Understanding Edge Finishing Options for Golf Simulator Screens

Edge finishing is how the raw edges of your impact screen material are prepared for mounting and installation. The finishing type you choose determines how your screen attaches to a frame or wall, how it's tensioned, and whether you can add accessories like edge protection later.

Quick summary

  • Vinyl with Grommets — The most common option. Vinyl border with metal grommets for hanging with ball bungees.
  • Vinyl with Grommets + Velcro — Same as above, plus a velcro strip for attaching edge protection.
  • 2.5" Pocket (bottom only) — A fabric sleeve for tensioning with a cable or bungee. Seamless look with turf.
  • You can mix finishing types across different edges of the same screen.

Table of contents


What is edge finishing?

Impact screen material arrives as a large roll of fabric. Without finishing, the raw edges have no reinforcement or mounting hardware — they're just cut fabric.

Edge finishing adds structure to those edges so you can hang, tension, and secure the screen in your simulator space. The finishing also protects the edges of the material from fraying over time.

Each edge of your screen (top, bottom, left, and right) can be finished independently, so you can choose different options for different edges based on how your screen mounts in your space.


Vinyl with Grommets

This is the most popular finishing option and works well for the majority of DIY golf simulator setups.

What it is

A vinyl border is sewn around the edge of the screen material, reinforcing it. Metal grommets are then punched through the vinyl at regular intervals — approximately every 10 to 12 inches, with spacing optimized based on your screen size.

How it works

The grommets provide attachment points for ball bungees (short elastic cords with a ball end). The bungees loop through the grommets and hook around a frame — typically made from 1" EMT conduit, pipe, or similar tubing.

This creates a flexible suspension that allows the screen to absorb ball impacts and deflect naturally, reducing bounce-back risk compared to rigid mounting.

When to choose it

  • You're building a DIY frame from EMT conduit or pipe
  • You want a straightforward, proven mounting method
  • You don't plan to attach edge protection or padding via velcro

Vinyl with Grommets + Velcro

This option includes everything from Vinyl with Grommets, plus a velcro strip sewn on top of the vinyl border.

What it is

The same reinforced vinyl edge with metal grommets, but with an additional strip of velcro running along the edge. The velcro allows other materials — like edge protection — to attach directly to the screen.

How it works

The screen mounts the same way as Vinyl with Grommets (ball bungees through grommets). The velcro strip provides an additional attachment surface. Edge protection products (Edge Guard or Edge Carpet) use the opposite velcro type to connect, covering the gap between the screen and the wall or ceiling.

When to choose it

  • You want to add edge protection to prevent balls from sneaking behind the screen
  • You want the flexibility to add or remove protection later without modifying the screen
  • Your setup has gaps between the screen and walls that need coverage

2.5" Pocket (bottom edge only)

The pocket option creates a seamless bottom edge that integrates with turf or tensioning systems.

What it is

Instead of adding a vinyl border, the screen material is folded over to create a 2.5-inch fabric sleeve (pocket) along the bottom edge. There is no vinyl and no grommets on this edge.

How it works

A tension cable or long bungee is threaded through the pocket, then secured to the frame at each end. This pulls the bottom edge taut and holds it in place, creating a clean transition between the screen and the floor or turf below.

A note on conduit and chain

Some setups use a small conduit with a chain threaded through the pocket. While this can work, it is generally not recommended — the chain creates a noticeable clinking sound every time a ball hits the screen. A tension cable or bungee provides quieter, more consistent tensioning.

When to choose it

  • You want a seamless look where the screen meets turf at the bottom
  • Your setup uses a tensioning system at the bottom edge
  • You prefer a clean lower edge without visible hardware

Limitations

  • Available on the bottom edge only — top and side edges must use a vinyl finishing option
  • Edge protection cannot be applied to the bottom when using a pocket (coverage is limited to top and sides)

Mixing finishing types

You can choose a different finishing type for each edge of your screen. This is common and often the best approach, because each edge may serve a different purpose in your setup.

Common combinations

Standard bungee setup

Vinyl with Grommets on all four edges. Simple, versatile, and the most common configuration.

Bungees + pocket

Vinyl with Grommets on top and sides, 2.5" Pocket on the bottom. Allows bungee hanging with a clean bottom edge against turf.

Full protection setup

Vinyl with Grommets + Velcro on all four edges. Allows edge protection to be attached on every side, fully closing gaps between the screen and walls.


Hook vs Loop velcro

When selecting the Vinyl with Grommets + Velcro option, you choose which type of velcro is sewn onto your screen. The two types are:

  • Loop (soft side) — The fuzzy, fabric-like side.
  • Hook (rough side) — The scratchy, grabbing side.

Your choice determines what gets attached to the connecting surface. For example, if you select loop velcro on the screen, the corresponding hook velcro would be attached to the wall or ceiling (or to the edge protection product).

The selected velcro type applies to all edges that have the velcro finishing option. You cannot mix hook and loop on different edges of the same screen.


Raw material (no finishing)

If you prefer to handle finishing yourself, you can order the screen as raw material with no edge finishing. Raw screens are sold by linear foot at the full roll width of 125 inches.

This option is popular with resellers, professional installers, and builders who want full control over how the edges are finished for custom installations.

Ready to configure your screen?

Choose your finishing options with real-time pricing, or reach out if you need help deciding.


FAQ

What finishing type is the most common?

Vinyl with Grommets is the most popular option. It provides a clean, durable edge that works well with ball bungees for easy mounting on DIY frames made from EMT conduit or similar tubing.

Can I mix finishing types on different edges?

Yes. Each edge of your screen (top, bottom, left, right) can have a different finishing type. A common setup is Vinyl with Grommets on the top and sides for bungee mounting, with a 2.5" Pocket on the bottom for tensioning against turf.

What is the difference between hook and loop velcro?

Loop is the soft, fuzzy side. Hook is the rough, scratchy side. When ordering, you choose which type is sewn onto your screen. The opposite type is then attached to whatever the velcro connects to (such as edge protection or a wall surface).

Is the pocket option available on all edges?

No. The 2.5" Pocket is only available on the bottom edge. It is designed for tensioning the screen downward into turf or against a frame using a cable or bungee threaded through the pocket.

Do I need velcro if I am not adding edge protection?

Not necessarily. Velcro is primarily used to attach edge protection (Edge Guard or Edge Carpet). If you do not plan to use edge protection, Vinyl with Grommets alone is usually sufficient for mounting.

Can I order a screen with no finishing (raw material)?

Yes. Raw screens are sold by linear foot at full roll width (125"). This option is ideal for resellers, custom installations, or anyone who prefers to finish the edges themselves. You can order raw material through the screen configurator.