Backyard Projects · Sport Courts
So You Want to Put In a New
Pickleball Court
in Your Backyard
The fastest-growing sport in America is coming home. Here's everything you need to know before breaking ground.
Pickleball has officially jumped the fence — from community rec centers and retirement communities to backyards across the country. With over 36 million players and counting, it's no surprise that homeowners are eyeing their yards and asking: could I put a court back there?
The short answer is: probably yes. But the smarter question is whether you should — and if so, how to do it right. This guide breaks down everything from dimensions and surface choices to realistic costs and the neighborhood politics you didn't expect to deal with.
THE BASICS
Court Specifications at a Glance
A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. But the playing surface alone isn't enough — you'll need buffer zones around the court for safe play and movement. Most experts recommend a total footprint of at least 30 ft × 60 ft, with 34 ft × 64 ft being the comfortable standard.
Orientation tip: Align your court north-to-south whenever possible. An east-west orientation means players will be staring directly into the rising or setting sun, which ruins both gameplay and your social media lighting.