Like any other major construction project, the cost to build a backyard basketball court will vary depending on a number of different factors. One of the most seemingly obvious factors is size – the larger the court, the more expensive the project. A compact “shooting lane” court can be built for less than a full-size tennis court with components, for example. When purchasing a backyard 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 home game court, the actual “court” being just one of them. To better understand what you are getting when purchasing and installing a home court, let’s break down the project into 5 key components:
- Site Work
- Base Material
- Surface
- Components
- Installation
1. Site Work
Building any athletic 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 the court – i.e. making it hard and flat. This includes excavating, leveling, grading, moving sprinklers, and any other work necessary to get your property ready for the base material.
Depending on your property, the site work is usually the largest costs associated with the project. The more work that needs to be completed to prepare your space, the larger the cost will be. 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.
Aside from the obvious question of “who” will be doing your site work, it’s also important to consider the accessibility of your property. Inadequate access will limit the equipment that can be used, resulting in higher costs as work may take longer and specialty equipment may be needed. If necessary, fencing can be taken down and put back up to allow access for equipment.
2. 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.
Many courts are built over a 4” thick concrete slab using 3500 PSI concrete and 1/2″ rebar reinforcements. Concrete is considered ideal for sport 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 will deteriorate with repeated freeze/thaw cycles and will require maintenance and/or repair over time.
If you are looking for a less permanent base due to lot coverage or zoning restrictions, a modular base may be the perfect solution. SportBase is a popular product used throughout the US and provides various advantages for homeowners. An eco-friendly alternative to concrete, SportBase reduces the need for heavy equipment and helps you avoid easement limitations. 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 your court base.
3. Surface
This is what most people think about when they first imagine building a game 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 court surface. Paint, acrylic, and modular surfacing are all examples of court surfacing and each have their own unique properties and advantages.
SportProsUSA installs Sport Court modular products that are designed and manufactured in the United States with the highest standards of quality, safety, and performance in mind. Sport Court products are rigorously tested – both internally and by third-party testing labs – to ensure their products meet and exceed specifications. Sport Court PowerGame+ (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. In only a short time on the market, PowerGame+ has quickly become the number-one selling outdoor sports surface for athletes of all abilities.
The cost of the surface for your 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 home sport court, SportProsUSA can provide pricing for your custom 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.
4. 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, rebounders, and lighting.
The type and amount of components for your backyard court will depend on your specific wants and needs, and can be 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 pitching machine.) The more accessories you choose for your court, the higher the cost associated. In turn, the more accessories you have, the more your court will be used and you’ll see a greater return on your investment. 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. Still not sure what you want? Take a look at some of our past residential basketball projects for ideas and inspiration!
5. 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 sport court is a unique 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. It’s important to consider the support and care that the installer provides and the quality of installation being performed. You cannot afford to use anyone unlicensed, 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 basketball courts, like SportProsUSA. Our team 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 home sport 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 backyard court of your dreams!
Contact us for a custom evaluation and free estimate of your project.
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