Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard pickleball court, a basketball court for the grandkids, or a multi-sport surface the whole family can enjoy, installing a sport court is a significant investment. Done well, it can provide decades of recreation while adding value to your home.
But we’ve seen homeowners make a few common mistakes that end up costing far more than they expected.
Here are three of the biggest mistakes to avoid when planning a backyard sport court.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Location
It may seem obvious to place a court wherever you have enough open space, but location affects far more than convenience.
A professional sport court installation takes into account:
- Sun exposure throughout the day
- Existing drainage patterns
- Tree roots and overhanging branches
- Slope and grading
- Access for construction equipment
- Distance from neighboring homes
For example, placing a pickleball court where players are constantly looking into the afternoon sun can make games frustrating. Likewise, installing a court where water naturally collects can shorten its lifespan and create maintenance headaches.
An experienced contractor will evaluate your property before recommending the best location rather than simply building wherever there’s room.
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Importance of Proper Base Preparation
One of the biggest factors affecting the life of any basketball court, pickleball court, or multi-sport court is something you’ll never see after construction is complete—the base underneath it.
The surface is only as good as the foundation beneath it.
Proper excavation, grading, drainage, compaction, and base materials are essential to prevent:
- Standing water
- Surface cracking
- Uneven settling
- Low spots
- Premature repairs
While it’s tempting to compare quotes based only on price, differences in base preparation often explain why one proposal costs more than another.
The lowest bid isn’t always the best value if shortcuts are taken where you can’t see them.
Mistake #3: Planning Only for Today
Many homeowners focus on what they want today without considering how they’ll use the space over the next 10 to 20 years.
Ask yourself:
- Will grandchildren be using the court?
- Would you like room for multiple sports?
- Do you want lighting for evening play?
- Will you eventually add fencing, seating, or landscaping?
Planning ahead during the initial sport court design often costs very little compared to making changes later.
For example, installing conduit for future lighting while the excavation is already open is far easier than digging everything up years later.
Thinking long-term helps protect your investment and ensures your court continues to fit your family’s needs.
Work With a Contractor Who Understands the Entire Project
A backyard sport court isn’t just a flat piece of pavement.
It’s part of your landscape.
The best projects consider grading, drainage, retaining walls, walkways, landscaping, irrigation, and how the court fits naturally into your property.
At Wall and Company, we’ve spent years helping homeowners throughout the Spokane area transform their outdoor spaces. Our experience designing and building complete landscapes allows us to create sport courts that look like they were always meant to be there—not simply added as an afterthought.
If you’re considering a pickleball court installation, basketball court, or custom backyard sport court, we’d be happy to discuss your goals and help you determine the best approach for your property.
Involved In the Process
After initially meeting with Greg, the couple worked with Project Manager Adam to develop a plan that reflected their ideas, the characteristics of the property, and the realities of the Inland Northwest climate. Once construction began, Foreman Spencer took over day-to-day management of the project and continued working closely with Jim and Mary as the landscape evolved.
“Spencer and I created a sort of bond, where I would give ideas and we would work together to incorporate them into the plan,” says Mary.
A Challenge Presented Itself Early On
That collaborative approach proved especially valuable because the project site presented a unique challenge. Located on a fairly steep hillside, the area offered limited access for equipment and materials. Before installation could begin, Wall & Company excavated a temporary road-sized access path from the street to the project area, allowing crews to safely transport materials and equipment to the site.
With access established, construction moved forward and the design began to take shape. Throughout the project, ideas were refined, details were adjusted, and the landscape evolved into a highly customized outdoor space tailored specifically to the property.
Careful With The Plants
At Wall & Company’s suggestion, Mary and Jim wanted to be sure the plants they selected were right for the Inland Northwest. Adam pointed them to Gibson’s Nursery, where they could see each plant suggested, and visualize in their new landscape. “We went to a local greenhouse and selected plants specifically designed for our area”, says Mary.
About the Xeriscape
Jim and Mary’s landscape features a variety of carefully selected elements that combine visual appeal with long-term durability and low maintenance. Basalt columns create a dramatic focal point, while decorative pavers embedded in crushed stone pathways guide visitors through the space. Concrete edging provides clean separation and weed control, and multiple colors and sizes of crushed stone add texture and visual contrast.
A concealed drip irrigation system delivers water efficiently to the landscape’s plant material, helping conserve water while promoting healthy growth.
And Today?
Today, Jim and Mary enjoy a landscape that complements both their property and their lifestyle. What began as a search for a lower-maintenance alternative to a traditional lawn ultimately became a complete transformation of their outdoor living space.
Looking back on the experience, Mary says the entire process exceeded their expectations.
As Mary puts it,
“Wall & Company was perfect to work with. From start to finish, every phase of the project, they were on it. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Thank you Mary! And to be fair, you and Jim were a delight to work with as well.
Adam Kruse and Joshua Wall
Wall & Company