Bocce Ball is a relatively simple game, yet it is challenging enough to keep players hooked. The game consists of players trying to get a ball as close to a jack, or marker ball, as possible. That seems easy enough, but anyone who has played horseshoes, golf, or even bowling knows how hard it is to get hit or throw a ball (or other object) and ensure that it hits a precise target.
Bocce Ball is also easy to play just about anywhere, so it has become an increasingly popular backyard game. You can DIY your own bocce court, which will last you for a few games if you just want to have one ready for a party or other special event. But if you want to play Bocce in your backyard often – and if you play once, you will likely want to play again and again – you will need to have a more permanent court installed, one that will withstand the elements and thousands of hours of play.
The design experts at Triad Associates install beautiful and enduring Bocce courts for homes and businesses. We carefully assess the property and talk to the owner about what they would like for the space to ensure the best results, both for style and function.
Sizing
One of the first things you’ll want to do when designing your Bocce court is deciding what size it should be. The U.S. Bocce Federation says that official Bocce courts are 86.92 feet long and 13.12 feet wide. If you have the space on your property, and you are serious about your play, you’ll want to create a regulation size Bocce court. If you won a commercial property such as a community center or apartment complex, you should stick to the regulation size for a professional presentation.
However, if you are a homeowner who has limited space, you may want to modify your court to make it smaller. Our designers will work with you to determine the right size to fit the needs of your landscape while also ensuring that your game play options remain competitive and exciting.
Determining the Proper Location
Bocce courts need a long and thin strip of land that is also perfectly leveled. In most cases, the land itself will not be leveled, but rather, the sides of the court will be built up so that the surface of the leveled stone within it will be level. In order to get that material to be level and to stay level, the ground surface will still need to be properly prepared. That’s where our designers come in. They will assess the area where the court will be installed and make whatever changes are needed to create the right conditions for the court.
In many cases, preparing the site for the Bocce court will also involve evaluating the drainage. Excessive water will eventually cause the court to become unlevel, so managing the drainage through and around the area is essential for long-term success. Our designers will assess the drainage and will install any measures that are needed to keep the area dry and playable.
Choosing the Right Materials
The materials that you choose for your Bocce court have a big impact not just on the type of play you can enjoy on the court, but also the overall look of the court and the area surrounding it. Think of the Bocce court not just as a functional space, but as an extension of your home’s landscaping and exterior design.
Many beautiful stone options are available to border your Bocce court. Our designers will help you explore the options with samples, sketches, and 3D design software. You’ll be able to see what stones will look best in your space. Our designers will also talk you through the properties of the stone so that you understand the maintenance they will require, as well as the performance they will offer. They’ll help you choose the best stone to get the look you want and to offer the most benefits over time.
We’ll also help you choose the right fill material for the Bocce court. Many options are available, including gravel and crushed oyster shells. The different options will influence how your Bocce court performs over time, as well as how it looks. You can get different colors of fill, which will provide an interesting contrast with the border stone you choose. Our designers will help you understand how the different combinations will produce different results.
Accessorizing
The Bocce court itself is just one aspect of your exterior design. You can certainly have a beautiful Bocce court all on its own, but you would make a bigger impact by considering design elements around the court, as well.
Lighting is one of the most popular accessory elements for exterior design, and it can make a big impact if chosen well. Lighting can create beautiful accents while also enhancing visibility and safety in the space. Lighting can be recessed to enhance the ambience, or it can be hung in decorative fixtures.
Other accessory options for your Bocce court include pathways leading up to and around the court, a retaining wall or seating wall lining the court, and landscaping. Beautiful plants placed in the right location can have a significant impact on the overall design. Our designers will help you visualize all the options through the use of design software and sketches, and they will work to help you get the best results for your space.
Hire the Design Experts at Triad Associates to Build Your Bocce Court
The designers at Triad Associates have a reputation for their astonishing results and their superior service. Call us today to schedule a consultation with a designer for your new Bocce court, or for a total redesign of your outdoor space. We’re ready to help you create a beautiful new recreational space in your home or for your business. You’ll have hours of play and enjoyment ahead for you and your guests.
