How we Built a Backyard Bocce Court (with Typical Dimensions)

Are you ready to transform your backyard into a fun gaming area? Well, get excited because today I’m going to share with you how we created our very own backyard bocce ball court. Not only did we manage to squeeze this gem into our cozy lakeside vacation spot, but we did it with style using durable materials and clever design choices. So, grab your tools and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how you can craft your very own backyard bocce court… plus the typical backyard bocce court dimensions!

The Backyard Bocce Ball Court Plan

Picture this: a tranquil lake, the scent of pine in the air, and the sound of laughter as your family enjoys a rousing game of bocce ball. That’s the scene we envisioned when we decided to add a bocce ball court to our Tiny Lake House vacation rental. Our goal was simple – to create a space where friends and family could gather for some friendly competition and endless fun. And with a bit of creativity and elbow grease, we turned that dream into a reality!

Materials for our Court

First things first, let’s talk materials. We wanted our bocce court to withstand the test of time, so we opted for MicroPro Sienna pressure-treated lumber 4x4s. (MicroPro Sienna gifted us this lumber because I worked with them on an Instagram sponsored post.) Not only does it boast longevity in outdoor applications, but its warm wood color perfectly complements the aesthetic of our new fence and front porch. Plus, using quality lumber ensured that our court would stand up to the elements, allowing us to enjoy countless games for years to come.

Preparing the Ground for the Court

With our materials in hand, it was time to get down to business. We marked out the area in our backyard where we wanted our court to be, laid down some landscape fabric as a weed barrier, and spread some crushed gravel to create a solid foundation with a shovel. The gravel also acts as a rocky drainage layer.

We weren’t too worried about drainage because we positioned the court on the highest grade of the backyard. However, you could add a French drain near your court to allow for proper drainage.

Typical Backyard Bocce Court Dimensions

Now, when it comes to bocce ball court dimensions, we had a bit of a dilemma. According to the United States Bocce Federation, regulation bocce ball courts are a whopping 86.92 feet long and 13.12 feet wide – a bit too large for our petite lakeside retreat. Instead, we settled on a more modest size, crafting a court that was 30 feet long and 10 feet wide. This allowed us to make the most of the 10-foot long lumber while still fitting snugly into our backyard oasis.

But wait, what about those typical backyard bocce court dimensions? Ah, yes – while the official specs might be a bit much for some, the typical backyard court usually clocks in at around 60 feet long and 12 feet wide. Of course, these dimensions can vary depending on the size of your yard, so feel free to get creative and tailor your court to fit your space perfectly. You’ll want enough room so that the court isn’t too close to your property line, and so that you can do any landscaping needed around the court.

Creating the Bocce Court Frame

With our dimensions locked in, it was time to start building. We assembled a sturdy frame using the 4×4 lumber, securing it with long bolts, pocket holes, and L brackets for extra stability.

Next, we dug some holes into the dirt and planted six 8-foot-tall 4×4 posts at the corners and center of the wooden border. We secured the posts with some gravel in the holes.

These posts not only provided additional support but also served as the perfect perch for some solar-powered outdoor lights – because who says the fun has to stop when the sun goes down?

Adding the Final Touches

With the structure in place, it was time to add the finishing touches. We shoveled some beach sand onto the court, creating a soft playing surface. Of course, if sand isn’t your thing, you could always opt for an artificial turf layer, clay layer, pea gravel layer, or even a crushed oyster shell layer on top.

Artificial turf would allow you to paint on some foul lines, but you can simply use stakes as markers if you’re using other material.

So far we’re happy with the beach sand on top of our court, though it does require maintenance with regular raking.

And just like that, our backyard bocce ball court was created! With its warm wood accents, twinkling lights, and inviting playing surface, it quickly became the centerpiece of our outdoor oasis. Whether we’re enjoying a lazy afternoon game with the family or hosting a lively tournament with friends, our bocce court never fails to bring joy and laughter to all who gather around it.

I especially love how the court looks at night:

So, there you have it – a step-by-step guide to creating your very own backyard bocce ball court. With a little creativity and a lot of elbow grease, you too can transform your outdoor space into a haven of fun and relaxation. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tools and get ready to craft some memories that will last a lifetime!

How to Play Backyard Bocce Ball

Bocce is played with big balls and a small target ball called a pallina. Each team has four balls of a different color or pattern. I bought a bocce ball set here from Amazon.

You can play with one, two, or four players on each team. For four players, each throws one ball; for two players, two balls each; and for one player, four balls. Decide on the playing order at the start.

Start by tossing a coin to see who goes first. The winning team chooses to toss the pallina first or pick their ball color. Roll or toss the pallina past the court’s center line and within bounds.

The team tossing the pallina delivers the first ball. If it goes out, they try again. Then, the other team throws until they get closer or use all their balls. Keep alternating until all balls are thrown.

No stepping over the foul line (if you have one)! If you do, you’ll get a warning. A second violation awards points to the other team for that frame.

Points are scored for balls closest to the pallina. The game ends when a team reaches 16 points. Have fun tossing those balls and aiming for victory!

Our New Fence at the Tiny Cabin

This posts features photos from when we had the old fence, but click here to see how we created a gorgeous & modern horizontal slat fence at the cabin!