FAQ
What is the official size of a bocce court?
The US Bocce Federation suggests official to be exactly 87.6 feet in length. Width can be 10’ or 12’. The Bocce Standards Association has another thought on this matter. For recreational players, many courts are being built at 10’ x 60’. This, ”recreational” size is convenient for most yards, and provides enough court to satisfy a majority of players.
What should the perimeter be made out of?
Depends on the desire of the court owner. Wood is most common. Cement perimeters are becoming more popular due to the increase in courts built in public spaces.Typically with concrete perimeters, wood is incorporated with the inside railings where the balls make contact (see Auburn courts in our Gallery section). The truer you want your bank shots the denser wood you should use. One pitch for wood in a residential application is that typically you won’t need a permit to build your court. However, consult your local building codes to verify if you can take advantage of this exemption. We built our first one in the public right of way, calling it “extensive landscaping” and no permits were required.
What is the official court surface?
We have searched extensively but have yet to find any documentation on this. Oyster shell, stone fines, and clay surfaces are all used in National qualifying tournaments. There is no single surface officially sanctioned by the USBF, or anyone else for that matter.
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Why oyster shells?
“Low maintenance, and excellent playability” is the short answer. If you have an hour and a half, rent the 1999 video biography by Charles Winkler - Rocky Marciano, starring George C. Scott.
Is synthetic turf used in national qualifying events?
A. No. However, turf courts are great for practicing basic open bocce skills. They are also essentially maintenance free. We recommend “non-directional” or “all-directional” turf as opposed to the “bent grass” style. This surface is ideal for larger residential communities and some indoor applications.
How do we know which surface is best for our application?
A. Prior to the Internet, people talked directly to each other. Feel free to implement this method. Call us @ (360) 224-2909.
How much drainage is enough?
A. This depends on the surface, the amount of rain you get, and the local soil conditions. We discuss this issue one on one with people from all over the country. Call us @ (360) 224-2909
There are three key factors to consider when designing a bocce court. Speed is good! Bounce is Bad. Maintenance should be minimal. A fourth consideration should be drainage. To maximize the playing time on your court it must drain appropriately. A clay court would have a different drainage layout than one of oyster. If you are unsure – Call us @ (360) 224-2909!