A couple from Missouri, Lindsey and Tyler Dobson, have turned their dream of having a backyard pickleball court into reality, completing the project for just £10,860 ($13,311), significantly less than the national average cost of £27,800 ($35,000). Their 45-day journey, which they documented online, aims to encourage others to undertake similar affordable DIY projects.
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Initially, the Dobsons developed their pickleball skills in informal matches on their driveway. After buying a new home with a spacious backyard, they finally had the opportunity to create their own dedicated court. Faced with the high costs associated with professional installations, they decided to approach the construction as a DIY endeavour.
To start the project, the couple hired a professional to help clear the designated 30-by-60-foot space and pour the essential concrete slab, which accounted for a significant portion of their budget at approximately £9,000 ($11,500). Lindsey, 33, noted that the entire construction process took 45 days, during which the most significant delay was the 30-day wait for the concrete to cure completely before they could apply the necessary finishing touches.
Once the concrete was set, the Dobsons faced the intricacies of resurfacing the court. Lindsey explained that using an acrylic resurfacer requires specific techniques, making it a challenge for novices. “No amount of YouTube tutorials can truly prepare you for the experience,” she remarked, highlighting the difficulty of managing the thick yet watery substance.
Tyler had to work quickly to pour multiple gallons at once while Lindsey used a large squeegee to spread the mixture evenly. Reflecting on the experience, Lindsey mused that it was clear why professionals charge a premium for this type of work, as there is certainly an art to getting it right.
The couple savoured a moment of triumph the day they painted the court bright green. Lindsey described it as “by far the most rewarding” part of the entire process, as it truly felt as if their hard work was paying off. However, the task of painting the court’s white boundary lines proved to be more laborious than anticipated, requiring meticulous measuring and taping.
The finishing touches included crafting a custom sign for their newly named Rountree Racquet Club out of an old headboard, which brought the overall vision to life. Once completed, the total cost for the project, including the concrete pad, resurfacing materials, paint, and a net, amounted to £10,860.
Although the court is completed, the Dobsons have set their sights on revamping a vintage camper parked beside the court, aiming to convert it into a lively hangout space and storage for their pickleball equipment. Lindsey noted, “It’ll be an extension of the Rountree Racquet Club.”
Their journey has gained immense popularity on social media platforms, with Lindsey sharing that the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The project has gone viral, and people have really connected with seeing the entire process and cost breakdown,” she stated. She believes their experience has clearly demonstrated that a backyard pickleball court is more accessible than many may realise.
One of the Dobsons’ primary objectives with their project was to showcase that achieving one’s dream doesn’t require a hefty budget or extensive experience. Lindsey expressed her hope that their story will inspire others to pursue their own DIY projects, reiterating that many ambitions are far more achievable than they may appear.
By tackling their backyard transformation, the Dobsons have created a space for family and friends to gather and enjoy pickleball, all while demonstrating that determination and creativity can lead to remarkable results without a significant financial burden.