A Typical Sport Court Backyard Project
When purchasing a backyard basketball court, one must consider the “big picture” and treat it like the construction project that it is. There are many factors that make up the overall cost of building a backyard basketball court, the actual “court” being just one of them.
To better understand what you are getting when purchasing and installing a home basketball court, let’s break down the project into 4 key components, and where the expenses come in:
Site Work
Building a backyard court requires a hard, flat surface. The site work can be defined as all of the work that needs to be completed in order to prepare your property to install a basketball court – i.e. making it hard and flat. This includes excavating, leveling, grading, and any other work necessary to get your property ready for the base material.
Depending on your property, the site work can be one of the largest costs associated with installing a basketball court. The more work that needs to be done to prepare your space, the larger the cost will be. Additional things like tree removal and retaining walls can all increase the overall cost for your site work. This is why two seemingly identical 30′ x 30′ courts can vary in price as it depends on the property on which they are being built.
It’s also important to consider the accessibility of your property. Inadequate access will limit the equipment that can be used, resulting in higher labor costs as work will need to be done by hand. Most fencing can be taken down and put back up to allow access for equipment if there is not easy access to your backyard.
Base Material
Base Material is exactly what it sounds like – the material that goes underneath your court. There are many options available for base material including concrete, asphalt, crushed stone and modular bases.
Most of our courts are built over a 4” thick concrete slab using 3000 PSI concrete and #4 rebar reinforcements. Concrete is considered ideal for basketball courts as a permanent structure that when done right will not require any maintenance. Asphalt is another option for base material, depending on your preference. However, asphalt can deteriorate with repeated freeze/thaw cycles and will require maintenance and/or repair over time.
If you are looking for a less permanent base for your backyard basketball court, a modular base may be the perfect solution. SportBase [linked to PDF] (and other modular surfaces) is a common product used throughout the Tri-State area and provides various advantages for homeowners. An eco-friendly alternative to concrete, SportBase is also safer than concrete, has 2-3 times the amount of shock absorption, and has the highest head-impact rating to help protect against injuries and falls.
Regardless of the base material you choose, SportProsUSA can provide general specifications and estimates for your court. The price of the base will vary depending on what material you choose, among other factors. Local and state building codes, accessibility, drainage, and environmental codes should all be considered when determining the cost of a court base.
Surface
This is what most people think about when they first imagine building a backyard court and can also be considered the “material” from which the court is being built. As with the other components of court building, there are many options one can consider for their basketball court surface. Paint, acrylic, and modular surfacing are all examples of court surfacing and each have their own unique properties and advantages.
Sport Court modular products are designed and manufactured with the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance in mind. Made in an ISO 9001 Zero Waste factory in the United States, Sport Court products are rigorously tested – both internally and by third-party testing – to ensure their products meet and exceed specifications. Sport Court PowerGame+ [linked] (the premier modular sports surface) provides the highest levels of performance and safety available on the market today. Independent third-party testing shows that no other outdoor modular sports surface surpasses PowerGame+’s combination of surface traction, head impact protection and low skin abrasion.
The cost of the surface for your basketball court is relatively simple, compared to the various considerations with site work and base material. Once you have decided on the type of surface you want for your court, SportProsUSA can provide pricing for your custom court material. Need help deciding? Our experienced team can discuss the best options for your family’s needs, your specific property, and the general climate trends that can affect the lifetime and performance of various surfaces.
Components
The components part of the court construction project is where the fun comes in! This is all of the accessories to make your backyard court truly unique to your wants and needs. After all, what’s a basketball court without the hoop? Components include things like basketball hoops, net systems, containment netting, lighting and more.
The type and amount of components for your backyard court will depend on your specific wants and needs, and are different with each project. (A family who is only interested in tennis will not need basketball hoops and those who play volleyball don’t necessarily need a hockey net.) The more accessories you choose for your court, the higher the cost associated. You can turn your basketball court into a multi-game court with painted lines and a net system, play day or night with custom lighting, or install containment netting to avoid runaway balls – the choice is yours!
Although you probably already imagine the type of accessories you’ll want for your backyard court, SportProsUSA can provide guidance and suggestions based on your needs and budget.
Installation
Now that you and your property are fully prepared, the last component of the court building process is the actual installation of your court and accessories. The installation of your court and painting of lines usually takes 1-2 days and the only cost associated with this step (should no unexpected problems arise) is the labor costs. Labor costs can vary depending on who is doing the installation (contractor) and where you live.
Building a backyard basketball court is a unique major construction project for your home. By this point, you’ve already spent a lot of time, money, and energy invested in this project and choosing the right contractor for installation is crucial. You cannot afford to use anyone unlicensed, under/uninsured, or unacquainted with the court building process. A contractor who is not experienced with building backyard courts will only lead you to invest more in the future if not done properly.
Choose a contractor who is experienced in building backyard courts, like SportProsUSA. Our team of Certified CourtBuilders™ will walk you through every step of the court building process to ensure that your family receives a basketball court that not only looks great but also performs great for years to come.
It’s important to understand all that goes into a building a backyard basketball court. There are numerous factors that affect the overall cost of this unique construction project and knowing the basic components will help you be better prepared for the costs associated. While the whole project may seem daunting, SportProsUSA can help you and your family have a stress-free experience. We can help you plan, design, finance, and build the basketball court of your dreams!
Additional factors that can affect the cost of your Sport Court backyard court
Size of Court
This one is rather obvious, as the larger the court you build, the more expensive it will be. All of our courts are custom built to your unique needs, so we do not have a one-size-fits-all solution like many other companies. As we work through your ideas, we will guide you to a solution that fits your desired size, property, and budget.
Slope of Property
The perfect court build would happen on an already flat and level yard, but this is not often the case for our projects. If your yard has a considerable slope, additional site work will be needed to level the area where the court will be going. Sometimes a retaining wall may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the slope.
Accessibility to Yard
When we begin your project, we will need to bring in materials to your backyard. Inadequate access will limit the equipment that can be used, resulting in higher labor costs as work will need to be done by hand. Most fencing can be taken down and put back up to allow access for equipment if there is not easy access to your backyard.
Permits
For every project we build, a permit is usually required, and lot coverage and setbacks must be determined to ensure proper placement of your court. If you already have a pool, gazebo or other structure, you might be close to your permitted lot coverage and adding a court may not be allowed.
Every town has a different policy and procedure for their permit process, and fees associated. Aside from the general zoning and building permit, there are also other factors to consider such as storm water management, soil moving, and land disturbance – all which may require additional permits and fees. Sometimes a variance (a variation from the town’s zoning laws) is required which can include an engineering process as well, all at additional costs. These costs range by town and are unable to be determined ahead of time. While the specifics vary by property and town, these should be a consideration, especially if you don’t know your current lot coverage or property details.
It’s important to understand all that goes into a building a backyard basketball court. There are numerous factors that affect the overall cost of this unique construction project and knowing the basic components will help you be better prepared for the costs associated. While the whole project may seem daunting, SportProsUSA can help you and your family have a stress-free experience. We can help you plan, design, finance, and build the basketball court of your dreams!
