What goes into building a DeShayes Dream Court? This blog will provide a step by step insight into the construction of one of our favorite courts. This particular client hosts a weekly men’s league, coaches his son’s basketball team and works out with his daughter, who is a Sophomore starting on the local high school basketball team. Aside from being a great sports facility this multi-use court is always a focal point at parties and events.
Once the township regulations regarding setbacks and lot coverage as related to basketball courts is determined the court size and location is staked out.
Thinking about a full court? First consideration is the grade. All four corners of the court need to be the same elevation, despite most residential properties having a typical slope of 2%, meaning a two foot drop over 100 feet. In most cases this can be accomplished by moving existing soil around and bringing in fill for a raised court. This often provides a great opportunity for a beautiful courtside patio as seen in this full multiuse DeShayes Dream Court designed and constructed in New Jersey.
Different sports have different color lines to avoid confusion. As depicted here with grey lines for volleyball, and white for basketball. Line color selections are unlimited.
The process begins with excavation, rough grading, geotextile fabric placement and 4 inches of clean stone for the base.
Installation of concrete forms for least deviation of elevation and installation of 3/8ths inch rebar, 30 inches on center in two directions forming a checkerboard of steel throughout the concrete slab, which keeps the concrete from pulling apart or moving up and down when cracks appear. The thermal expansion rate for concrete is 0.05 inches or the width of a dime for every 10 feet of length. On a 70-foot court that would be almost half an inch. Any good mason would guarantee a 70-foot-long slab of concrete will crack. The reinforcing rods keep the cracks from moving up and down and pulling apart maintaining a perfectly planed surface.
Placement of 4000 psi concrete with fiber mesh and a broom finish
The center line of the court from basket to basket is 2 feet wide, flat and level. Ensuring game conditions for practicing foul shots with a rim that is 10 feet above the court under the basket, at the foul line and at the top of the key
DeShayes performance sports flooring is installed on top of the concrete with the added benefits of a reduction in the potential for skeletal trauma, shin splints, concussions, along with a reduction in tendon and ligament damage. Sports flooring is available in all your favorite colors.
As an added amenity most clients install a giant pitchback that is 10 feet high 20 feet wide also known as a rebounder. Two other popular options are the net adjustment system, great for tennis, paddle tennis, badminton, pickleball and volleyball. To keep the action going on a night LED lights can be provided.
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