How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pickleball Court?
A Homeowner’s Guide to Pricing Out Your Backyard Court
Pickleball has exploded in popularity, so it’s no surprise that people many homeowners are now asking: how much does it actually cost to build a pickleball court in my backyard? While the price can range widely — from $15,000 to over $50,000 — the biggest factors that affect your budget are the size, court material, and condition of your existing land.
In this post, we’ll break down the core cost components of building a pickleball court, focusing on the two biggest cost drivers: site grading and base materials. We’ll also cover other important elements like nets, fencing, lighting, and other extras that can drive up price — so you can plan with confidence and avoid surprises. On top of all these factors, picking the right contractor and the total time it takes to build your court will also impact costs.
1. Site Grading 🛠️
Before any concrete is poured, your site needs to be properly prepped. This means flattening out your surface and preparing for the slab to be poured, as well as grading it slightly to ensure your court is sloped just enough to allow water to drain. Without this, water can pool and degrade the court surface over time (and you’ll have to wait longer for the court to dry after it rains).
💰 What affects cost?
If your land is already flat and clear, grading costs are minimal.
If you're dealing with uneven terrain, slopes, tree roots, or poor drainage, costs rise quickly.
💵 Estimated grading cost:
$5–$10 per square foot, depending on complexity and size of your court.
→ For a 30' x 60' court (the minimum recommended), that’s $5,000–$10,000
2. Base Material + Vapor Barrier 🪨
Once your site is level, it’s time to install the base — this is by far the most important component of your court and has the biggest impact on costs. Your choice of base material impacts everything from ball bounce to long-term durability. There are a few different options for your base:
🔻 Asphalt
Not recommended.
Cracks easily with temperature swings
Surface becomes uneven and easy to trip on
Provides inconsistent bounce and higher maintenance needs
💰 $2 to $5 per sq. ft. — roughly $10,000 for a standard court
✅ Standard Concrete
Most commonly used for backyard courts
Durable and cost-effective
Can crack over time but generally holds up well in mild climates
Requires control joints (which can affect play slightly)
💰 $4–$8 per sq. ft. — roughly $20,000 for a standard court
💎 Post-Tension Concrete (most expensive)
Reinforced with steel cables to prevent cracking
Longest-lasting, lowest maintenance
Smooth, consistent surface = optimal play
Higher upfront cost but often cheaper over time
💰 $8–$12 per sq. ft. — roughly $25,000 for a standard court
3. Paint + Surfacing 🎨
After your base is poured and cured, the court needs to be surfaced and painted. The gold standard is acrylic surfacing — the same material used on professional courts which provides the best durability, truest bounce, and most comfortable movement.
Why acrylic?
Durable and weather-resistant
Grippy surface for player movement
Consistent bounce and ball visibility
Try to avoid cheaper alternatives like epoxy or textured paint, which wear down quickly and don’t offer the same traction.
💰 $4–$6 per sq. ft. for surface coating and striping of court lines — $5000-10,000 depending on size of court and paint type
4. Accessories - Nets, Fencing, Lighting, and More
Once you’ve installed your base and painted the court surface, your court is basically read for play (you’ll need a net, of course). These additional features aren’t strictly necessary, but most players will want at least a few of them to complete the court and they will impact your overall price.
Net — $1,000-2000 for a high-quality rollable net
Fencing — $2,000-$5,000 depending on type of material
Windscreens — $500-$2,000 to add to your fence
Lighting — $3000-$6,000 depending on quality of lights
Seating, Shade, Roof Cover — varies widely based on type of build
✅ Overall Costs
If you're planning to build a pickleball court in your backyard, the total cost will depend on how flat your land is, what kind of base you choose, and how many extras you add. On average, expect:
Low-end builds (minimal grading, asphalt, no accessories): $15,000–$25,000
Mid-range (some grading, standard concrete, some accessories): $30,000–$50,000
High-end courts (lots of site grading, post-tension concrete, fully tripped out accessories): $50,000+
📞 Need Help Getting Started?
At Backyard Pickleball Builders, we help homeowners navigate the full process — from evaluating your yard to connecting you with a trusted contractor. Book a free consultation and let’s help you get your dream court underway!
