How to Choose the Right Sport Court Surface
Posted on: 29 June 2017
If you're thinking of having a sport court installed in your yard or outside an apartment complex or other facility, you may be surprised to find out how many choices you have for its surface material. Concrete is a favourite choice and very durable, but it's good to also consider artificial turf, clay, or grass. Note a few tips for choosing the right sport court surface for your home or commercial complex.
Uses of the court
Very often a sport court will need to serve more than one purpose; it might be used for tennis as well as basketball, shuffleboard, and other such games. These games will all need their own lines, boundaries, and other markers.
While painting these markers on concrete is a good solution, you can also add them with temporary tape. This allows you to remove the tape or replace it as needed, so the markings aren't permanent and don't get in the way of certain game play or detract from the look of the court. However, this tape may not adhere very well to real grass, clay, or sand, so opt for concrete or artificial turf if you decide on using these temporary markings.
Resurfacing
All sports court surfaces will need maintenance; carefully consider what type of maintenance would be needed for your court and how often, especially given the amount of play the court will receive and your local area. For example, lots of rainfall can mean grass will grow quickly on your court and will need constant mowing, and concrete is more likely to soften and crack when exposed to heavy rainfall. Artificial turf, on the other hand, may allow that water to wash away. Extreme cold can cause concrete to get brittle and crack, and frost may form on real turf grass, causing damage during wintertime. Clay and artificial turf are often more durable against bitter cold and may need less maintenance in cooler climates.
Appearance
Don't overlook the appearance of a sports court, especially for a commercial complex. Concrete can be painted in a nice colour that enhances the area, and you won't need to constantly sweep up and contain clay or sand when you choose concrete, real turf, or an artificial surface. However, you might prefer something that looks more natural, and especially if the court is located in a park, or if you don't want to make your yard or complex seem overly industrial. Real turf or clay can be better choices for a natural look for your surface.
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