When investing in a pickleball court, it’s essential to think of it as a comprehensive construction project. The final expense involves more than just the court itself; a range of elements contribute to the total cost of making your dream court a reality.

To get a clearer picture of what you’re committing to when buying and building a pickleball court, let’s examine the project through the main aspects that determine the cost of building your dream court.

Prep Work

Constructing a pickleball court starts with creating a hard and level foundation. The site preparation involves a range of tasks to ensure your property is ready for a pickleball court installation. This includes excavation, leveling, grading, and any other necessary work to lay a stable base.

The expense of prep work can be one of the biggest factors when installing a pickleball court, largely depending on the condition of your property. The more preparation required, the higher the cost.  Additional tasks such as building retaining walls can also contribute to the overall expense.  The ease of accessing your property is another key consideration. If access is limited, the use of heavy machinery might be restricted, leading to higher labor costs as more manual work will be required. 

Base

The majority of our courts are constructed on a 4-inch-thick concrete slab using 4000 PSI concrete.  When estimating the cost of a court base, it’s crucial to take into account local and state building codes, accessibility, drainage requirements, and environmental regulations. All of these factors can influence the overall expense and complexity of the project.

Surface

Sport Court modular athletic surfaces 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. 

After you’ve chosen the type of surface for your court, the project manager can provide a quote for the customized court materials. If you’re unsure which surface suits you best, our seasoned team is available to guide you through the selection process, considering the best optimal gameplay, your family’s preferences, and your property’s unique characteristics.

Court Accessories

 This is where the excitement begins—customizing your court with court accessories transforms it into a unique space tailored to your needs and preferences. Court accessories include basketball hoops, net systems, ball containment netting, rebounder systems, lighting, custom logos, and more!  These are the elements that give your backyard court its unique character. The right components can turn your court into the perfect setting for games and gatherings.

The type and quantity of accessories for your backyard court will vary based on your preferences and the specific requirements of each project.  The more components you select, the higher the overall cost. You can transform your pickleball court into a multi-sport court with painted lines and a net system, install custom lighting for nighttime play, or add ball containment netting to keep balls from escaping—it’s all up to you!

Even though you probably have an idea of what accessories you’d like for your court, our team can offer suggestions and guidance tailored to your needs and budget.

Installation

The final step in building your court is the installation of the surface and accessories. This part typically involves laying the court surface, painting the game lines, and installing the court accessories.  this process usually takes 1-2 days. The primary expense at this stage is labor, which can vary depending on the contractor and your location, provided there are no unforeseen issues during the installation.

Constructing a backyard pickleball court is a significant project for any homeowner. By now, you’ve likely invested substantial time, money, and effort into this endeavor, making it critical to choose the right contractor for the installation. You can’t risk hiring someone who is unlicensed, underinsured, or unfamiliar with the intricacies of building a pickleball court. An inexperienced contractor could lead to costly repairs or even a complete rebuild if the work isn’t done correctly.

It’s best to go with a contractor who specializes in backyard courts, like Sport Court Midwest. Our team of Certified CourtBuilders™ will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your pickleball court not only looks fantastic but also provides lasting performance for years to come.

It’s essential to understand what building a backyard pickleball court entails. Many elements can impact the total cost of this unique construction project, so getting familiar with the basics will better prepare you for the associated expenses. Although the project might feel overwhelming, Sport Court Midwest can make the entire process seamless for you and your family. We’ll guide you through planning, designing, and building your dream basketball court.

Additional Factors

The size of the court will be a factor in the price.  The bigger the court, the higher the cost. Since our courts are custom-designed to meet your specific requirements, we don’t offer a generic, one-size-fits-all approach like many other companies do. As we discuss your ideas, we’ll help you find a solution that suits your preferred size, property constraints, and budget.

If your yard has a significant slope, you’ll need extra site work to even out the area where your court will be installed. In some cases, a retaining wall might be required to accommodate steep inclines.

As we start your project, we’ll need to bring materials into your backyard. Limited access can restrict the equipment we can use, leading to higher labor costs because more work must be done manually.

Permits

For every project we undertake, a permit is typically required.  Lot coverage and setback regulations must be determined to ensure the proper placement of your court.

Each town has its own rules and steps for the permit process, along with varying fees. Besides the basic zoning and building permits factors like stormwater management, soil movement, and land disturbance, all of which could require separate permits and additional fees. In some cases, a variance (an exception to local zoning laws) might be needed, which could also involve engineering work, adding to the cost. These fees can differ from town to town and aren’t easily predicted in advance. While the exact requirements depend on your property and location, it’s crucial to consider these potential costs, especially if you’re unsure about your current lot coverage or property specifics.

Conclusion

Building a backyard pickleball court involves many different elements, each of which can impact the overall cost of this unique construction project. Understanding the basics and process will give you a clearer idea of what to expect and help you prepare for the expenses involved. Although the entire process might seem overwhelming, Sport Court Midwest is here to ensure a smooth experience for you and your family. We’re ready to assist with planning, design, and construction to help turn your dream pickleball court into a reality!

Click here to design your own court with our CourtBuilders™ program.  Click here to contact us for a free estimate.