Why we don't like synthetic surfaces for outdoor bocce courts
Bocce courts around the world are dressed in the traditional artificial turf. They say it's the best turf on which to play. But perhaps there's another, eco-friendly way on which to play your favorite sport? In order to have successful, damage-free bocce game, the court must be smooth and firm. But can an oyster shell court provide the kind of productive and protective turf? Is it higher maintenance that artificial turf? Let's take a look at how an oyster shell court can provide a productive bocce game.
The key factor for me regarding synthetic vs. our natural RCB is that an imperfection in the court levelness on a Boccemon court can be fixed while they are permanent flaws with synthetics.
-Tom McNutt, Owner of Boccemon
Oyster Shell Versus Artificial Turf
Oyster shells are a pretty universal and natural element. They are found in most compost because their minerals help enrich the soil for planting. Plain, crushed oyster shells are used to cover the court of a bocce area but offer a whole different experience on the playing field. They make for a smoother terrain and are often found in cement materials. It makes up of rich calcium carbonate, and supplant for limestone. Oyster shell courts are eco-friendly and provide a stable playing surface with adequate drainage for when it rains. It's an ideal choice when you want an authentic look and feel of traditional Italian Bocce. With an oyster shell court, it's imperative to rake after each session to ensure the appearance firm ground remains intact. Depending on the used season, you may need to refill the court as it begins to break down. While it may seem like a tedious job after every session, one benefit alone is that when the weather reaches a certain heat index, you don’t have to be concerned with the chemicals or rubber smell that synthetic grass emits.
Artificial turf is synthetic grass mimicking the appearance of real grass. Most are familiar with this type of turf and are comfortable playing a surface such as this. It’s easy to shift and move around and the upkeep can be very simple. This type of grass offers a flat surface but should be covered with a tarp to avoid rain damage. Unlike the oyster shell, artificial turf could damage easily if not taken care of right away. According to a 2012 study, installation costs were an average $4 to $10 per square foot. Artificial grass may not need the same requirements as regular grass, but it does require some maintenance and should be replaced every twenty years.
Which Kind of Turf is Right for Me?
Whether you want to build your own bocce court or you plan on leaving it to the hands of a professional, it’s your choice to what kind of court works for you. Both kinds of courts are used by Bocce lovers all over the world. But if you’re looking for a more traditional appearance and more environmentally friendly option, oyster shells are the way to go. Raking and filling the breakdown and shifting of the shells natural appearance is a small price to pay for something as authentic and cost-effective in the long run. Boccemon provides natural RCB they can easily be fixed to provide functional levelness while synthetic turf has permanent flaws that cannot be recovered.
Are you ready to give your current Bocce court a revamp? Perhaps you’re considering installing one of your own for the first. Let us help you make a decision that will leave a positive lasting impression for years to come. Our experts at Boccemon can help! Contact us for a quote and more information to get started.