What to Consider Before Adding A Bocce Ball Court to A Backyard

Bocce ball is one of the oldest Italian lawn games and is now played widely throughout the world by people of all ages and skill levels. This simple game has grown in popularity over the years in the country, and many people now consider adding a bocce ball court to their backyard and have fun with friends and family to make the most of the warm, sunny weather. Traditionally, bocce ball is played on even ground covered with sand or grass and wooden border siding. Homeowners mostly prefer artificial turf in their backyard bocce ball court due to its durability, longer lifespan, and minimal maintenance needs.

A bocce ball court is easy to set up, as long as the backyard has a flat area, regardless of its size. However, homeowners need to consider a few things before installing a bocce ball court to ensure it adds beauty to the yard and the players enjoy the game to the fullest.

Size

A long, narrow court is ideal for a bocce game. However, a bocce ball court is appropriate to fit any backyard. Regulation bocce courts are 91 feet by 13 feet, and building a court close to these dimensions provides an authentic playing experience. Ensure that the play area is at least a minimum of 70 feet by 10 feet. Adding a smaller size court makes the players feel restricted and prevents them from playing freely. 

Placement

Where to install the court is also a crucial thing to consider. Before deciding on the location, first determine how often you will use it. Their long and narrow shape makes bocce ball courts suitable as a side-yard installation for occasional playing. More serious players of the game can consider making it the yard’s focal point.

Different design features

People usually prefer to play bocce in a group. So, along with the court, one needs to plan additional features to compliment it and make the yard inviting for the participants. Plan shaded seating areas, fountains, pergolas, flower beds, shrubs, and other design features to beautify the yard.

Material

The materials used to construct bocce ball court surfaces should be porous to minimize bounce. Some of the top surface options include gravel, sand, crushed stone, ground oyster shells, and synthetic turf. 

Drainage and grading

It is essential to keep the bocce ball court as dry as possible, and an effective drainage system is a must to ensure that. While a fully flat surface for the court construction is essential to prevent the ball from ending up in a single corner in every game, standing water on the court makes the surface unplayable and threatens its integrity in the long run. One solution is to install French drains below the ground to prevent rainwater pooling. Grading is critical for site preparation.  

Boundary

Building a concrete or wooden border about six inches high nicely anchored to the ground around the court keeps the balls within the court boundary. 

It is advisable to hire a professional game court design and construction company for bocce ball court installation as the process is time-consuming. If anything goes wrong, the process can turn into a big hassle. It is essential to pay attention to small details for quality and long-lasting installation. Professional installation using quality materials ensures that you enjoy the game for years to come.

CourtMaster Sports specializes in construction, renovation, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. Palm Springs - (760) 548-3545 Las Vegas - (702) 825-8818