If you love volleyball, you might think that setting up this classic beach sport in your backyard requires nothing more than sand, a net, and a ball. However, before you pour bulk sand onto your lawn, know that there are a few additional steps required to create a successful gameplay area. The guide below explains what these are.

7 Steps to Creating a Sand Court for Volleyball

1. Determine the Dimensions

First, find a spot on your property with enough room for the court so that you’ll be able to play comfortably without cramping the landscape. In general, a standard sand court is 30 feet by 60 feet, with the longer side divided into equal halves. If you have a smaller yard, adjust the size as needed so long as you make sure it’s proportional to a standard court. 

2. Excavate the Soil

To create a level playing surface, you’ll need to remove the soil within the court’s borders. If possible, each half of the court should have a shallow U-shaped pit that’s about 2.5-feet deep in the center and 1-foot deep near the edges. 

3. Establish a Drainage System

Next, fill the pit with materials that help support drainage and prevent your court from washing away in a storm. First, lay the bottom of the pit with pea gravel until it’s a few inches deep. Then, place a perforated PVC pipe in the center of each court half so that it spans the entire width. Cover the pipe and gravel with a fabric landscape tarp designed for drainage. 

4. Install Frame

Position weatherproof planks along the court’s edge to help keep the sand in place. The planks should be tall enough that they span the remaining open height of the pit. 

5. Pour the Sand

With the border in place, fill the pit with bulk sand until it’s even and flat at the top of the frame. For the most comfortable playing experience, use fine silica sand.

6. Erect the Poles & Net

Place two metal poles at each edge of the court’s centerline. Attach the net to the pole, so it’s at your preferred playing height.

7. Install Edging

Place weatherproof foam or rubber barriers on top of the frame. This frame will help establish a clear border and prevent sand from spilling out onto the surrounding landscape.

Providing hardscaping supplies to Lincoln, NE, residents for more than 75 years, LP Stewart & Sons Inc. has what you need to create the perfect volleyball court. In addition to silica bulk sand, this supplier offers pea gravel and other landscaping supplies to ensure your court is layered for many years of clean and comfortable play. To learn more about their products, visit this affordable sand and gravel contractor online. If you’d like a price estimate or want to place an order, call (402) 423-5676.