June 15, 2025
How To Turn Your Backyard Into a Custom Pickleball Or Basketball Court

Looking to bring more fun, fitness, and function to your backyard? Installing a custom pickleball or basketball court is a great way to transform unused outdoor space into an exciting recreation zone for the whole family. Whether you’re planning pickup games with friends or teaching the kids to play, a professionally installed sport court offers endless value.
Total Paving helps homeowners across Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin design and build high-quality blacktop courts customized to their space, needs, and budget. Here’s how you can turn your backyard into a dream court for years of active enjoyment.
Step 1: Choose Your Sport Court Type
Before planning the layout, decide which sport—or combination of sports—you want to include. The most common backyard courts are:
- Pickleball Courts – A fast-growing favorite for families of all ages.
- Basketball Courts – From half courts to full-size key areas for shooting practice.
- Multi-Sport Courts – Combine pickleball, basketball, tennis, or even four-square in one convenient space.
Total Paving can create custom layouts with striping for multiple sports on a single surface.
Step 2: Plan The Court Dimensions & Layout
Every backyard is different, so your court design should reflect your available space and intended use.
Standard Backyard Court Dimensions:
- Pickleball Court: 20′ x 44′ (minimum playing area)
- Half Basketball Court: 30′ x 50′ or smaller for limited space
- Multi-Sport Courts: Custom sizes based on layout and markings
Our team will work with you to determine the best layout for performance, safety, and aesthetics—ensuring your court integrates seamlessly with your outdoor landscape.
Step 3: Select The Right Surface Material
For backyard sport courts, blacktop (asphalt) is a popular and reliable surface choice. It offers:
- Durability under frequent play and weather conditions
- Smoothness for consistent ball bounce
- Affordability compared to concrete or modular surfacing
- Low maintenance when properly sealed and striped
Total Paving specializes in professional asphalt paving for sport courts, driveways, and patios—ensuring long-term strength and performance.
Step 4: Add Custom Sport Court Striping
Once your asphalt surface is installed, the next step is custom striping. We apply sport-specific lines with precision and regulation accuracy, including:
- Pickleball boundary lines and service zones
- Basketball free-throw, three-point, and key markings
- Optional multi-sport overlays for versatility
We use high-visibility, weather-resistant paint designed to withstand outdoor play and seasonal changes, so your court stays sharp and playable for years.
Step 5: Consider Accessories & Enhancements
Want to take your court to the next level? Consider these optional features to enhance the look and function of your backyard court:
- Basketball hoops with adjustable height
- Net systems for pickleball or tennis
- Perimeter fencing for safety
- Court lighting for evening games
- Colored surface coatings for added grip and visual appeal
Our team can help you source and install the right accessories for your setup.
Why Build a Backyard Sport Court?
Backyard courts are more than just fun—they’re also a smart investment.
Benefits include:
- Encouraging healthy activity for kids and adults alike
- Hosting friends and family for games and gatherings
- Increasing property value with a premium outdoor feature
- Customizing your space to fit your lifestyle and hobbies
Whether you’re a serious player or just want to enjoy more outdoor time, a backyard court brings year-round value to your home.
Total Paving: Your Backyard Sport Court Experts
At Total Paving, we specialize in building high-quality blacktop surfaces and custom striping for residential sport courts. Our expert team brings years of experience, precise installation, and personalized design to every project.
Serving Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin, we’re ready to help you create the ultimate backyard court for pickleball, basketball, or both.
Contact Total Paving Today To Start Your Backyard Court Project In Northern Illinois & Southeastern Wisconsin
Ready to serve, shoot, and score right at home? Let Total Paving help you turn your backyard into a personalized pickleball or basketball court built for years of enjoyment. Get a free quote today for your custom court installation!