Many homes are implementing courts in their backyards because of the multiple benefits for their homes. Courts can increase your home value while giving you a space to entertain all kinds of people. But a common question we get asked at Pickle Court Surfacing is ‘Is our backyard big enough for a court?’
Not all backyards are created equal either. Ensuring you have the proper space for a tennis court, basketball court, etc. will ensure that you can fully enjoy your court. In this blog, we will share some measurements and considerations to keep in mind when installing a court for your home.
What Type Of Court Are You Looking To Install?
Determining if your yard is big enough for a court depends on what kind of sports you want to be able to play. Different sports will require different dimensions in order to play effectively. If your yard doesn’t have enough space for your preferred sport, it may be hard to install. However, if you want a basketball court for example, but only have room for a tennis court or pickleball court, you can have lines painted for a half court.
Other less popular courts like shuffleboard or bocce ball will fit well in smaller yards. Homes with smaller backyards can still install a court, but it may not be to the official regulation size. Each sport needs its own amount of space to keep players and watchers safe.
Working with a court professional can help you determine how much space you need for the court itself as well as gaps around the court surface.
Typical Court Dimensions
Before scheduling the installation of your court, you should know what they typical dimensions of popular courts are. This will help you determine if your yard is big enough for a court.
Volleyball
The official dimensions of a volleyball court are 29 feet 6 inches wide by 59 feet long. That is a total of 1,743 square feet. You must have a safe zone around the perimeter which should be a minimum of 10 feet for player movement and spectator safety.
Recreational courts can vary in size though. Typical recreational courts are around 30 feet wide by 60 feet long with a slightly smaller safe zone.
Basketball
A full-sized regulation court is 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. Half-court dimensions are 47 feet long by 50 feet wide. High school basketball courts are typically smaller, which could be a better fit for most backyard basketball courts. High school or junior courts are 84 feet long and 50 feet wide.
Tennis
Courts should be 78 feet long and width will change depending on single matches or doubles. Single-match courts should be 27 feet wide while doubles courts should be 36 feet wide. The service line should be 21 feet from the net.
Pickleball
Pickleball courts can also double as badminton courts because of their similar dimensions. These courts are some of the smallest at 44 feet long and 20 feet wide.
Install A Multi-Use Court
As previously stated, some sized courts can include multiple painted lines to allow homeowners to play multiple sports on one court. Since pickleball courts are smaller, you can install a basketball court and paint lines for pickleball. Volleyball and basketball courts can also be combined.
Pickle Court Surfacing offers multi-use courts to help you maximize the space in your backyard. Homeowners can have 2 or more sets of lines on their court when installed by our team. If your backyard is big enough for a court, you can maximize your investment by working to allow multiple sports to be played in one designated space.
Avoiding Large Trees
Working around existing landscaping is another consideration when installing a court. When you are using your court recreationally, you may be able to work around trees, bushes, or other landscaping because the play isn’t as intense.
Large trees around your yard can pose some complications for your court though. Not only can they take up a lot of space where your court could be placed, but their roots also spread through your yard. Large roots can come to the surface of your yard and lead to cracks in your court. Roots make the yard uneven which can limit the usable life of a court. Placing a sports area away from large trees will be beneficial to protect the large investment in a court.
Other Considerations To Keep In Mind
Working a court into your backyard is a complex task to take on. There are other rules and city regulations you will need to know before hiring a professional.
Courts of any kind can not be installed over septic systems.
Some cities and towns will not allow courts to be installed near a wetland.
Proper rain and water drainage will be needed to protect your court from damage.
Court Options From Pickle Court Surfacing
Get your game on with any type of court from our team! Pickle Court Surfacing offers tennis courts, basketball courts, pickleball courts, and multi-purpose courts. We understand different regulations, line spacing, and high-quality court materials so that you can enjoy your court for many years. Reach out to us to get started on your Utah court project today!
