A batting cage must be built to not only withstand the blows of the ball from someones bat but to also withstand the elements of weather. These elements include, wind, rain, sunlight, snow, etc. Not only is it necessary to build the cage correctly but the materials used must be designed to withstand these elements as well.

Here are some questions to answer before planning your batting cage.

1. Is the batting cage permanent are do you plan to be able to put it up and down for the season?
2. What kind of slab will you be using, dirt, cement, rubber, turf or grass?
3. Will you suspend the netting from cable or a metal piping frame?
4. What size will the cage be, height, width and length?
5. Will the batting cage be covered or exposed to the elements?
6. How close is the batting cage to your house or your neighbors house?
7. Will you build the cage yourself, are do you plan to have help?
8. Will you purchase a batting cage kit or buy the parts separately?

These are just a few questions to get you thinking about some of the issues that you will encounter when building your cage. This should also help you to start putting together a cost estimate for all of your supplies. If you have a tight budget then make sure that you put your money into the netting. Netting is very expensive and the higher the quality the better the shelf life. Here is a list of tasks you should do before starting construction. Best of luck!

Backyard Batting Cage Prep List

1. Layout your design and construction plans.
2. Make a supplies list.
3. Put together an estimate of cost for all materials.
4. Shop around for the best price locally or online. You could spend more money online because of shipping and handling.
5. Prepare your yard for the new construction.
6. Schedule your extra hands for the event.
7. Purchase your supplies.
8. Start building!