Backyard Sports Courts: Choosing the Right Turf for Multi-Code Play

Whether it’s a family tennis match, a quick basketball game, or backyard soccer practice, Kiwi homeowners are finding new ways to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Installing a backyard sports court is one of the best ways to encourage fitness, fun, and quality time — but choosing the right turf is crucial.

The right artificial grass sports surface can handle multiple sports, minimise maintenance, and stay safe and playable year-round. Here’s how to select the ideal turf for your multi-code backyard court.

Why Artificial Turf for Sports Courts?

Artificial turf has evolved far beyond imitation lawns. Today’s performance surfaces are designed for different sporting codes — each engineered to provide the right balance of traction, cushioning, and ball response.

For multi-purpose backyard courts, synthetic turf offers several key benefits:

• All-weather usability: Drains quickly, so you can play even after rain.
• Low maintenance: No mowing, watering, or constant repairs.
• Safety: Even surfaces and optional shock pads reduce injury risk.
• Versatility: Suitable for multiple sports on one surface.

It’s an excellent way to turn underused backyard areas into functional, family-friendly recreation zones.

Types of Backyard Sports Courts

Before choosing your turf, consider how you plan to use the space. Different sports have slightly different requirements:

• Tennis and multi-sport courts: Require consistent ball bounce and medium traction.
• Soccer and hockey training areas: Need shorter pile turf for speed and precision control.
• Basketball or netball zones: Perform best on firmer, low-pile synthetic surfaces.
• Putting greens: Benefit from dense, tightly woven fibres that replicate natural grass roll.

For households wanting flexibility, multi-sport turf is the best option — it’s designed to balance grip, speed, and cushioning for a variety of sports.

Pile Height and Shock Pads

Pile height refers to how tall the artificial grass blades are. It affects both playability and comfort:

• Short pile (10–15mm): Ideal for fast ball games like hockey or tennis.
• Medium pile (20–30mm): Suits multi-sport or family play areas.
• Long pile (35mm+): More cushioning for football-style games but less ideal for fast play.

Adding a shock pad beneath the turf is highly recommended for impact absorption. It reduces strain on joints and improves safety — especially for kids or older players.

Safety and Maintenance

Safety should always be a priority when designing a backyard court. Artificial turf provides consistent traction and eliminates muddy, uneven patches that can cause slips or falls.

Maintenance is straightforward:

• Brush the surface regularly to keep fibres upright.
• Rinse away dust or debris.
• Top up infill (if required) once or twice a year.

Compared to traditional hard courts, synthetic turf stays cooler, softer, and more forgiving underfoot — ideal for family use.

Installation Tips

A level, well-draining base is key to performance and longevity. Always ensure:

• Proper sub-base preparation using compacted aggregate.
• Drainage channels or perforations to prevent water pooling.
• Secure edging and tight joins to stop movement over time.

Professional artificial turf installers can also mark lines for multiple sports directly onto the turf or create modular areas for different activities.

Best Turf Products for Multi-Code Play

Modern multi-sport surfaces are built to mimic natural play while offering long-lasting durability. TigerTurf’s range of performance products caters to everything from home tennis courts to backyard training fields, balancing traction, ball roll, and shock absorption for all ages.

Whether you’re after a compact court or a larger recreation area, the TigerTurf NZ team can recommend the ideal solution for your space, climate, and usage.

Final Thoughts

A backyard sports court isn’t just a home upgrade — it’s an investment in family wellbeing and active living. With the right artificial turf, you can create a versatile, weatherproof surface that looks great and performs year-round.

From tennis to touch rugby, synthetic turf helps you bring the game home — without the mud, mess, or maintenance.