Avoid Costly Mistakes
Not all concrete is created equal—especially when it comes to building a high-performance backyard game court. One of the biggest challenges in court construction is preventing cracks, and the best way to do that is with post-tension concrete.
Recently, we ran into an issue on a project that perfectly illustrates why attention to detail and proper oversight are so critical in construction. Here’s what happened, why it mattered, and what you need to know if you’re planning a pickleball, basketball, or multi-sport court at home or in a facility.
What Happened: Rebar vs. Post-Tension Cables
During a pre-pour inspection on a project, we discovered a mix-up—our crews had installed rebar instead of post-tension cables due to a paperwork miscommunication. If we hadn’t caught the mistake in time, the wrong foundation would have been poured the next day, leading to long-term cracking issues that could have been irreversible and costly to fix.
This is exactly why we conduct pre-pour inspections—to make sure the foundation meets the correct specifications before concrete is poured. A week and a half later, we had the correct post-tension cables installed, and the project was back on track.
What Is Post-Tension Concrete & Why Does It Matter?
Concrete cracks—all concrete does, eventually. The key is controlling how it cracks to prevent structural problems that could affect how your court plays, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it will need.
Rebar vs. Post-Tension Cables: What’s the Difference?
✔ Rebar is a static reinforcement material that helps concrete resist tension forces, but it doesn’t prevent cracks from forming over time.
✔ Post-tension cables apply constant pressure to the slab after the concrete cures, helping compress the slab together and minimize shrinkage cracks.
How Post-Tensioning Works
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Cables Are Installed Before the Pour – Half-inch steel cables are laid across the slab inside protective sheaths.
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The Concrete Is Poured – Once the concrete cures, the cables remain in place within the slab.
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Tensioning Begins – The cables are pulled in both directions using thousands of pounds of force.
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The Slab Is Compressed – This tension helps hold the slab together tightly, reducing the likelihood of major cracks.
You’ll notice “dead man” zones at the edges of the slab—these are anchor points where the cables are locked in place before tensioning begins.
Why Post-Tension Concrete Is Critical for Painted Sport Surfaces
If you’re installing a painted pickleball or multi-sport court, post-tension concrete is especially important. Why? Because cracks can ruin the playing surface.
- Minimizes shrinkage cracks – Even small cracks in a painted surface can affect ball bounce and playability.
- Reduces long-term maintenance – Once cracks form, water can seep in, leading to further expansion and surface damage.
- Keeps the court looking clean – Hairline cracks can show through paint, making the surface look worn out faster.
Important Safety Considerations for Post-Tension Slabs
If you have a post-tensioned slab, there are a few critical things to remember:
- Post-tension cables are under 3,000+ PSI of force.
- If a cable is accidentally cut, it can snap with extreme force, causing severe injury or structural failure.
- Cables can shoot out of the top or sides of the slab, damaging property or causing serious harm.
If you need to modify the slab (e.g., add a net post, fence, or lighting fixture), always hire a professional with the right scanning equipment to locate the cables.
Getting It Right from the Start
If you’re building a high-quality sport court, the foundation is just as important as the surface.
✔ Post-tension concrete reduces cracking and increases durability.
✔ Pre-pour inspections ensure mistakes don’t go unnoticed before it’s too late.
✔ Cutting or drilling into a post-tension slab can be dangerous—always consult an expert before making modifications.
Have questions about post-tension concrete for your court? Let’s talk about what works best for your space.
