The Costs of Building a Backyard Game Court

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…cough …hippies
• 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: $6–8 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
• 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.