Frequently Asked Questions

Most backyard sports courts come in at around $20,000, depending on court size, surface type, base preparation depth, and whether fencing or lighting is added. An itemised written estimate is provided after an on-site evaluation so you see exactly where every dollar goes before any work begins.

A regulation basketball half-court needs roughly 42 by 37 feet; a full pickleball court needs 30 by 60 feet with recommended buffer space. Smaller yards can still fit a practice or multi-sport layout scaled to the available area. An on-site evaluation confirms what fits your specific lot.

Yes. A single surface can carry line markings for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and other sports simultaneously. The court dimensions and line layout are planned during the design phase so each sport gets a usable playing area without the lines conflicting badly. See multi-sport court options for layout examples.

Site prep typically involves clearing vegetation, excavating to a stable sub-base depth, compacting fill, and grading for drainage before any surfacing goes down. The scope depends on your existing soil and slope. Every estimate includes an itemised base-preparation line so you know the prep cost upfront.

Yes. Drainage is assessed during the on-site evaluation before any work is quoted. The court is graded to a slight cross-slope so water runs off the playing surface rather than pooling. Perimeter drainage channels are added where the surrounding yard directs runoff toward the court.

Yes. The base is compacted and graded to a consistent plane before surfacing begins, and the finished court is checked during the final walkthrough. A court that is not level causes ball bounce problems and accelerates surface wear, so grading accuracy is part of the standard build process.

Most backyard basketball court installations come in at $20,000-$35,000, depending on court size, surface material, and how much site prep the yard needs. A full-size court on a level lot with minimal grading costs less than one requiring significant drainage work or fill. Line marking, fencing, and lighting add to the total.

Court size, surface material, and site conditions drive the biggest cost differences. A yard that needs grading, drainage correction, or significant base work adds to the base price. Extras like fencing, lighting, and painted line markings are itemised separately in the written estimate you receive before any work begins.

Yes. Every project starts with an on-site evaluation, and the written estimate that follows itemises base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking as separate line items. You see exactly what site prep costs before committing, so there are no surprises when work starts.

A half-court with an asphalt base and basic line marking is typically the lowest-cost option. Skipping fencing and lighting keeps the budget down further. That said, cutting corners on base preparation often leads to cracking and settling within a few years, costing more to fix than the savings were worth.

Concrete lasts longer and holds its shape better in heat, but costs more upfront. Asphalt is less expensive initially and easier to patch, but it softens in extreme summer heat and needs resealing every few years. Modular sport tiles laid over a concrete base offer cushioning and drainage and are worth considering for family use.

A regulation full court is 94 by 50 feet, which most residential yards cannot accommodate. A half-court at 47 by 50 feet, or even a 30 by 30 foot shooting area, works well for family play and fits more lots. The on-site evaluation will show you exactly what your yard can support.

It depends on the base condition. If the existing base is structurally sound with no major heaving or drainage failure, resurfacing is usually enough. If the base has shifted, cracked through, or holds standing water, a full rebuild is the right call. An on-site evaluation will confirm which path makes sense before any work is quoted.

Surface-level cracks, fading, and minor roughness typically point to resurfacing. Base heaving, large alligator cracking, persistent standing water, or sections that flex underfoot usually mean the base itself has failed and needs replacement. An on-site evaluation is the only reliable way to tell the difference before committing to either option.

Yes. Drainage correction and grading are part of base preparation, which is included in the itemised estimate. Addressing them during the court project is more cost-effective than treating them as a separate civil works job. The site evaluation identifies the extent of grading needed before any pricing is confirmed.

Removing the old surface often reveals base damage, drainage failures, or soil conditions that were not visible beforehand. Repairing those issues is necessary before a new surface can be laid correctly. The itemised estimate covers what is known at the site visit; any additional base work discovered during demolition is documented and discussed before proceeding.

A base can be reused if it is structurally stable, drains correctly, and has no significant heaving or voids. If it has shifted, cracked through, or is holding water, reusing it will cause the new surface to fail in the same ways. The on-site evaluation checks base integrity before any recommendation is made.

Cracking is almost always a base or drainage problem, not a surface problem. Correct grading, a stable compacted base, and proper drainage channels prevent the ground movement that causes cracks. Getting those elements right during construction is what determines how long the surface holds up, not the surface coating alone.

An on-site evaluation checks slope, drainage, soil stability, and available footprint before any work is scoped. Most yards need at least some grading or drainage work, very few are ready as-is. The evaluation identifies exactly what your site needs so nothing is assumed.

Yes. Water that pools under or around the court erodes the base, causes the surface to heave, and accelerates cracking. Drainage is planned before the build starts, not added as an afterthought, because fixing it after the surface is down costs significantly more.

The on-site evaluation measures the usable footprint and maps required buffer zones, typically 6 to 10 feet on each side depending on the sport. The layout is marked and confirmed before any grading begins, so the court dimensions and clearances are locked in from the start.

Slope is addressed through cut-and-fill grading, retaining where needed, and establishing a 1 percent cross-slope on the finished base to shed water. The method depends on how steep the site is and which direction it drains, both are assessed during the initial site visit.

Yes. Cracks and settling almost always trace back to an inadequate base, insufficient compaction, wrong material depth, or poor drainage underneath. Proper sub-base preparation addresses all three before the surface goes down, which is the most effective way to prevent those problems from appearing later.

Yes. Drainage planning is built into the prep phase, not added after the fact. The base is graded to a consistent slope so water moves off the surface and away from the court perimeter, reducing the conditions that cause pooling, surface degradation, and slippery playing conditions.

Dark spots, flickering fixtures, or uneven brightness across the playing surface are the clearest signs. If players are straining to track a ball or fixtures are corroding, the system is past its useful life. Delayed replacement usually means more fixtures fail, leaving the court unusable at night.

Properly aimed LED fixtures direct light downward onto the court surface, not outward toward adjacent properties. Cutoff-style housings and correct pole placement keep spill light minimal. An on-site evaluation confirms the best pole positions and aiming angles for your specific yard and neighboring homes before any work begins.

Yes, targeted upgrades are a valid option when the rest of the system is in good condition. Adding two or three fixtures to a dark end, or replacing a damaged fence section, costs far less than a full install. The deciding factor is whether the existing posts, wiring, or framework can support the addition without failing soon after.

Most court lighting and fencing projects come in at $8,000-$20,000, depending on court size, fence height, number of fixtures, and site conditions. After an on-site evaluation, you receive an itemised written estimate so every line item is clear before work begins.

Galvanized or powder-coated steel chain-link and aluminum framing resist rust through San Antonio’s heat and humidity. LED fixtures rated for outdoor use handle UV exposure and rain without significant degradation. Pole footings are set to depth during the on-site evaluation to handle wind load specific to your site.

Light poles are positioned outside the playing surface, typically 2 to 4 feet beyond the sideline or baseline, so they do not reduce usable court area. Fence posts sit at the perimeter and add only a few inches of footprint. The on-site evaluation confirms exact placement before any digging begins.

Resurfacing repair addresses surface cracks, flaking or peeling coating, faded or missing lines, low spots that pool water, and rough patches that create uneven bounce. Left alone, small cracks widen with each freeze-thaw or heat cycle, and pooled water accelerates base erosion. Catching these early keeps the repair scope, and cost, much smaller.

Isolated cracks, faded lines, or a single rough patch usually point to targeted repair. If cracking is widespread, the base has shifted, or the surface has multiple layers of old coating that are delaminating, full resurfacing is the more cost-effective path. An on-site evaluation of the surface and drainage gives you a clear answer before any work is committed.

A proper crack repair, cleaning the void, applying a flexible filler, and sealing the surface, significantly slows recurrence. If the crack is caused by base movement or poor drainage underneath, those root causes must be addressed at the same time, or the crack will reopen. Patching the surface alone without fixing the cause is a short-term fix.

The job starts with an on-site evaluation of the surface and drainage. Cracks are cleaned and filled, damaged coating is ground back, and new surfacing material is applied. Lines are re-marked to regulation dimensions. Before the job is signed off, a final walkthrough confirms the surface is even, the color is consistent, and drainage flows correctly.

Painting over a worn surface without preparation traps moisture and debris underneath, causing the new coat to peel within one season. Worn or oxidized coating needs to be cleaned, and any loose material must be removed before a new acrylic layer bonds properly. Skipping prep shortens the life of the new surface considerably.

Crack filling, resurfacing, and line re-marking work on asphalt and concrete courts, the two base types used for tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts in this area. The specific filler compound and acrylic coating system are matched to the base material during the on-site evaluation, so the repair bonds correctly for your surface type.

Most multi-sport court projects in the San Antonio area come in at $25,000-$45,000, depending on court size, surface type, and whether fencing or lighting is included. A basic concrete base with acrylic surfacing sits at the lower end; adding fencing, LED lighting, and multiple line sets pushes the total higher. An itemised written estimate is provided after an on-site evaluation.

Court size and base preparation are the two biggest cost drivers. A yard that needs significant grading or drainage work adds to the base prep cost before surfacing even begins. Surface material, fencing height, lighting, and the number of sport line sets each add incrementally to the total.

The itemised written estimate covers base preparation, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and line marking as applicable to your project. There is also a final walkthrough before the job is signed off. Any scope items outside that list are called out separately so there are no surprises at the end.

Yes, provided you have roughly 30 by 60 feet of usable flat space, a backyard pickleball court is achievable. Tighter lots can sometimes work with a slightly reduced buffer zone around the court lines. An on-site evaluation confirms whether your specific yard can accommodate a regulation or near-regulation layout. See Pickleball Court Installation for more detail.

It depends on which sports you want to combine and how much flat space is available. A shared basketball and pickleball court can fit in roughly 50 by 84 feet; adding tennis requires significantly more room. An on-site evaluation measures the usable area and flags any grading or drainage issues before a layout is proposed.

Yes. A standard half-court basketball layout overlaps well with a pickleball court, and both sets of lines can be painted in contrasting colors on the same acrylic surface. The shared footprint is manageable for most residential lots, making this one of the most common multi-sport combinations requested.

A full installation covers site evaluation, base preparation, surface application, line marking, and optional fencing and lighting. You receive an itemised written estimate before work begins, and a final walkthrough confirms everything meets spec before sign-off. Nothing is added to the scope without your approval.

Yes, for most residential lots, provided you have a roughly 30-by-60-foot flat or gradable area. An on-site evaluation checks slope, drainage, and setbacks before any commitment is made. Backyard court options cover the layout choices available to homeowners.

A regulation court is 20 by 44 feet, but you need at least 30 by 64 feet once run-off zones are included. Tighter lots can sometimes fit a slightly reduced buffer, which an on-site evaluation will confirm. If space is very limited, a multi-sport layout can share the footprint more efficiently.

An existing slab can work if it is structurally sound, reasonably level, and drains adequately. Cracks, heaving, or poor slope usually require patching or a full new base to avoid surface failure later. The on-site evaluation determines which path makes sense before any cost is committed.

The on-site evaluation is specifically designed to catch grading and drainage issues before work begins, not mid-project. If something unexpected surfaces during excavation, the scope and estimate are updated in writing before proceeding. No additional work is carried out without your sign-off.

A final walkthrough is completed before the job is signed off, confirming surface cure, line accuracy, and drainage flow. Acrylic coatings typically need 24-48 hours after the last coat before play, depending on temperature and humidity. Your installer will give you a specific ready-to-play window at that walkthrough.

Most residential tennis court installations come in at $45,000-$75,000, depending on surface type, base depth, fencing, and site conditions. Grading a sloped lot or adding lighting pushes the total higher. An on-site evaluation gives you an itemised written estimate before any work begins.

A regulation singles court is 78 feet long by 27 feet wide, but the full play area including run-off space requires roughly 120 feet by 60 feet. For a doubles court with comfortable clearance, plan for at least 7,200 square feet of usable, reasonably flat ground.

A full court needs a footprint of approximately 120 by 60 feet, so most standard suburban lots are too small. Larger residential lots of half an acre or more often have enough room. An on-site evaluation confirms whether your specific yard can accommodate the court and required run-off zones.

Every court needs a consistent 1-percent cross-slope so water runs off the surface rather than pooling. Lots with poor natural drainage or heavy clay soil may also need a perimeter drain or subsurface system. The on-site evaluation identifies what your specific lot requires before the estimate is written.

The process runs from site evaluation and grading through base installation, surfacing, fencing, line marking, and a final walkthrough. The base -- either asphalt or concrete -- is the most critical phase, as its thickness and compaction determine how long the surface lasts. Each stage is completed before the next begins. Learn more at Court Design & Site Preparation.

Yes. The itemised written estimate covers base preparation including grading and drainage alongside surfacing, fencing, and line marking. All of that work is coordinated through one project rather than handed off to separate contractors. The final walkthrough confirms every element meets spec before the job is signed off.

Most tennis courts can be converted, but the surface condition determines how much prep work comes first. Courts with stable bases, minor cracking, and good drainage often need only resurfacing and new line marking. Courts with deep cracks, significant settling, or standing-water problems need those issues resolved before conversion work begins.

An on-site evaluation should cover surface cracking, base stability, slope and drainage, fence condition, and existing line layout. These factors decide whether the court needs repairs before conversion or can go straight to resurfacing and line marking. A written estimate covering each scope item follows that evaluation.

A standard 60-by-120-foot tennis court fits two side-by-side pickleball courts, each 20 by 44 feet, with buffer space around them. Some layouts fit four courts, but that requires careful orientation and leaves minimal run-off room. The exact count depends on the court’s dimensions and how much buffer space is acceptable for safe play.

A full conversion typically covers crack repair and base prep, resurfacing with a new color coat, pickleball line marking, net post installation, and removal or painting-over of the old tennis lines. Fencing adjustments and lighting are scoped separately if needed. Every job ends with a final walkthrough before sign-off.

Paint-only kits applied over a damaged surface will peel, crack, and fade within one to two seasons in San Antonio’s heat. If the base has cracks wider than a hairline or drainage issues, those must be repaired first. A proper resurfacing coat bonded to a sound base will outlast any paint-over approach by several years.

Widespread alligator cracking, heaving from tree roots, or sections where water pools after rain all signal that the base needs work before a new surface will hold. Surface fading and minor hairline cracks are normal and do not block conversion. An on-site evaluation is the only reliable way to draw that line for your specific court.

No. We are an enquiry service. We arrange a local court builder to visit your site, assess conditions, and carry out the work. The builder does the on-site construction; we handle the coordination and make sure the scope is in writing before anything is booked.

We arrange builders across San Antonio, Boerne, Alamo Heights, Fair Oaks Ranch, Bulverde, Helotes, and surrounding Hill Country communities. If you are unsure whether your location is covered, submit an enquiry and we will confirm.

Soil conditions vary significantly across this region. Caliche, expansive clay, and rocky ground each require different sub-base depths and drainage approaches. An estimate written from photos or rough measurements cannot account for those variables accurately, which leads to scope changes and cost surprises later.

Each element is listed separately: site preparation, sub-base compaction, concrete or asphalt base, acrylic color coating, regulation line marking, fencing, and lighting. You see exactly what each part costs before any work begins.

HOA design review requirements in communities like Fair Oaks Ranch and Alamo Heights are factored into the project plan from the start. The builder we arrange is familiar with those processes so the approval stage does not stall the build schedule.

Surface cracks allow water to reach the base layer. In this region’s heat-and-UV cycle, that moisture expands and contracts with temperature swings, widening the cracks each season. A resurfacing job that is straightforward today can become a full base replacement if the surface is left too long.

The site needs enough flat space, stable soil, and a slope that will not hold water. A local builder visits to measure the area, confirm the drainage path, and check ground conditions before any estimate is written. That visit is what determines whether grading or extra base work is needed.

Often yes, particularly when the project involves concrete work, grading, drainage changes, fencing, or electrical for lighting. Permit requirements vary by municipality across the San Antonio area, so the builder checks local rules before the scope is finalised.

Yes. The written estimate lists fencing, LED lighting, base preparation, surfacing, and line marking as separate line items. Nothing is bundled into a single figure that hides what is and is not covered.

Water that sits in surface cracks works into the base layer and widens the damage with each freeze-thaw or heavy rain cycle. A crack that costs a straightforward patch repair today can reach the sub-base within a season, at which point the fix requires base excavation and full resurfacing.

In most San Antonio cases, yes, a permit is required if the court includes a permanent structure, lighting, or fencing above a certain height. Requirements vary by municipality and HOA rules, so check with your local planning office before breaking ground. Our partners assess your site and can flag permit considerations during the initial on-site evaluation.