DIY Guide

Backyard Court Setup Checklist

Set up your own pickleball court at home with this step-by-step guide.

Official Court Dimensions

44 ft

Length

20 ft

Width

7 ft

Kitchen (NVZ)

34"

Net Height (center)

Recommended space: 30ft x 60ft minimum (includes buffer zone for safe play)

Court Layout Reference


|<-------------- 20 ft ------------->|

+------------------------------------+  ---
|                                    |   |
|           SERVICE AREA             |   |
|            (Left)                  |  15ft
|             10x15                  |   |
+------------------+-----------------+  ---
|                  |                 |   |
|    KITCHEN       |     KITCHEN    |  7ft
|     (NVZ)        |      (NVZ)     |   |
+==================+================+  --- <- NET (34" center, 36" sides)
|                  |                 |   |
|    KITCHEN       |     KITCHEN    |  7ft
|     (NVZ)        |      (NVZ)     |   |
+------------------+-----------------+  ---
|                                    |   |
|           SERVICE AREA             |   |
|            (Right)                 |  15ft
|             10x15                  |   |
+------------------------------------+  ---

         |<-- 44 ft total length -->|

Phase 1: Planning

Measure your space

Need minimum 30ft x 60ft for full court with buffer

Check surface type

Concrete, asphalt, or sport court tiles work best

Verify level ground

Use a level - slight slope for drainage is OK

Check local regulations

HOA rules, noise ordinances, permits if needed

Plan orientation

North-south preferred to minimize sun glare

Phase 2: Equipment Shopping

Portable Net SystemShop $90-$300

Regulation 22ft wide, 34" center height

Court Marking Tape or Paint$30-$80

2" wide tape (temporary) or line paint (permanent)

Measuring Tape (100ft)$15-$30

For accurate court dimensions

Chalk Line Tool$10-$20

For straight lines on concrete

Paddles & BallsShop $100-$300

For actually playing!

Phase 3: Court Marking

Mark center point

Start from center of where net will be

Measure baseline to baseline

44 feet total length

Measure sideline to sideline

20 feet total width

Mark non-volley zone (kitchen)

7 feet from net on each side

Mark service areas

10ft x 15ft boxes on each side

Mark centerline

Divides service areas

Apply tape or paint

Follow your chalk lines

Phase 4: Net Setup

Position net posts

Exactly at sidelines, centered

Assemble net frame

Follow manufacturer instructions

Attach net to frame

Ensure proper tension

Check center height

Must be 34 inches at center

Check sideline height

Must be 36 inches at posts

Secure net system

Sandbags or stakes if needed

Phase 5: Final Checks

Walk the court

Check for debris, cracks, hazards

Test the net

Push on it - should be stable

Verify all measurements

Double-check critical dimensions

Take photos

Document your setup for reference

Play a test game!

Make sure everything feels right

Estimated Setup Costs

Budget Setup

$150-$250

Basic net + tape lines

Standard Setup

$250-$450

Quality net + painted lines

Premium Setup

$450-$800

Pro net + permanent lines

Important Considerations

  • * Check with your HOA before setting up a permanent court
  • * Consider noise - pickleball can be loud for neighbors
  • * Temporary tape is removable; paint is not
  • * Leave buffer space around the court for safety (5ft minimum)
  • * Proper court shoes prevent injuries on hard surfaces

Need More Courts?

Find public courts near you while setting up your own!