How to Build a Bocce Ball Court

Want to increase your outdoor leisure space? Building a bocce ball court is rewarding way to lure family and friends out to have some fun.

Start by laying out the limits of the court. In this case, we built a mini court with dimensions of 10' x 30' instead of the full court size of 60-90'. Install markings stakes with a 2' offset from each corner and check for square. Then use a mason string between the stakes to establish a level 2" above grade. If your yard has fall to it, use the highest point. Using flat bladed shovels, cut through the topsoil layer and excavate to 5.5" below the string line. You can use one loose string between corners to the check the level in the middle of the court.

Next, install 6x6 timbers 2' in from the mason's string. Drill a 1/2" hole in each and drive a 1' piece of #4 rebar through each hole.

Fill this first course with recycled concrete or 21-A gravel and compact with a rented plate compactor.

Continue installing another course of 6x6 timbers. Drill 1/2" holes in each end with a drill and long bit.

Drive a 2' piece of #4 rebar through the hole with a sledgehammer.

For the third level, install full length timbers at each end. Then cut (4) 10' pieces of 6x6 with a 45 degree miter on one end.

Again, pin each end with a piece of rebar.

For the last layer, install another full length end, (4) 5' 45 degree sides, and then pin the ends.

Next, fill the interior of the court with 3" of tennis court clay or other fine material.

Compact the material with a rented plate compactor. Move back and forth across with court in opposing directions.

Enjoy your new bocce ball court! As you play, the topping material can be smoothed with a landscape rake in between games.