the garage for parking.
My question is will the pull handles support the weight of the platform so I can hang it on the wall ? If not what other options are there to hang such weight? Will the wall be able to support the weight of the platform for extended periods of time? I plan on spanning a 2×6 across multiple studs on the wall to help support the weight across the multiple studs and using either multiple ladder screw hooks into the 2×6 or a couple of heavy duty arm hangers. I currently use the later setup for my ladder and my Gladiator doors in the summer time and seems to work without issue. Just unsure of the weight difference with the platform. Pics for reference.
by Gandhi589
5 Comments
No weight noted on the platform… but if you are spanning multiple wall joists, there’s no reason it shouldn’t hold.
A typical 8 foot 2×4 can hold well over 1000 lbs per sq foot.
You need to make sure that you are using properly weighted hangers though as the weak point will likely be it dislodging from wood.
Most post i’ve seen rely on leaning the hitting platform against the wall instead of fully hanging it. I imagine it would be a pain to lift/hang unless you use some kind of pulley or wench system. Agree with post above stating wall should hold weight no problem given proper hardware.
Man I’d be so scared of someone hitting a worm burner and catching the edge of that 2×4 frame.
I’d swap out the cheap screws that came with the handles and use stronger screws, like cabinet screws. Those handles look like they’re steel and shouldn’t have any issues suspending the weight you’re estimating.
Just bolt the handles on, they won’t pull out and the wall will handle it fine.