Building a backyard bocce ball court can be the dream of many homeowners. Having the option for so much backyard entertainment can be a huge plus, especially if it doesn’t cost very much! So, how much does it cost to build a bocce ball court?
To build a Bocce ball court it will cost on average $5-$30 per square foot, expect to pay anywhere from $3600 on the low end and up to $35,490 on the higher end. The total cost will vary depending on the size court you choose to build, the materials used, and if you hire professionals to do the job.
But what should you consider before building your backyard bocce ball court? And are there any other potential costs involved, even if you choose to build it yourself? Let’s dive in and get your questions answered now!
Choosing Your Backyard Bocce Ball Court Size
It is important to determine the size of your bocce ball court first, as this will be what determines the final cost as well. It also depends on the size of your backyard, as you don’t want to get a bocce ball court that’s too large!
The larger the court, naturally the more expensive it will be. Regulation size bocce courts are 91 feet by 13 feet, while a standard backyard size is about 60 feet by 12 feet. While everyone’s backyard is different, the regulation sized courts could matter to you.
You should determine the size of your bocce ball court in conjunction with your existing backyard landscaping as well. Your overall costs can rise dramatically if you find that you will need to remove trees. Likewise, you don’t want to install your bocce ball court too close to any windows or pools!
Choosing Your Bocce Ball Frame
Once you have determined the size of court you want, the next thing to choose is the bocce ball frame material. There are a wide variety of frame materials that can be used with bocce ball courts, especially if you plan on doing most of the work yourself.
Here are some of the best frame materials to choose from and their overall cost of installation.
Wood
Laying down some simple 4x4s can be all you need to build a durable and stable bocce ball court frame. You will need a few of them, depending on the length and width of your court, and it is smarter to get pressure treated plywood for this.
The average cost of your wooden frame can range anywhere from $10-$100. Wood is relatively inexpensive, and you won’t need to build your frame very tall given the overall usage required from a bocce ball court.
You may want different lengths and thicknesses of wood, depending on the size of your court. However, your local hardware store can help you pick out your supplies, especially if you are sticking to a budget. Wood is most likely your least expensive choice.
Brick
The average 8 inch brick costs anywhere from $0.50-$0.75. This is a pretty reasonable price to consider if you would like your bocce ball court to have a nice brick frame. However, you should also consider the cost of mortar or cement to secure the bricks to one another.
Given the cost of an individual brick, you may be looking at a cost of $100-$600 to complete your bocce ball court frame, depending on the overall size of it. This is quite a bit higher than using wood, but bricks can give a professional and completed look to any backyard.
Stone
You may find some decorative or unique stones to use as a frame for your bocce ball court. This will most likely be the most expensive option, as stone ranges wildly in price and uses. It costs on average $10-$30 per foot, making your regulation sized court very expensive!
However, if budget is not a concern for you, using decorative pavers and stones can maximize your backyard landscaping. You can match your existing stonework, or find something complimentary. It could be a very striking choice!
Concrete
One of the longest lasting border options available to building your bocce ball court has to be concrete. However, this option is similarly expensive to stone pavers, costing around $5-$30 per square foot. Making a concrete border also requires you to engineer a mold to pour the wet concrete into.
This is a more advanced and expensive bocce ball border. It is recommended that contractors work with this particular material, especially if you need to use concrete as a base layer as well.
The Base Layer
Depending on the material you want as your base layer, your price will vary. However, most people choose to lay down a layer of decomposed granite or cement as a foundation, then choose a more gravel like material on top of that. It will depend on your budget, and personal preferences of course.
The average cost of these materials ranges anywhere from $5-$25 per square foot. You should also consider the cost of a compactor if you are using decomposed granite as a base layer, as this type of material will only work once it has been properly compacted together.
If you choose a concrete layer, it is important to get it level. This often takes more time and money than most homeowners expect, especially if you want a regulation sized court. Hiring a contractor to lay the foundation of your court may be a good idea.
You will also need to purchase a weed fabric barrier, but this is an inexpensive product, only costing around $50 per 200-300 feet. This should be enough to furnish both backyard sized courts and regulation sized courts.
Different Top-Layer Surfaces You Can Use to Make a Bocce Ball Court?
Covering the surface of your bocce ball court allows you the freedom of expression in your design. It can also be a way to save money, depending on the materials you want and the amount you need. Let’s look at some common bocce ball court top-layer surfaces now.
Sand
Sand can cost anywhere from $10-$30 per cubic yard. Depending on the quality and location you buy from, sand can be a fairly inexpensive option for your court. It has ample drainage and may be a material that you can purchase easily.
However, it should be noted that sand can be a fairly messy bocce ball court material. You should plan on replacing your sand every year or so, or whenever it appears as though a lot of it has escaped the confines of your court’s border. You may also notice your sand washing away during rainier seasons.
Gravel
Another more inexpensive option for your bocce ball court may be gravel. Depending on the quality and size of the gravel, you could be looking at paying $20-$40 per yard of gravel work. Sometimes gravel can be too largely sized for good bocce ball playing, so this is something to keep in mind.
However, gravel is very affordable, striking, has ample drainage, and is more likely to stay within the confines of your bocce ball border.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is a popular bocce ball court material given its attractive grass appearance and overall ease of maintenance. The average cost of installing artificial turf on your porch will be between $5-$20 per square foot.
You will need to also purchase artificial turf adhesive, which will cost another $20 or so, depending on how much you need. However, artificial turf is easy for most homeowners to install, lasts many decades, and will still allow for ample drainage for your court.
Oyster Rock or Crushed Clamshells
One of the most popular bocce ball court top layer materials has to be oyster shell rock or crushed clamshells. Depending on your location, these materials cost an average of $0.60 per square foot. You can finish your bocce ball court cost with something a little bit more reasonable.
This material is easy to lay and provides the average homeowner with ample drainage. It is a very popular DIY material, and may be just the thing you need to finish your court in style- and right on budget.
Stone Dust
Similar to oyster rock, you could use different varieties of crushed stone to achieve the bocce ball court of your dreams. Most stone landscape finishes cost anywhere from $15-$30 per cubic yard, depending on the type of stone you’re looking at.
This could be something that appeals to you if you have stone in your backyard landscaping already and perhaps you are trying to match a particular shade or style. Regardless, stone dust can give you ample drainage and is usually fairly easy to maintain.
Other Costs Associated with a Bocce Ball Court?
Curious what other costs might be associated with a backyard bocce ball court? Let’s take a look at some common expenses you may not have thought of yet!
Time and Money to Dig the Ground Surface
A hidden cost associated with building a bocce ball court has to be the time and money it takes to dig up your backyard. You may also need landscaping removed, such as plants, shrubs, or trees. This can drive up the cost, especially if you need to rent a tractor or tool to do so.
If you want to do this excavating yourself, it will mostly just cost your time. However, some contractors can charge anywhere from $20-$50 per square foot of excavated land, so this can be a hefty price to pay if you weren’t expecting to do so.
The interesting thing about bocce ball courts is: you may only have to dig a trench for your frame. If you have a level backyard, you don’t need to worry about digging out soil for the majority of the court. Taking a shovel and digging a two-inch-deep trench is something most homeowners can accomplish with ease.
However, if your backyard is sloped or uneven, or if there are trees and shrubs in the way, you may want to pay the extra money in order to get your court level. An uneven bocce ball court isn’t worth playing on!
Consider Labor Costs if You Hire Someone to Build it
If you aren’t feeling prepared or capable enough to build your backyard bocce ball court on your own, you could always hire someone to build it for you. This may be something to consider, especially because many contractors can purchase materials at a lower price than the average consumer.
However, contractors or professionals need to be paid. The average bocce ball court can cost $20-$50 per square foot of installation depending on the contractor you find. While this will include everything, as well as materials, it may be less expensive to build the court yourself.
However, sometimes it pays to have something built professionally. You won’t have to worry about getting your concrete level or your frame even, if this is something you struggle with. Likewise, the process may take less time to complete with the help of skilled laborers.
How Much is a Bocce Ball Set?
What’s the most important thing you need after your court is built? You need a bocce ball set! While these are readily available at sporting goods stores or online, the prices can differ dramatically depending on the materials you want.
The average cost of a bocce ball set ranges anywhere from $20-$200, depending on the brand and materials. If you want a regulation set, the average cost should be about $100, unless you are hoping to buy from a specific brand.
You can get bocce balls in a variety of materials, from clay to plastic. There are more basic sets available, if you don’t want to buy a set that breaks the bank. See the latest price of this Amazon Basics Bocce Ball Set by clicking here.
Final Thoughts
Building a backyard bocce ball court can be a truly unique and fun addition to any home. Tackling a project such as this on your own can be easier than you think, especially given the ability to build one on a budget!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.