A field-tested playbook from our backyard court builder team - from your first measurement to your first game. Built for DIY (Do it Yourself) installers and professional crews alike.
Every Game Tile Courts™ backyard build follows the same proven sequence. Stick to the order, and you’ll end up with a flat, square, great-playing court that lasts decades. Skip a step - especially in base prep - and small issues compound. Here’s exactly how we do it.
Typical Timeline
4–8 weeks
Install Crew
2–3 people
Tile Day Effort
1–2 days
Skill Level
DIY-friendly
01
Day 1 - 30 min
Measure & Site Assessment
Confirm your usable backyard footprint, slope, drainage path, and overhead clearances before you commit to a court size.
Measure length × width of the available area in feet and inches.
Note slope direction - aim for ~1% (≈1/8" per foot) to shed water.
Check overhead clearance for hoops (15'+ recommended) and clear sight lines.
Photograph the site from all four corners to share with your design specialist.
Pro tip - Send your photos and rough dimensions when you Request a Court CAD Layout - our team returns a to-scale drawing of the largest court that fits your yard.
02
Days 2–5
Court CAD Layout & Kit Selection
Lock in your sport mix, color palette, and kit tier so the entire package is sized to the inch.
Review your free Court CAD Layout - basketball, pickleball, multi-sport, or hockey.
Pick a kit tier: Starter, Pro, or Elite (Elite includes professional installation).
Choose colors from our Pantone-matched palette and add custom logos or key lines.
Approve the final CAD - package dimensions lock to within 1-inch symmetry.
Pro tip - Once your CAD is approved, the tile count, edges, ramps, corners, and accessories are all calculated for you - no guesswork.
03
1–3 weeks (varies by base)
Base Prep - Concrete, Asphalt, or Gravel
A flat, properly drained base is the #1 driver of long-term court performance. Build it once, build it right.
How long does a backyard court installation take from order to first game?
Most backyard courts move from approved CAD to first game in 4–8 weeks. Base prep is the longest variable - concrete typically takes 1–3 weeks including the cure window, while tile installation itself is usually completed in 1–2 days for a residential-sized court.
Can I install a Game Tile Courts™ court myself (Do it Yourself)?
Yes. Our Starter and Pro kits are designed for a confident DIY (Do it Yourself) builder with basic tools and one or two helpers. The tiles snap together by hand with a rubber mallet, and the only fasteners go around the perimeter. For larger courts or for homeowners who prefer turnkey delivery, the Elite kit includes professional installation by a Certified Installer.
What tools do I need for installation?
A rubber mallet, chalk line, tape measure, framing square, utility knife, drill with masonry bit (for perimeter anchoring), and Tapcon-style concrete screws. A circular saw with a fine-tooth blade is helpful for the occasional perimeter cut.
Do I need to glue the tiles down?
No. The field of tiles floats on the base and is held together by the integrated locking system. Only the perimeter edge tiles are mechanically anchored to the slab. This single-edge anchoring approach allows the surface to expand and contract naturally with temperature changes.
What if my slab is not perfectly flat?
Modular tiles tolerate normal slab variation up to about 1/4" over 10 feet. Larger high or low spots should be ground down or filled with a self-leveling compound before installation. Our team can review slab photos before you start to flag any spots that need attention.
Ready to plan your court?
Talk to a Game Tile Courts™ specialist for a free Court CAD Layout, base recommendations, and a same-day quote.
