Whether you’re building a volleyball court for a school, community center, private club, or even your backyard, getting the dimensions and flooring right is key. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about volleyball court construction from court sizes to flooring types, materials, and practical tips.

We’re keeping it simple, clear, and helpful, so even if you’re not an expert in sports facilities, you’ll feel confident after reading this.

Why Volleyball Court Design Matters

Before jumping into technical stuff, it’s worth understanding why proper court construction is important.

• Safety: A well-built court reduces injuries from slips, trips, or bad landings.

• Playability: Accurate court dimensions and quality flooring improve gameplay.

• Longevity: The right materials mean less maintenance and longer use.

• Compliance: If you’re building for competition, the court must meet official standards (e.g. FIVB or NCAA regulations).

In short, getting it right from the start saves money and headaches later.

Official Volleyball Court Dimensions (Indoor & Beach)

Let’s start with the size. Volleyball courts come in two main types: indoor and beach. They’re not the same, so it’s important to know which one you’re building.

Indoor Volleyball Court Dimensions

According to FIVB and NCAA standards:

• Court size: 18 meters long x 9 meters wide (59 ft x 29.5 ft)

• Attack line: 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) from the center line

• Service area: 9 meters wide behind each end line

• Free zone: At least 3 meters around the court (for safe movement); FIVB recommends up to 5 meters

• Ceiling height: Minimum 7 meters (23 feet); higher is better for competitive play

Example: High school gyms typically follow these dimensions, but might have tighter free zones depending on space.

Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions

Beach volleyball is slightly smaller and more flexible:

• Court size (2v2 format): 16 meters x 8 meters (52.5 ft x 26.2 ft)

• Free zone: Minimum 3 meters all around

• No attack line: Players can hit from anywhere on their side

• Sand depth: Minimum 40 cm (16 inches) of soft, clean sand

Tip: Beach courts are usually built with good drainage in mind, no one wants puddles during a match!

Flooring Options: Indoor Volleyball Courts

Choosing the right flooring makes a huge difference. Indoor volleyball courts have several flooring options, depending on your budget, use case, and desired performance.

1. Maple Hardwood Flooring (Best for Pro/Collegiate Use)

• Pros:
  –Excellent shock absorption
  -Long-lasting and repairable
  -Professional look and feel

• Cons:
  –Expensive
  -Requires regular maintenance

• Used by: NCAA, Olympic training centers, top-tier clubs

2. Vinyl or PVC Sports Flooring (Great for Schools)

• Pros:
  –Lower cost
  -Cushioned surface (reduces injuries)
  -Easy to clean

• Cons:
  –May wear faster in high-use areas
  -Less “bounce” than hardwood

• Example: A high school gym with mixed sports use often goes with PVC tiles or rolls.

3. Rubber Flooring (Multi-purpose use)

• Pros:
  –Durable and slip-resistant
  -Shock-absorbent
  -Great for training or recreational use

• Cons:
  –Less responsive for volleyball
  -Can feel too soft underfoot

4. Modular Interlocking Tiles (DIY-Friendly)

• Pros:
  –Easy to install and replace
  -Portable (great for temporary setups)
  -Comes in wood-like finishes

• Cons:
  –May feel plastic-y
  -Not ideal for pro-level play

• Best for: Small clubs, home gyms, or temporary volleyball courts

Flooring Options: Beach Volleyball Courts

Beach courts don’t need wood or synthetic floors, but they do need great sand.

Choosing the Right Sand

This is more important than people think. Beach volleyball sand should:

• Be washed and screened, with no rocks, shells, or debris
• Have the right grain size: not too fine (dusty) and not too coarse (hurts feet)
• Allow drainage: ideally, build the court on a slight slope with drainage layers underneath

Example Sand Specs (used by USA Volleyball):

• Grain size: 0.5mm to 1.25mm

• Silt/clay content: Less than 5%

• Depth: At least 40 cm (16 inches), with deeper layers for drainage if needed

Drainage Tip:

• Use a gravel base or drainage pipes underneath to prevent waterlogging.
• Build the court above ground level if you’re in a rainy area.

Court Construction Process (Step-by-Step)

Building a volleyball court takes planning. Here’s a simple breakdown:

For Indoor Courts:

1. Site preparation: Clean and level the surface.

2. Subfloor installation: Usually a plywood or rubberized underlayer.

3. Install flooring system: Hardwood, PVC, or tiles.

4. Mark court lines: Use paint or inlaid tape per regulation.

5. Install net system: Anchor posts securely and at correct height.

6. Lighting & ventilation: Ensure even lighting and proper air flow.

For Beach Courts:

1. Choose location: Preferably flat, sunny, and with natural drainage.

2. Excavate the area: About 1 meter deep for proper sand fill and drainage.

3. Install base layers: Crushed stone or gravel with drain lines if needed.

4. Add sand layer: 40+ cm of soft, clean beach sand.

5. Install boundary lines & net poles: Use buried sleeves or sturdy anchors.

6. Optional fencing: To keep the ball from flying off!

Things to Avoid When Building a Volleyball Court

• Skipping drainage: Especially on beach courts, poor drainage ruins everything.

• Incorrect dimensions: Always double-check measurements, especially for competition courts.

• Cheap materials: Low-cost flooring can end up costing more in repairs and injuries.

• Wrong sand type: Don’t just dump playground sand, it compacts and hurts feet.

• Improper net tensioning: Nets that sag or tilt affect gameplay and safety.

Cost Estimates (Ballpark)

The cost of building a volleyball court varies depending on the type and materials used. An indoor court with PVC or vinyl flooring typically costs between $15,000 and $40,000, while a hardwood indoor court is more expensive, ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. For outdoor setups, a beach volleyball court generally falls between $20,000 and $50,000. A basic backyard court setup is the most affordable option, with estimated costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

Tip: Prices vary by location, materials, and labor. Always get a few quotes from contractors and factor in maintenance costs.

Final Thoughts

Building a volleyball court isn’t just about laying some flooring or dumping sand, it’s about creating a space where people can safely enjoy the sport. Whether you’re planning a high-end indoor facility or a fun backyard setup, getting the dimensions, flooring, and materials right is essential.

Take the time to plan it properly, invest in quality materials, and follow the guidelines and you’ll have a court that serves your community or team for years.