Central Texas clay soil shifts with moisture, so the first step is a site assessment that checks grade, drainage, and whether the ground needs excavation or fill before any base layer goes down. The site assessment measures the footprint, typically 42 ft x 50 ft for a half-court, and confirms the site can support a concrete or asphalt base without seasonal movement causing surface cracks. Grass-covered yards almost always need excavation and grading before a base can be poured; laying a court directly on unprepared ground produces an uneven surface that holds water and fails early.
Base selection drives long-term durability. Concrete resists cracking better under Austin’s heat cycles but requires proper cure intervals before surfacing. Asphalt is more forgiving on sloped lots but needs a well-compacted sub-base to prevent low spots. Once the base is set, the builder applies the chosen surface, modular sport tiles or a poured acrylic coating, and installs painted court lines and the hoop system. Surface material choice also affects ongoing maintenance: acrylic coatings can be recoated when they fade, while modular tiles can be replaced section by section if damaged.
Fencing and lighting are included in the same project scope when needed, not treated as separate jobs after the court is finished. A final walkthrough covers every item in the written estimate: base condition, surface flatness, line marking, and any add-ons. That sign-off happens before the crew leaves the site, so there is no ambiguity about what was delivered against what was agreed.