Backyard batting cage costs range from $500 for a basic DIY pipe-and-net setup to $40,000+ for a covered, turf-and-lighting rental-ready build. That range isn't vague — it reflects genuinely different cages built for different purposes.
This guide breaks down exactly what drives cost at each tier, where the smart trade-offs are, and how rental income through CageList changes the math entirely.
The Three Build Tiers
Budget build: $500–$2,000
A DIY pipe frame, entry-level netting, and a gravel or dirt surface. This gets a real cage in the ground that your player can use daily. It will not look like much, and it will not rent for top dollar, but it works and it is legitimate training infrastructure.
What you typically get:
- Frame: 1–3/8 inch EMT conduit or a basic prefab kit
- Netting: Entry nylon or polyester (do not cut corners here — see below)
- Surface: Native dirt, gravel, or decomposed granite
- Extras: No covering, no electrical, no pitching machine
Mid-range build: $3,000–$8,000
This is where most serious baseball families land. A stable frame, commercial-grade netting, a real surface (rubber mats or turf), and probably an L-screen or entry-level pitching machine. Training-functional and competitive on CageList.
Premium build: $10,000–$40,000+
A covered structure with permanent footings, premium turf, a quality pitching machine, LED lighting, and the kind of finish that looks like an intentional backyard improvement. These cages command the highest rental rates on CageList and typically pay for themselves within one to two years of regular hosting.
Cost by Component
Frame: $300–$5,000+
- DIY EMT conduit frame: $300–$800 for a 12x14x70 cage. Requires frame fittings, connectors, and 4–8 hours of assembly.
- Prefab kit (frame plus hardware): $400–$1,500. Brands like Cimarron and Fortress include poles and fittings. Netting quality in kits varies widely.
- Heavy gauge steel / schedule 40 pipe: $800–$3,000 for materials. Welding or heavy fittings required; often needs professional fabrication.
- Wood frame (4x4 or 6x6 treated lumber): $500–$5,000+ depending on lumber prices and design complexity. Standard choice for covered structures and the best-looking option.
Netting: $200–$1,500
The single most important line item in your budget. Do not undercut it.
- Economy polyester (kit-included): $100–$300. Degrades faster outdoors, not suitable for permanent backyard installs.
- Commercial #36 UV-stabilized nylon: $300–$700 for a 12x14x70 cage. The standard for serious backyard builds. Lasts 5–10 or more years outdoors with proper care.
- Heavy-duty #42 or #60 nylon: $600–$1,500. Used in professional facilities and high-volume rental setups. Worth it if you expect heavy usage.
Surface: $0–$3,500
- Native dirt or grass: Free. Requires ongoing leveling and maintenance. Creates muddy footprint after rain. Not competitive for rentals.
- Decomposed granite: $200–$600. Compacts well, drains naturally, inexpensive. Common in dry climates.
- Rubber mats: $300–$900 for a 12x14 footprint. Durable, consistent, easy to replace by section. Industry standard in commercial facilities.
- Artificial turf: $800–$3,500 installed. Best rental surface by far. Turf listings on CageList earn meaningfully more per hour. Worth the investment for any build you plan to list.
- Concrete: Only viable as a base layer under rubber mats. Hard on joints, rough on cleats, dangerous if someone falls.
Full surface comparison: Best Batting Cage Surfaces Guide.
Covered structure: $3,000–$20,000
Going from open-top to covered is the single biggest cost jump in a batting cage build — and the upgrade that most dramatically expands usability and rental income.
- Shade cloth roof: $500–$1,500. Reduces UV and light rain. Not weatherproof for heavy use.
- Metal panel roof on existing frame: $2,000–$6,000. Weatherproof. Adds weight that requires structural planning in the frame design.
- Full enclosed structure: $8,000–$20,000. Permanent build requiring permits in most jurisdictions. Year-round use in any climate. Top-tier rental asset.
Full guide: How to Build a Covered Batting Cage Under $25,000.
Pitching machine: $200–$4,000+
- Entry-level single-wheel lobber: $200–$500. Good for youth players working on timing and basic contact. Limited speed range, no breaking balls.
- Mid-range single-wheel machine: $600–$1,200. Covers most speeds, reliable for regular family use.
- Dual-wheel machine (breaking balls): $1,500–$4,000+. JUGS, Hack Attack, Spinball. Throws curve, slider, changeup at realistic velocities. Significantly increases booking rates for serious hitters.
Detailed recommendations: Pitching Machine Buyer Guide.
Lighting: $200–$2,000
- LED shop lights (plug-in): $200–$500. Fine for covered structures with existing electrical nearby.
- Wired dedicated circuit: $800–$2,000 installed by an electrician. Required for outdoor evening use or dedicated high-draw equipment.
L-screen and accessories: $100–$500
An L-screen ($80–$300) is non-negotiable if anyone pitches from inside the cage. Other useful additions: ball bucket, batting tee, helmet rack, ball return net.
Full Build Cost Summary
- Budget ($500–$2,000): DIY EMT frame, entry or mid-grade netting, gravel or dirt surface. Functional training setup. Limited rental appeal.
- Mid-range ($3,000–$8,000): Quality frame, commercial #36 nylon, rubber mats or entry turf, L-screen or entry pitching machine. Competitive CageList listing.
- Premium ($10,000–$25,000): Frame with permanent footings, premium turf, #42 nylon, dual-wheel pitching machine, covered roof, LED lighting. A real rental business.
- Premium+ ($25,000–$40,000+): Full covered structure, top-spec turf and netting, high-end pitching machine, professional electrical, landscaping integration. Top 10% of CageList listings by earnings.
How Rental Income Changes the Math
If you plan to list your cage on CageList, the cost-benefit picture shifts dramatically.
A mid-range build at $5,000 with turf and a pitching machine can realistically earn $30–$60 per hour. At 10 hours booked per week, that is $1,200–$2,400 per month in gross revenue. The cage pays for itself in 2–4 months. Everything after that offsets travel ball fees, tournament costs, or just becomes income.
Premium builds earn the highest rates — $60–$100+ per hour in strong markets — but have longer payback periods that depend on local demand. In metro areas with deep baseball cultures, well-equipped covered cages stay booked solid during peak season.
The cage paid for itself faster than I expected. We use it every day, and the rental income more than covers our monthly costs.
Full income analysis: How Much Can You Make Renting Out Your Batting Cage?
Ready to build? Start with the complete step-by-step guide: How to Build a Backyard Batting Cage. Or list your existing cage on CageList and start earning today.
