Backyard Pickleball Court Builders in Colorado

A backyard pickleball court is one of the most popular outdoor projects in Colorado right now. Done right, it's a flat, crack-resistant court you can play on for decades. Done wrong, it's a slab that heaves and cracks after a few winters. Here's what to plan for, and how we help you find the right builder.

Size and layout

Court: 20 by 44 feet, the same for singles and doubles.
Playing area: 30 by 60 feet minimum, 34 by 64 feet recommended for new construction.
Kitchen: a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net.
Net: 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center.
Orientation: north-south when possible to keep the sun out of players' eyes.

Choosing a base

Post-tensioned concrete is the long-term choice for Colorado. Steel tendons hold the slab in compression, so it resists the cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycles and expansive soils. Standard reinforced concrete costs less but needs control joints and is more likely to crack. Asphalt is the cheapest to install but typically needs crack repair and resurfacing sooner.

Surface options

Acrylic hard court: the classic textured, colored surface used on most outdoor courts.
Cushioned acrylic: extra rubberized layers that are easier on knees and backs.
Modular sport tiles: interlocking tiles over a slab. They drain quickly and play slightly differently than acrylic.

The build, step by step

Site visit and design: measurements, soils, drainage, access and HOA or permit needs.
Excavation and grading: removing soil, compacting the subgrade and adding base rock.
Slab: pouring concrete (or paving asphalt) with a gentle slope for drainage.
Cure: about 28 days for new concrete and at least 30 for new asphalt before coating.
Surfacing and lines: acrylic color coats, then lines, posts and net.
Extras: fencing, windscreens, lights and benches.

What a backyard court costs

Most Colorado backyard courts cost about $20,000 to $45,000, with premium builds higher. Our cost guide breaks down every line item.

Backyard court questions

Can I fit a pickleball court in my backyard?

If you have about 30 by 60 feet of flat, open space, yes. That's the minimum playing area including runout. The recommended size for new courts is 34 by 64 feet. Smaller yards can still fit a shorter-runout court, a multi-sport pad or a half court for practice.

Which way should a backyard court face?

North-south whenever possible, so the low morning and evening sun isn't in anyone's eyes.

Will a backyard court bother my neighbors?

Pickleball is louder than many people expect. Placing the court away from property lines, adding windscreens or acoustic panels, and setting play hours all help, and some HOAs have rules about it.

Can I add basketball lines?

Yes. Multi-sport pads with pickleball and basketball lines are popular. Use contrasting line colors so each set is easy to read.

Find a backyard court builder near you

We match homeowners with contractors across the state: Denver, Northern Colorado, Boulder County, Colorado Springs, Western Slope, Mountain Towns.