Renovating, remodeling, and upgrading features at home are good investments in the long run. But these improvements aren’t limited to technical aspects like plumbing or aesthetic bits like re-tiling bathroom floors. Some home additions can be fun.
Adding a sports court to your backyard has many benefits. Whether it’s a basketball court or a volleyball court, having one will add value to your home. Although it’s an expensive project, the benefits outweigh the cost in many ways. Here are a few benefits of installing a backyard court.
It Encourages Exercise
These days, it’s easy for everyone to spend their free time facing a screen. With all the shows, video games, and social media, it’s easy to get sucked into the digital world and unknowingly spend hours and hours in it. Take a break from the screen, enjoy some fresh air, and have a fun game outside!
It’s a Healthy Outlet for Stress
Stress is inevitable, but there are ways to cope with it. One way is by getting it out of your system through physical activities. Cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, boosts your energy as it prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response. Cortisol triggers a surge of glucose to sustain large muscles in this time of stress, thus the energy boost. Curb the rush with a game or two.
You Can Play Any Time of the Day, Any Day of the Week
No more waiting time. Unlike courts for public use, you won’t have to wait for your turn with your very own at home. On top of that, it’s free! You can use it for as long as you want, any time you want.
It’s a Good Excuse to Have Friends Over
If there’s game night, now you can have matches on weekends with friends. Playing a sport is always more fun with the company you enjoy. It’s a great way to conclude a week’s stress and work. It’s a way of bonding, too. To add, if you have kids, it’s a way for them to play with their friends.
It Enhances Backyard Landscaping
A deck or a patio is a great addition to the outdoor space, but a sports court gives a backyard the oomph it deserves. This can only work if the design and placement compliment the layout of the backyard and the aesthetic of your home. Additionally, a sports court is a luxury amenity that can even affect the value of your home.
The number of details and the size of your outdoor court should be based on your commitment to the sport or lifestyle you and your family have, as this indicates how often and how used the court will be. If it’s mostly for casual play, the bare minimum materials and a half-court will do. But if you or another family member is dedicated to the sport, opt for materials and features that will help you practice and play better.
Some common home courts are basketball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. The cost of building one depends on the size, materials, and construction.
Basketball Courts
A basketball court is one of the most common additional features added to an outdoor space. Depending on the size of the backyard area, you can have a half-court or a full-court.
When it comes to residential basketball court surfacing, asphalt or concrete is used. Hardwood material may be ideal, but it’s best suited for indoor courts since direct exposure to sunlight and rain can cause warping. Both asphalt and concrete can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them great options for a backyard court. But of the two, concrete is more durable. It’s economical, low-maintenance, and fire-safe, making it resistant to high temperatures. Asphalt courts will chip and crack over time, which can be dangerous for players.
Tennis Courts
Another common outdoor court residents would love to have is tennis courts. Tennis court flooring is made with a variety of materials. Artificial grass, rubber, and clay are among the common ones. Just like basketball courts, tennis courts can be constructed with asphalt or concrete, too. Similarly, concrete is the recommended material for an outdoor tennis court.
Volleyball Courts
You can easily spot this summer sport being played by people on the beach. Sand is the ideal material for volleyball courts because of all the jumping this sport entails. Although the sand makes players exert more effort to jump and move around, it softens the blow on players’ knees and joints. When deciding to have sand for your volleyball court, remember to have the underlying surface excavated deep enough for the players not to feel. On the other hand, this project will cost a lot of money, time, and effort. It’s also high maintenance and a headache to clean afterward. An alternative to this would be the good ‘ol concrete. To have some bounce, you can install outdoor-resistant court flooring for volleyball courts.
Regardless of which sports court you plan to construct, you should ensure proper and regular maintenance to enjoy this amenity to the fullest and for a long time.
