1. Does ATXTurf Sell the Frames for Battings?
2. How Much Do Batting Cage Poles Cost?
3. What Kind of Poles Should I Look For?
4. What Size Poles Should I Get?
5. How Deep Should I Dig the Holes?
6. Where Can I Get Poles for Batting Cage Frames?
7. Delivery and Transportation of Cage Poles

1. Does ATXTurf Sell the Frames for Battings?

No. We do not sell the frames and poles on the website or over the phone, only if we are installing it.

Why?

The freight cost would be prohibitive.  Second, metal poles can be sourced locally, even in small towns for reasonable prices.  See below.  Third, most home-owners do not have a way of unloading a freight truck of 14’, metal poles.

It’s different than shipping rolls of Artificial Turf which can be dragged off trucks and rolled to their location.  But, Metal poles would have to come on a pallet and a forklift would be necessary to unload it.

2. How Much Do Batting Cage Poles Cost?

Let’s start with the cost, since this is what most folks want to know.  Obviously, the cost of metal poles and wood can fluctuate over time and location, but here is what you can ROUGHLY expect.   

We’ve calculated the estimated costs by number of poles needed for each size batting cage and the common rate for 20 ft, 3 inch diameter, Schedule 10 metal poles and also for 6″ x 6″ x 14 foot long, treated wood posts.

* You will have to buy 21′ poles and have them cut to desired length.

Crew Installs 100 Metal Poles For Barrier Netting Around Historic Boston University, Nickerson Field. Former Home of Boston Braves.

3. What Kind of Poles Should I Look For?

Customers use both metal poles or 6” x 6” wooden posts.  

We HIGHLY recommend using metal poles over lumber.   It will last much longer and look much better.  While wood may be less expensive, it can warp and bend over time under the elements and attract termites.   The metal simply looks much better, especially if painted or are powder-coated black.  Metal poles will be roughly double the price of current lumber at Home Depot. (see chart above)  A 6″ x 6″, 14 foot long wooden post at Home Depot costs about $65.

What’s the difference between Schedule 40 and Schedule 10 metal pipes?

You will typically have a choice of Schedule 40 or Schedule 10 metal.  Schedule 40 pipes have a slightly thicker wall and smaller internal diameter,  while Schedule 10 is a thinner wall and larger internal diameter.  Schedule 40s weight about 7.5 lbs per foot and are typically for gas and water lines while Schedule 10 weighs about 4.5 lbs per foot and is used for lower pressure applications. (see chart below) Schedule 10 is best for batting cage poles if you can find it.  Schedule 40 works but they are heavier and more expensive.

Schedule 10 vs Schedule 40 Metal Poles

4. What Size Batting Cage Poles do I need?

3 inch Diameter and 14 feet long is the most common size pole for batting cages.  

2 inches in diameter is too thin and more than 3 inches is overkill.

14’ feet in length is the most common as most stock batting cage nets are 12 High’.  This gives you 2 feet to bury in concrete into the ground.   If you have a taller custom net made, obviously you will need longer posts.

Metal Poles usually come in 21 feet long sticks at Pipe Supply and Fabricators.   You typically will have to pay for the full 21’ and cut them, or have them cut at the pipe supply location or fabricator.

5. How Deep Should I Dig the Holes?

For 14′ poles, we suggest digging 2 feet into the ground and then concreting it.  If you have higher cages or taller poles, you’ll need to dig deeper.   If you are not planning to concrete the holes, you really need to bury about 1/3 of the pole.  In the case of 12′ High Cage, you would need an 18′ foot pole and bury 6′ feet of it.  Without concrete.

The difficulty for many yards is that you don’t know how far you can dig until you start digging.   Rocks and tree roots are the obvious obstructions.   Oh, and don’t forget to call 811, which is the national “call before you dig” number.  The utility companies will come out and mark your water and gas lines at no charge.

Don’t underestimate what it takes to dig 6 – 10,  2 ft holes.   It’s not as easy as it might seem.  And many of us are not as young as we were.  Consider renting a gas-powered, One-Man Auger / Post Hole Digger, as pictured here.  You’ll knock it out much quicker.  Home Depot often has them for rent for around $65 for half.a day.

5. Where can I get poles for batting cage frames?

Every small town typically has a Pipe Supply or Fire & Plumbing Fabricators which have metal pipes in stock or they can order them.  Larger stores like Home Depot also may have metal poles, but that varies by location.  Some may only have 10’ long, which is not long enough.   Just Google “pipe supply near me.”

Also ask them to drill holes in the ends of the poles.  You will need these to insert an eye bolt in order to secure the turnbuckles and cables from which the net will hang.

6. Delivery Or Transportation of Batting Cage Poles

Some pipe fabricators may deliver them for a fee.  

Otherwise,  you will have to take them on a trailer, as pick-up truck beds are usually too short.

IF you have the longer 8 ft truck bed, you can get away with 4 ft hanging off the back and a flag tied at the end.  

Otherwise you can rent a 12’ trailer from Uhaul for like $30/ day.  The 14’ poles will fit at an angle and stick up just a bit.

From Uhaul website: 

We hope this helps you with your DIY Batting Cage Project.  Visit our related blog on installing DIY Backyard Batting Cages for more information. We’ve covered most of the bases when it comes to building a batting cage frame, but we know, from experience, that every job has it’s own nuances and challenges.   So feel free to contact ATXTurf with any questions or to purchase turf, nets, hardware and accessories.