How to Build a DIY Backyard Soccer Field
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Families who are into real pick-up games can build their own soccer field at home. Building a soccer field is not really rocket science when you have enough space for it and know how to build a DIY backyard soccer field.
How to Build a DIY Backyard Soccer Field
You can easily turn any backyard into a soccer field with the right materials, tools, and equipment. Hiring professional workers is not really necessary when you also know the things to consider.
Choose an Area for the Soccer Field
It’s easy to build a DIY goal with the right tools: a high-quality impact wrench, drills, saw. Setting up the field itself is another story. Whether you are planning to build an entire field with 2 goals, a smaller version of the standard field, or just a half field, it all starts with choosing the area for the turf.
Avoid areas with surfaces that don’t drain water well, or you will end up dealing with damp spots.
Choose the correct type of soil for a soccer field. There are ways to condition fine-textured soil as well as coarse-textured soil so they can be fit for natural grass, should you consider this type.
The field should receive enough amounts of sunlight and water to promote the growth of natural grass.
Avoid excessively uneven terrain. The most ideal slope is 1% to 2%.
Determine the Size
Building a soccer field in the backyard does not mean sticking to the FIFA standard size which is 110-120 yards by 70-80 yards. You can go for a half-court or make a smaller version of the full field.
The smallest size for a soccer field is 15 yards by 20 yards, but for a group of 4 per team, 30 yards by 50 yards should be great. Alternatively, 40 yards by 60 yards will do for children of around 10 years old.
Decide Which Surface Material to Use
The type of material to use on a soccer field is either natural grass or artificial. Of course, your budget and the size of the field will be the main factors to consider in your decision.
Natural Grass
Choosing natural grass will save you more money than artificial turf. A square foot of seed only costs around $.05, whereas sod costs around $.48 for every square foot. While this is the cheaper option for a soccer field surface, it has several disadvantages, too.
There is more effort involved when you choose natural grass. Planting takes time and maintenance is necessary every now then. There should be access to enough sunlight and water. Also, natural grass gets damaged easily and would take some time to fully repair itself.
Installing Natural Grass
Unless your yard is already covered in grass, you would have to grow grass yourself. Here are the steps for planting grass seeds for a soccer field.
Use a rake to loosen the soil. The seeds won’t grow well with dense soil.
Use a drop spreader if not a rotary spreader to scatter the seeds in even portions.
Lightly roll the machine against the surface of the soil to ensure good seed-soil contact.
Water the area daily until the grass reaches 3.75 inches, which means it is ready for its first mowing.
Mow the grass but leave 2.5 inches.
Tip: You may need to overseed some parts for fast, even cover.
Artificial Turf
Many installers would agree that artificial turf is the better choice for a soccer field surface. It is more expensive at $2-$8 for every square foot but is longer-lasting. The cheaper types are made of nylon, while the best ones are made of plastic fiber infused with rubber and sand materials.
Installing Artificial Turf
While you get instant results when you use artificial grass for a soccer field, installation takes some time and skills. You might need help from friends, too. Should you like to go the DIY route, here are the installation tips to help you.
Plan the measurements and create a layout.
Make sure to even the surface before installation. Use gravel if necessary.
Install the shock pads. Always start unrolling in the same direction.
Lay out the turf rolls over the shock pads. Straighten the turf rolls to remove wrinkles.
Put the seam tape under the grass roll and apply adhesive. Make sure to apply adhesive on the back part of the grass roll, too, before you connect the two.
Cut out any excess grass roll neatly.
Install the markings. Use white artificial grass for football markings.
Install the silica sand. Remember that this should settle at the bottom. You need to rent equipment to help spread the sand evenly.
Install the rubber infills. This is done in the same way as the silica installation.
Get the Right Equipment
The two most important pieces of equipment are the soccer ball and the goal/s. It is up to you to choose the brand, but Wilson, Adidas, and Under Armour are some of the most popular brands for a soccer ball. Regardless, you can make a soccer ball last longer with proper care and maintenance.
The price of a soccer goal depends on its materials, brand, and size. You can also make your own soccer goal using PVC and rope.
Check the Rules and Regulations in Your Area
While building a soccer gym in the backyard isn’t usually a big deal, you would still want to check if your area prohibits this addition at home. For example, properties in a historical district would not allow such an addition. Also, learn the homeowners association’s say on this.
Conclusion
Learn how to build a DIY backyard soccer field and turn a vacant lawn into a sports and entertainment turf. Choosing the right size of the field and surface material, and getting the right equipment are all part of the steps to building a soccer field at home.
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