If you’re looking to turn your backyard into an oasis of fun for the whole family, a court construction or basketball court might be just what you need. While these courts take up quite a bit of space and require specialized skills to install, once they’re built they’ll be the focal point of your property for years to come.

When constructing your own court, it’s important to choose a reputable contractor that will be knowledgeable about all of the different court surface types and their playabilities. The contractor should also be familiar with special considerations such as slope and drainage, requirements for fencing and net posts, and surfacing materials that are resistant to cracking.

The Art of Court Construction: From Design to Playability

The foundation of a successful court is the subgrade, which must be constructed to allow for proper sloping and drainage. According to the ASBA, a finished subgrade should be on the same plane as or higher than adjacent land, and an adequate drainage system is critical. This may include French drains, properly graded gravel-filled trenches, geocomposites or perforated drain lines surrounded with stone.

After the subgrade is prepared, the court slabs are cast. To keep the concrete free from moisture and vapor, it’s recommended that a polyolefin (minimum 15 mil. thick) moisture/vapor barrier be installed prior to the pour. After the concrete is poured it should be left to cure for a couple of days before play. This time frame allows the concrete to acclimate to its environment and reduces the likelihood of premature cracking or deterioration.