Unlike vacations or gadgets, a game court provides decades of enjoyment. Something to grow into not out of.
Picture this: Dad’s actually smiling (and not at his phone), Mom’s in the game (literally), and your kids are laughing together—not because some Worldstar video but because they’re having fun. A backyard game court is the ultimate family magnet, where memories are made, sibling rivalries are played out on the court (not the kitchen), and laughter reigns supreme. Sure, these magical moments don’t come free, but can you really put a price on keeping your kids off TikTok for an hour? (Spoiler: you can, and we’ll get to that.)
The Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
Let’s cut to the chase: backyard game courts cost about $25 to $35 per square foot, depending on how fancy you get. For the cost of a reasonable car, 1/2 the price of a pool, or 1/4 the price of a wakeboard boat, you can turn your backyard into the neighborhood MVP. Here’s the price breakdown by size:
- Shooting Court (500–1200 sq ft): $15,000–$42,000 (start small, aim big).
- Half-Court Basketball (1200–1800 sq ft): $30,000–$65,000 (perfect for family dunk contests).
- Pickleball Court (1800–2300 sq ft): $40,000–$80,500 (because pickleball is the new golf).
- Full-Court Basketball/Volleyball/Short Tennis (2300–3000 sq ft): $80,500–$105,000 (serve, spike, repeat).
- Full-Court Basketball (3000–5000 sq ft): $75,000–$175,000 (because sharing the gym is overrated).
- Tennis Court (5000–7200 sq ft): $120,000–$250,000 (game, set, match).
Yes, it’s an investment. But compared to family therapy or another vacation where everyone just stares at their phones, it’s a slam dunk.
Building the Foundation: The Backbone of Your Court
Every great court starts with a solid base—literally. Here’s the scoop on the most common foundation options:
Base Options
- Concrete Foundation: The classic choice, super stable and precise, costing $8–$12 per square foot. Think of it as the oat milk of bases—solid, dependable, everyone’s doing it. This makes up 95% of the courts we build.
- Pervious Concrete: Eco-friendly and fancy, letting water flow through while keeping things stable. Costs $20–$30 per square foot—and gives you bragging rights with your sustainably minded neighbors.
- Natural Materials with Compacted Base: A green, affordable option at $6–$15 per square foot. Ideal for eco-conscious families. Or for people looking for a less permeant option.
- Panel-Based Systems: Modular, quick to install, and costs $10–$20 per square foot. It’s like the IKEA of foundations, minus the Allen wrench.
Site Preparation
Got an uneven yard? No worries. Leveling it out will cost $1–$15 per square foot or about 10–30% of the project. (This might be the one time you’re glad you don’t have a sloped yard.)
One thing to be aware of is that Austin area can often have limestones waiting to be discovered. Rock requires special tools to cut through and will increase the per square foot cost. We built our first court in 1978 so there’s not much that surprises us. We’ll give you a better idea of the cost when we come and see your backyard for your free estimate.
Surfacing Choices: The Face of Your Court
Your court’s surface is where the magic happens. It affects how the court feels, plays, and how much maintenance you’ll need to do (or avoid doing).
Modular Tile Surfacing
- Cost: $7–9 per square foot
- Why It Rocks: Durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for multi-sport use. It’s like the Tesla of court surfaces—sleek, safe, and long-lasting.
Acrylic Paint Surfacing
- Cost: $2.5–5 per square foot (larger you go, less expensive per square foot it gets)
- Why It Works: Affordable and ideal for tennis or pickleball enthusiasts. Just be ready for some upkeep on the court and your knees down the line.
Raw Concrete
- Cost: Bare minimum
- Why Choose It: Low-cost and basic. Perfect for the “I just need somewhere to play” crowd.
Add-Ons to Take It Up a Notch
Let’s be honest—you don’t just want a court; you want the court. Here are some extras to consider:
Hoops and Net Systems
- Adjustable Basketball Hoops: $1,500–3,500 for systems that grow with your family.
- Multi-Sport Adjustable Nets: $500–1,500 for quick switches between pickleball, volleyball, and more.
Lighting
- Wired LED Systems: $1,500–10,000 to keep the game going after sunset while keeping your neighbors skies dark. Larger your court, larger the investment in lighting you need.
- Solar Options: 20% to 30% more expensive than wired, but can avoid costly electrical hook-up
Fencing
- Soft Netting Fences: $25 to $30 per linear foot to keep balls and people in- great for residential courts.
- Chain-Link with $50 to $75 per linear foot for added security and durability- typically used in commercial applications.
- Wind Screens: $10 to $15 per linear foot for added privacy and wind resistance- Can only be mounted to chain link fencing.
Other Cool Add-Ons
- Rebounders: $1,000–3,000 for solo practice or keeping the dog entertained.
- Batting Cages: $3,500–7,500 for baseball or softball lovers.
Soccer and Futsal Options
Adding soccer goals or futsal setups to your court introduces another layer of versatility. Portable soccer goals range from $300 to $1,000, while permanent installations can cost significantly more depending on size and quality. Futsal, with its smaller goals and modified rules, is also a growing trend in backyard courts.
Additional Costs You Might Not Think About
Retaining Walls
If you’ve got uneven terrain, retaining walls could add $5,000–$20,000 to your budget. depending on height and complexity.
Permitting and HOA Approvals
These can tack on a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your location. We do not complete HOA/ permitting work on your behalf, but we are well versed in the language of HOA and have most likely done a project in your HOA before so we’ll be here to help every step of the way.
Engineering Costs
Do you live in an area where the roads feel more like a ride at 6 flags? Or are you looking to build something and have extra peace of mind that it’s going to hold up for 30 years with no issues? Then you may consider paying for engineering on your project. This will cost at least a couple of months in time and $3,000 to $8,000 in surveying and engineering fees. Once those documents are complete, there may be other costs that follow like soil remediation, extra concrete work etc. If this is the route your project is headed, the engineering needs to go first, then we can nail pricing down after the plans are made. Generally, this will increase your site prep and foundation costs by 20%.
The Big Picture: Why a Backyard Game Court Is Worth It
At the end of the day, a backyard game court is a place where families grow closer, neighbors connect, and memories are made. It’s an investment in:
Family Bonding getting everyone off their screens and into the game,
Wellness: prioritizing physical activity and outdoor fun makes better more whole humans.
Community: Become the house everyone wants to hang out at (maybe keep an eye on your kids).
Remember, the opposite of fun isn’t work, it’s depression.
Ready to build the ultimate backyard game court? Contact us for a quote and let’s turn your vision into a reality. Because life’s too short to play indoors.
