Frequently Asked Questions

An on-site evaluation is the reliable way to find out. A half-court basketball setup needs roughly 30 by 25 feet of usable, level space; a full pickleball court needs 44 by 20 feet plus buffer room. Slopes, trees, fences, and setback requirements all reduce usable area, so a site visit gives you a real answer rather than a guess.

Add at least 6 feet of buffer beyond the playing lines on every side so the court does not feel cramped. A half-court basketball layout at roughly 30 by 30 feet works well in most suburban yards. A pickleball court at 44 by 20 feet with buffers fits comfortably in a 60 by 30 foot footprint.

Yes. A single surface can carry overlapping line sets for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. Color-coded lines keep each sport readable. The minimum practical size for a dual-sport layout is roughly 50 by 30 feet, though exact dimensions depend on which sports you want and how the lines are arranged. See multi-sport court options for layout details.

The main options are poured concrete, asphalt, and modular polypropylene tiles laid over a prepared base. Concrete is the most durable long-term base. Asphalt costs less upfront but needs sealing and resurfacing sooner. Modular tiles install faster, drain well, and can be removed or reconfigured, but the base underneath still needs to be level and stable.

Concrete suits homeowners who want a permanent, low-maintenance surface and are willing to pay more upfront. Asphalt is a reasonable mid-range choice but requires periodic sealing. Modular tiles work well when drainage is a concern or when you want flexibility to change sports later. The right pick depends on your budget, soil conditions, and how heavily the court will be used.

Most yards need grading to create a consistent slope of 1 to 2 percent for drainage, plus excavation and a compacted aggregate base before any surface goes down. Heavily sloped lots, clay-heavy soil, or areas with tree roots require more work. The on-site evaluation identifies exactly what your yard needs before any estimate is written. See site preparation details.

Most basketball court installations come in at $20,000-$35,000, depending on court size, surface type, base conditions, and whether you add fencing, lighting, or a hoop system. A half court costs less than a full court, and sites that need significant grading or drainage work add to the total.

Court size is the biggest driver, followed by surface material, base preparation needs, and add-ons like fencing, lighting, and hoop systems. Sites with poor drainage, significant slope, or clay-heavy soil require more base work, which raises the price. A flat, well-drained lot with easy access costs less to build on.

The written estimate covers base preparation, surfacing, and line marking as standard items. Fencing, lighting, and hoop installation are itemised separately so you can choose what fits your budget. A final walkthrough is completed before the job is considered done, confirming every element meets spec.

No. Grass cannot support a stable playing surface. The area needs to be excavated, graded, and fitted with a compacted aggregate base before any surface material goes down. Skipping that base work leads to cracking, settling, and poor drainage within a few seasons.

Sometimes, yes. The slab needs to be structurally sound, reasonably level, and free of major cracks or heaving before a sport surface can go over it. An on-site evaluation determines whether the existing concrete is a usable base or needs to be replaced. Court Design & Site Preparation covers that assessment in detail.

A regulation half court measures 47 feet by 50 feet, but a functional backyard version can work in roughly 30 by 30 feet for casual play. You also need a few feet of buffer on each side for safe runoff. The on-site evaluation confirms what your yard can realistically accommodate.

Surface cracks, fading, and minor drainage pooling usually point to resurfacing. If the base has shifted, heaved, or shows widespread structural cracking, a full rebuild is the right call. An on-site evaluation checks the base integrity and drainage before any recommendation is made, so you get an honest answer rather than a default upsell.

Not every crack is an immediate hazard, but any crack wider than a quarter inch or one that has lifted the surface edge creates a real trip risk. Hairline shrinkage cracks are lower urgency. Leaving structural cracks unaddressed lets water penetrate the base, which accelerates freeze-thaw damage and turns a repair into a rebuild.

Yes. A single court can carry overlapping line sets for basketball, pickleball, tennis, and volleyball using color-coded markings to keep each layout readable. The surface coating and net post placement are chosen to suit the primary sport, with secondary sports layered in during the same build. See multi-sport court options for layout combinations.

Compare what each quote actually covers: base preparation, surfacing material and thickness, fencing, line marking, and drainage work. A low headline number that excludes base prep or fencing will cost more once those are added back. An itemised written estimate makes line-by-line comparison straightforward and prevents scope surprises mid-project.

The project starts with an on-site evaluation of the space, existing surface condition, and drainage. That assessment drives an itemised written estimate covering base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking. Work does not begin until the estimate is reviewed and signed off, so the full scope is agreed before any ground is broken.

Most spaces can be made to work, but setbacks, slope, and drainage all affect what fits. A standard pickleball court needs 30 by 60 feet of clear space; a full tennis court needs roughly 60 by 120 feet. The on-site evaluation measures the usable footprint and flags any grading or drainage work needed before a layout is confirmed.

Yes, every court build requires site preparation. The ground must be graded, compacted, and properly drained before any surface goes down. Skipping this step leads to cracking, settling, and uneven play surfaces within a few seasons. Every project starts with an on-site evaluation to determine exactly what prep your specific yard needs.

Almost no yard is ready as-is. Most residential lots have enough slope, soft spots, or drainage issues to require at least some grading. The on-site evaluation identifies what your yard actually needs, so you get a clear picture before any work begins rather than surprises mid-project.

A standard pickleball court needs roughly 30 by 60 feet of clear space; a half-court basketball setup needs at least 42 by 37 feet; a full tennis court needs 60 by 120 feet. The on-site evaluation measures your available area and accounts for fencing setbacks, so you know exactly what fits before committing.

Yes, drainage is assessed during the on-site evaluation before any work is quoted. Poor drainage is one of the most common causes of court failure, so identifying low spots, runoff paths, and soil permeability upfront is a standard part of the process, not an add-on.

Soft or uneven soil must be addressed before the base goes in. The fix typically involves excavating to stable ground, adding compacted aggregate base material, and re-grading to the correct slope. Building over soft soil without correction causes the court to settle and crack, often within the first year.

Yes. Tree roots continue to grow after a court is built and can lift or crack the surface from below. Buried debris like old fill, stumps, or rubble creates voids that lead to settling. The site evaluation looks for these issues, and any roots or debris in the build zone are removed before the base is laid.

Neither is strictly required, but each solves a different problem. Fencing keeps balls in play and defines the court boundary; lighting extends usable hours into evenings. If you only play during daylight, fencing alone may be enough. If evening play matters to you, lighting becomes the higher priority of the two.

Yes. Fixtures with full-cutoff optics direct light downward onto the court surface and sharply limit sideways spill. Pole placement, mounting height, and aiming angle are all adjusted during layout to keep light off neighboring yards and windows. The on-site evaluation accounts for your property lines and any nearby homes before the design is finalized.

Even coverage depends on pole count, spacing, mounting height, and fixture beam angle, all of which are calculated for your specific court size and sport. A properly designed layout eliminates dark spots at the baselines and corners, which are the areas most likely to be underlit when fixtures are placed without a photometric plan.

Yes. Full-cutoff LED fixtures with shielded housings are the standard approach. Mounting height and aiming angle are set so players looking up toward the light source see the shield, not the bare lamp. That same geometry keeps spill light from reaching neighboring properties.

Most court lighting and fencing projects in the Raleigh area come in at $5,000-$15,000, depending on court size, fence height, number of light poles, and electrical run length. You receive an itemised written estimate after the on-site evaluation, so every line item is visible before you commit.

Fencing installation on a standard backyard court typically takes one to two days. Adding lighting, including trenching for conduit and setting pole footings, adds another one to two days, with a short cure period before poles are loaded. Your written estimate will include a project timeline specific to your scope.

Isolated cracks or a single peeling patch usually point to a targeted repair, while widespread surface deterioration, multiple low spots, or large areas of worn coating typically call for full resurfacing. An on-site evaluation is the only reliable way to tell, because what looks minor on top can hide base issues underneath.

Yes, in many cases cracks can be filled and sealed without removing the entire surface. The deciding factor is whether the base underneath is still stable. If cracking is widespread or caused by base movement, a full resurfacing gives a more lasting result than crack filling alone.

Yes, resurfacing repairs address all of those issues. Cracks are filled, low spots are leveled, peeling or worn coating is stripped back, and a fresh surface layer is applied. The scope is confirmed during the on-site evaluation and itemized in a written estimate before any work begins.

Every job starts with an on-site evaluation to assess the surface and drainage before any repair work is scheduled. Contact us through the site and a partner will arrange that visit. Scheduling depends on current workload and weather conditions, both of which affect surface cure times.

A standard resurfacing repair covers base preparation, surface patching or full recoating, and line marking. The written estimate itemizes each element, including any drainage corrections, so you know exactly what is being done before work starts.

A fresh acrylic or textured coating restores the surface grip that worn courts lose over time. Drainage corrections made during the repair also reduce standing water, which is the main cause of slippery conditions after rain. The on-site evaluation checks both surface texture and drainage as part of the assessment.

Most multi-sport court projects in the Raleigh area come in at $20,000-$50,000, depending on size, surface type, and site conditions. Base preparation, line marking, and any fencing or lighting are the main cost drivers. An on-site evaluation produces an itemised written estimate so you see exactly where the money goes.

Site preparation is usually the biggest variable, grading, excavation, and base work on uneven or clay-heavy ground add significant cost. Court size, surface material, and add-ons like fencing and lighting also move the number. An itemised estimate after an on-site evaluation breaks each line out clearly.

Yes. A single court surface can carry painted or taped lines for basketball, pickleball, tennis, and other sports simultaneously. The key is choosing the right surface material and planning the line layout before installation so the markings stay readable and don’t conflict with each other.

A half-court works well for casual shooting, one-on-one basketball, and pickleball, and it fits most residential lots. A full court makes sense if you want regulation play or plan to host multiple players at once. The on-site evaluation measures your available space and helps you decide which layout fits your goals.

A standard pickleball court needs roughly 30 by 60 feet; a half basketball court needs about 42 by 50 feet. A combined multi-sport layout typically starts around 50 by 80 feet to accommodate both comfortably. Add a few feet on each side for safety buffer and any fencing.

It depends on your usable square footage, setbacks, and any slopes or obstacles. Many Raleigh-area backyards can fit at least a half-court or a dedicated pickleball layout. An on-site evaluation measures the space accurately and flags any grading or drainage issues before you commit to a design.

Most pickleball court installations come in at $4,000-$8,000, depending on site conditions, surface choice, fencing, and lighting. A flat yard with good drainage costs less than a sloped or clay-heavy site that needs significant grading. Request an itemised written estimate so every line item is visible before you commit.

A full installation covers site evaluation, base preparation, surfacing, line marking, and optional fencing and lighting. Every project starts with an on-site assessment of space and drainage, followed by an itemised written estimate. A final walkthrough confirms everything meets spec before the job is signed off.

The standard court surface is 20 by 44 feet, but you need more room around it for safe play. A realistic minimum footprint, including buffer zones, is roughly 30 by 60 feet. An on-site evaluation confirms whether your yard can accommodate that layout before any work begins.

USA Pickleball recommends at least 5 feet of clearance on each side and 7 feet behind each baseline, making the total recommended playing area 30 by 64 feet. Tighter buffers are workable for casual backyard play, but competitive or multi-player use benefits from the full recommended clearance.

The answer depends on your usable flat area and how much grading is feasible. Yards that can accommodate roughly 30 by 60 feet of cleared, level ground are strong candidates. An on-site evaluation measures the actual space and drainage before any commitment is made, so you get a clear answer upfront.

Yes, virtually every court needs some site preparation. The ground must be graded to a consistent slope for drainage, compacted, and given a stable aggregate base before any surface goes down. Skipping this step leads to cracking, pooling water, and an uneven playing surface. Learn more about what site prep involves.

Most residential tennis court builds come in at $30,000-$47,500, depending on site conditions, surface type, and whether fencing and lighting are included. Asphalt base courts sit at the lower end; post-tension concrete or premium acrylic finishes push costs higher. An on-site evaluation gives you an itemised written estimate before any work begins.

Site grading and base preparation are the biggest variables, a flat, stable lot costs far less to prep than a sloped or clay-heavy one. Surface material, fencing height and style, lighting, and line marking each add to the total. The written estimate covers all of these line items separately so you can see exactly where the budget goes.

The on-site evaluation is specifically designed to identify drainage issues, soil problems, and grade changes before work starts, not after. The itemised written estimate covers base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking upfront. Surprises are most common when a site is assessed remotely or from photos alone, a physical walkthrough prevents most of them.

A regulation singles court is 78 feet long by 27 feet wide, but the full playing area including run-off clearances requires roughly 120 feet by 60 feet. Adding fencing, a gate, and any lighting footings means you realistically need a clear, level footprint of at least 7,200 square feet. Tighter lots may still work depending on orientation and grading.

That depends on your usable flat area after accounting for setbacks, trees, and existing structures. The on-site evaluation measures the available footprint and checks orientation, drainage flow, and any local setback requirements. If a full-size court is tight, a multi-sport or shorter recreational layout may be a practical alternative.

Yes. Every court is built to standard dimensions, 78 feet by 36 feet for doubles, with the required run-off clearances on all sides. Line marking is laid out to USTA specifications. The final walkthrough before sign-off confirms dimensions, surface levelness, and that fencing and net posts are correctly positioned.

Most tennis courts can be converted without a full rebuild, provided the base is structurally sound and drainage is working. An on-site evaluation checks both before any work is scoped. Courts with severe base failure or standing-water problems may need base repairs first, but that is still less involved than starting from scratch.

Most conversions come in at $600-$1,200, depending on surface condition, number of pickleball courts being marked, and whether net posts need to be added or relocated. An itemised written estimate is provided after the on-site evaluation so you know exactly what each element costs before work begins.

A standard tennis court (78 by 36 feet) fits up to four pickleball courts side by side, each measuring 44 by 20 feet. Two courts with comfortable buffer zones is the most common layout. The on-site evaluation maps the exact footprint and recommends the layout that makes best use of your space.

A typical conversion covers surface preparation, crack repair if needed, repainting or overlaying the playing surface, marking pickleball lines, and installing net posts at the correct 34-inch center height. Fencing adjustments and lighting changes can be added. Every job ends with a final walkthrough before sign-off.

Yes, if the tennis lines are retained alongside the new pickleball lines. A dual-line layout uses contrasting colors so each set of lines reads clearly during play. The surface itself is unchanged, so bounce and pace stay the same for both sports. Net height is the only thing you swap between games.

Temporary tape or a portable kit works for occasional use but lifts, shifts, and creates a trip hazard over time. A full painted conversion gives permanent, regulation-accurate lines that hold up to daily play and UV exposure. If you play pickleball more than a few times a month, the painted conversion pays for itself in convenience.

A half-court with an asphalt base and single-color acrylic surface is the lowest-cost starting point for most homeowners. Keeping the footprint small, skipping fencing and lighting initially, and choosing standard line marking over custom graphics all reduce the total. A site evaluation and itemised written estimate will show exactly where your budget goes before any work begins.

Base excavation and grading create the most disruption, expect equipment access across your yard and some soil removal during that phase. Once the base is set, surfacing and line marking are far less invasive. Every project ends with a final walkthrough to confirm the site is clean and the finished court meets the agreed spec before sign-off.

No. We arrange an independent local court builder to carry out the on-site work. We take your enquiry, organise the site evaluation, and make sure a written scope is in place before any work is booked. The builder we arrange handles all physical construction from site prep through finished surface.

We arrange court builders across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, Wake Forest, and surrounding Research Triangle communities. If you’re unsure whether your location falls within the service area, submit an enquiry and we’ll confirm.

Red clay soil, common across the Research Triangle, compacts and drains differently from other soil types. A base depth that works on sandy soil may not be sufficient on clay. Slope, drainage provision, and available space all affect the scope. An estimate written without a site visit is unlikely to be accurate.

Surface cracks allow water to reach the base layer. On clay-heavy soil, that water softens the sub-base and accelerates settling, which widens the cracks further. A court that needs a recoat now may need full base repair if left another season, a significantly larger scope and cost.

Permitting requirements vary by municipality across Wake and Durham counties. The builder we arrange will account for local permit requirements in the written scope. For HOA communities in Cary and Apex, the itemised estimate is structured to support design review submissions.

We arrange construction for pickleball, basketball, tennis, and multi-sport courts. Existing tennis courts can also be converted to pickleball or dual-use configurations. Tell us the sport and the space, and the site evaluation will confirm what’s feasible.

Base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking are listed as separate line items. You see what each stage costs before any work is booked, no single lump sum that hides what site prep or drainage work adds to the total.

Yes. Pole placement and fixture aiming are designed to direct light onto the playing surface rather than outward. That approach reduces glare and spillover toward neighboring properties without leaving dark spots on the court.

Not always, it depends on how and when the court will be used. Lighting is needed for safe night play; fencing keeps balls in bounds and defines the court edge. Both can be added as separate line items in the estimate if you want them.

Surface cracks widen when water enters and freezes through winter cycles. A drainage problem on clay soil keeps the base saturated, which accelerates settling. Both issues grow more expensive to fix the longer the underlying cause goes unaddressed.