Ah, the joys of summer! Backyard barbecues, warm evenings, and… bocce ball? Absolutely!

As an artist who loves to craft unforgettable experiences, I, Robert Kline, can tell you firsthand that a DIY bocce ball court is more than just a game area—it’s an invitation to connect, laugh, and create lasting memories.

Inspired by a friend’s suggestion (thanks, Janet!), I transformed an underutilized space in my backyard into a lively bocce ball haven. And let me tell you, the joy it brings is worth every ounce of effort.

This guide will walk you through the steps of constructing your very own backyard bocce ball court, perfect for both casual play and serious competition.

Planning Your Dream Bocce Ball Court

Before we dive into the construction, let’s lay the groundwork for a successful project:

Location, Location, Location:

• Flat Terrain: Choose a relatively flat area in your backyard to ensure a level playing surface.
• Drainage is Key: Opt for a spot with good drainage to prevent water from pooling on your court.
• Foot Traffic Flow: Consider the natural flow of foot traffic in your backyard and choose a location that won’t obstruct walkways.
• Size Matters: Decide on the dimensions of your court. Regulation size is 86.92 feet long by 13.12 feet wide, but you can adjust this to fit your space. We opted for a court 1/3 of the regulation size.

Gathering Your Bocce Court Building Supplies

Head to your local hardware or landscape supply store and gather these essential tools and materials:

Tools:

• STIHL Yard Boss® (or similar tiller/cultivator)
• Edger Attachment for tiller/cultivator
• Bolo Tines Cultivator Attachment for tiller/cultivator
• Drill with bits
• Miter saw
• Hammer
• Mallet
• Scissors and/or utility knife
• Wheelbarrow
• Shovels
• Rake
• Tamper
• Safety equipment (brush shield, gloves, safety glasses)

Materials:

• 16 – 4x4x8 pressure-treated wood boards
• Waterproofing deck stain and stain brushes
• Tape measure and flag markers
• White spray paint (or any light color)
• Weed barrier fabric and landscaping staples
• String
• 1/2″ x 1″ rebar

• 14 4 3/4″ wood screws

• Paver base (enough for a 1 1/2″ depth)
• Decomposed granite or screen washing (enough for a 2″ depth)
• 2×4 board (slightly shorter than your court’s width)
• Crushed oyster shell (optional)
• Bocce ball set and scoreboard

Bringing Your Bocce Ball Court to Life

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and build that bocce ball court!

Phase 1: Prepping the Ground

1. Protect Your Wood: Apply two coats of waterproofing stain to your 4×4 boards and allow them to dry thoroughly.
2. Outline Your Court: Use a tape measure, flag markers, and string to mark the perimeter of your court. Then, spray paint along the string to create a clear outline on the ground.
3. Edge it Out: Using an edger attachment on your tiller, cut along the painted outline of your court.
4. Till Time: Swap the edger attachment for the cultivator attachment and till the ground within the marked area, removing the grass and a couple of inches of topsoil.
5. Clear the Debris: Remove all the loose grass and soil from the tilled area.
6. Weed Barrier is Your Friend: Lay down weed barrier fabric over the entire tilled area to prevent pesky weeds from infiltrating your court. Secure the fabric with landscaping staples.

Phase 2: Constructing a Sturdy Frame

1. Frame It Up: Cut your stained 4×4 boards to size (using your miter saw) and start assembling the frame.
2. Secure with Screws: Use deck screws to securely fasten the boards at each corner. Add additional screws along the sides of the boards for extra stability.
3. Double Up for Durability: Cut more 4×4 boards and place them on top of the first layer of framing, creating a stacked effect. For a touch of visual interest, cut the ends of some boards at an angle to create an “entryway” to your court.
4. Anchor with Rebar: Drill pilot holes through the top layer of framing and into the ground. Then, hammer rebar spikes through these holes to anchor the frame securely.
5. Final Touch-Ups: Inspect the frame and apply additional waterproofing stain to any bare spots.

diy bocce ball court frame

Phase 3: Filling Your Court

1. Paver Base Layer: Evenly spread a 2-3″ layer of paver base within the framed area and use a tamper to compact it down.
2. Decomposed Granite Time: Add a 2-3″ layer of decomposed granite (or screen washing) on top of the paver base, ensuring an even distribution. Again, tamp it down firmly.
3. Leveling is Key: Use a long 2×4 board to level the surface of the decomposed granite, working it back and forth to create an even plane.
4. Optional Oyster Shell Finish: For a more traditional bocce ball court feel, you can add a final 2” layer of crushed oyster shell using the same spreading, tamping, and leveling techniques. Lightly misting the oyster shell with water can help with compaction.

diy bocce ball court frame

Game On! Caring for Your Bocce Ball Court

Your bocce ball court is ready for action! To ensure its longevity:

• Periodic Staining: Every couple of years, refresh the waterproofing stain on the 4×4 wood frame.
• Surface Refresh: Depending on wear and tear, you may need to replenish the decomposed granite or oyster shell every 3-4 years.
• Weed Control: Be proactive and apply weed killer to the playing surface each spring to prevent weed growth.
• Smoothing Things Over: Regularly smooth the playing surface with a stiff broom or the back of a rake to keep it even.

Bocce Ball: A Game for Everyone

Building this DIY bocce ball court has transformed my backyard into a hub of activity. From casual games with friends and family to lively competitions, it’s amazing how this simple game brings people together.

So, grab your bocce balls, invite your loved ones, and get ready for some fun. And remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process, the company, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and entertaining with your own two hands.

Now, who’s up for a game? Share your bocce ball court experiences in the comments below!