Having a custom outdoor athletic court like bocce ball will add plenty of entertainment and aesthetic value.
Let’s help you with everything you need to know and all the materials you’ll need to build your own bocce ball court so your visitors can enjoy it all summer long.
Mark and Measure
The regulation size for a bocce ball court is 13 feet by 91 feet and realistically, you can make it any size you’d like but you’ll see that anything over 91 feet can be a bit long and harder to play. It is important to remember that you will be adding a border around your court. For example, if you are going to use 6 x 6 lumber, you should add 12 inches to the court’s width and length. Once you choose your size, you need to mark each corner. You can do this with spray paint or chalk. The last thing you want is a funky-shaped bocce ball court and confuse your friends and family to what game they’re actually playing.
Clear and Level The Area
As much as you want to just dive in and build your bocce ball court on your property, you need to pick out the right area in your space and make sure the surface is ready to be the home of your new court. Once you choose where to build it, you can use a sod cutter to remove the sod and smooth it out with a rake. Then, you’ll want to make sure the surface is level and you can do this by using a laser or large level. This step is very important as an unlevel bocce ball court is considered a sin to the professionals.
Build Your Border
We recommend using 6 x 6 pressure-treated lumber as your border and stacking them two high above grade. Then, use 10-12 inch spikes to fasten the 6 x 6s together and make sure they are sturdy and level. You may also use stones or concrete for the border to add a different look or complement your patio.
Lay Down Your Layers
There are typically three levels when building a bocce ball court. The base layer should be made gravel and be about four inches thick. This gets covered with filter fabric.
The next layer is your leveling layer and should be made of item #4 and about 3 to 4 inches thick when compacted. The third layer is your playing surface and there are multiple materials you could use for this. The popular choice for bocce courts is Oyster Shell Flour, which levels itself after rain and can help increase the speed of the bocce balls. Other choices may be sand, tennis court clay, turf, or a finely crushed stone. No matter what material you choose for the playing surface, you will want it to be a minimum of one-inch thick and use a rake to level out the playing surface.
Enjoy Your Brand New Custom Bocce Ball Court!
Once the playing surface is dry and everything looks level, you’re all set for your visitors to enjoy a competitive game of bocce ball. You also don’t have to settle for just the court, you can add additional features surrounding your bocce ball court, like a Pergola or seating areas.
Need Help Building Your Perfect Bocce Ball Court?
When it comes to designing and building a state-of-the-art athletic court, the team you can trust to get it done right are the experts at Neave Sports. They are the top team in New York, Connecticut and New Jeersey to build bocce ball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and even your own putting green. Our craftsmanship and attention to detail will make sure you get the bocce ball court that works seamlessly with the rest of your outdoor living space. We can also integrate our sister divisions at Neave Group Outdoor Solutions who can help with landscaping and masonry services to help elevate the space surrounding your new bocce ball court. Contact us today and tell us what you’re looking for and one of our professionals will help you get exactly what your outdoor living space needs.