7 Questions To Ask Before You Choose a Sports Court
Buying a sports court for your home or commercial property enhances the value of your space and allows you to enjoy various sports activities at your convenience. Deciding on the ideal option depends on your budget, how you'll use the court, and where you'll install it, among other factors. This guide will walk you through key questions to ask before you choose a sports court.
1. What Is Your Budget?
Before you shop for courts, decide how much money you can afford to spend. In doing this, you can narrow your search to courts within your price range. While a lower-priced court may seem appealing at first, it may cost you more in the long run due to repairs or replacement needs.
When creating your budget, consider the overall cost of the court, including materials, installation, and maintenance. Likewise, you may have to hire a professional to level the area where you'll install the court. Figure the price of this into your budget.
Pro Tip
Purchase a court that's the best value for what you can afford. Evaluate value by reading customer reviews, looking into brands, comparing prices, and noting the material used in manufacturing the court.
2. Is the Court for Personal or Public Use?
The way in which you’ll use the court primarily depends on whether it’s for residential or commercial use. Homeowners should purchase a sports court based on their athletic preferences. If you and your family love playing tennis, shop for tennis courts.
On the other hand, you may be a business owner or manager of a homeowners’ association (HOA) and want to provide a sports court for your employees or residents. If so, consider the overall needs of those who will use it. Evaluate what the people would most enjoy, depending on your primary demographic.
3. What Sport Is the Court for?
Different sports require different types of courts with exact dimensions and materials. For example, a basketball court requires a hard surface with specific markings, while a tennis court needs a softer surface, net, and boundary lines.
By knowing exactly what sport the court is for, you can ensure that it meets the requirements and provides optimal performance for players. This will improve safety and enhance the overall experience on the court.
Pro Tip
Pro Backyard Living sells backyard sports courts designed for numerous popular athletic activities. Transform your property into the ideal oasis!
4. How Much Space Do You Need?
Picking the best spot for installation is just as important as selecting the right court. Consider your available space and whether it meets the necessary dimensions for your desired purpose. Below, we've detailed the ideal dimensions for different types of sports.
Tennis
Most tennis courts are 36 feet wide and 78 feet long without buffer space. When factoring in the buffer space, courts measure 51 feet wide and 100 feet long.
Pickleball
Pickleball courts are like tennis courts but smaller. A standard residential pickleball court is 28 feet long and 53 feet wide. On the other hand, most commercial pickleball courts are 32 x 65 feet.
Basketball
A full-size basketball court should be at least 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. However, half-court options are also available for smaller spaces. The hoop should be 10 feet above ground level, and there should be enough space behind each hoop for players to safely land after shooting.
Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard courts can vary in size but typically range from 52 to 60 feet in length and 6 to 7 feet in width. The court surface needs to be smooth and level, with a slight slope for drainage.
Cornhole
Cornhole courts are typically 40 feet in length and 8 feet in width, and the boards are 27 feet from each front edge. Moreover, cornhole boards must sit on a level surface and remain parallel to one another.
Court Size Pro Tip
Beyond the standard court dimensions, additional space should be around the sports court for players to move freely.
5. Where Will You Buy the Court?
Choose a reputable supplier that offers high-quality materials, as this ensures the court's durability and performance. Look for suppliers who offer warranties and have a license to sell the products.
Evaluate Warranties
A warranty can protect you from defects or issues with the court and its materials. Every supplier may offer different warranties, so compare and understand what each one covers. Some warranties offer repairs or replacements for a certain period, while others offer a lifetime guarantee.
Pro Tip
Some installation companies offer warranties for the labor involved in setting up the court in addition to manufacturer warranties.
Buy From Licensed Sellers
Ensure the court sellers you're considering have the licenses and certifications to sell their court kits. This ensures they have the expertise and knowledge to install sports courts.
You can check a company's licensing status through your state's contractor license board or directly ask for proof of their license. Knowing you’re working with qualified professionals who meet industry standards will give you peace of mind.
6. How Will You Install the Court?
Another question to ask before you choose a sports court is how you'll install the court since you can hire a professional or buy a DIY court kit. Hiring professionals may speed up installation but will add to your expenses and isn't always necessary.
Some individuals prefer to buy DIY court kits because they give them the freedom to either hire a contractor or install them themselves. Installing the court yourself can help you save money and is perfect for anyone who enjoys tackling DIY projects.
7. How Will You Maintain the Court?
Regular maintenance keeps your sports court in top condition. Basic maintenance includes cleaning the surface regularly to remove dirt and debris. Additionally, contact the manufacturer for repairs if you notice any damage to the surface over time.
Remember that how you care for your court varies depending on the material. Artificial turf courts require periodic brushing and possibly infill replacement, while hard surface courts may need resurfacing over time.
Shop at Pro Backyard Living
At Pro Backyard Living, we understand the importance of choosing the right sports court. That's why we offer high-quality DIY court kits that are durable and aesthetically pleasing. We sell courts for basketball, tennis, cornhole, shuffleboard, and pickleball in a range of sizes. You can customize the color of your court to ensure it's the perfect addition to your property.
Shop for a high-grade DIY sports court. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and choose the perfect court for your needs!