How to Build a Perfect Backyard Soccer Field: A Step-by-Step Guide

Building a backyard soccer field sounds like an exciting project, but where do you begin? Whether you want a space for family games or a more serious training ground, creating the perfect field requires careful planning and the right materials.

Many people overlook key factors like turf quality, proper ground preparation, and maintenance, which are crucial for a long-lasting and safe field. In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of the process—from choosing the best turf to installing it correctly and keeping it in great shape for years to come.

Planning Your Backyard Soccer Field

Determine Size: A full-size soccer field (75×120 yards) is unrealistic for most backyards, so scale it down. For kids or casual play, a 20×30-yard field (600 sq yards or ~5,400 sq ft) works well. Adjust based on your available space, maintaining a width-to-length ratio of about 0.625:1.

Location: Choose a flat area with good sunlight and minimal tree cover to avoid debris buildup. Ensure it’s not too close to fragile structures (e.g., windows) due to stray balls.

Drainage: The site should be slightly sloped so that standing water can drain away easily. Should your backyard be susceptible to water accumulation, installing a drainage system might be a desirable course of action.

Choosing the Right Turf for Your Soccer Field

When it comes to building a soccer field, synthetic turf is the best choice. In contrast to natural grass, which is vulnerable to damage from extensive usage, synthetic turf has the capability to endure the effects of continuous activity. It provides a consistent surface that’s perfect for soccer, ensuring you don’t have to worry about patches or uneven areas affecting the game.

Why Choose Turf for Your Backyard Soccer Field?

• Durability: Turf stands up to heavy use without wearing out, making it perfect for active families.
  
• Low Maintenance: No mowing, watering, or reseeding – turf stays neat with little effort.
  
• Weather Resistance: Turf handles all kinds of weather, staying in great shape no matter the season.

With turf, your family can enjoy the soccer field all year long, rain or shine, without worrying about maintenance or weather damage.

Factors to Consider: Pile Height, Density, and Material

When selecting turf, consider these key factors:

• Pile Height: This refers to the length of the grass blades. For soccer, a medium pile height (around 1 to 1.5 inches) is ideal, as it offers a good balance between comfort and durability.
  
• Density: A higher density of turf signifies a greater number of grass blades per square inch, resulting in a surface that appears fuller and offers enhanced durability. Higher density turf feels more like real grass and performs better.
  
• Material: Choose high-quality materials like polyethylene or nylon. These materials have been engineered to withstand significant foot traffic, guaranteeing the longevity of the field.

Preparing the Ground for Soccer Turf Installation

Clearing the Area and Removing Debris

Prior to installing the turf, it’s crucial to thoroughly remove all debris, rocks, and any existing old grass from the area. This step guarantees a clean and even surface for the turf to be laid upon. Remove any weeds, sticks, or large objects that could affect the turf’s performance and longevity.

Leveling the Ground and Ensuring Proper Slope for Drainage

The ground should be leveled to prevent uneven areas, but also slightly sloped to allow for proper water drainage. A slight slope (about 1-2%) helps water flow off the turf, preventing puddles or water buildup. This is crucial for maintaining the quality of the turf over time.

Installing a Weed Barrier for Long-Term Protection

A weed barrier is an essential step in turf installation. It prevents weeds from growing up through the turf, which could damage the surface and affect the look of your field. Install a high-quality, breathable weed barrier that will stand up to the elements and provide long-lasting protection.

DIY Backyard Turf Soccer Field

1. Unroll the Turf: Start by unrolling the turf across the prepared ground. Lay it down gently to avoid wrinkles or folds.
   
2. Align the Seams: Ensure that the seams of the turf pieces align properly, without overlaps. This helps create a smooth, uniform surface.
   
3. Trim Excess: If the turf is too long, trim it to fit the edges of your field using a sharp utility knife.
   

Securing and Cutting Turf for Edges and Corners

Once the turf is laid out, you’ll need to secure it:

Tack the Turf Down: Use turf staples or nails along the edges to keep the turf in place. Be sure to press them deep enough to hold the turf without damaging the surface.

Cut for Edges and Corners: Use a utility knife to carefully cut the turf around the edges and corners of your field. Make sure the edges are straight and neat for a clean, professional look.

Infill Options and Their Benefits

After the turf is laid and cut, you’ll need to add infill. Infill plays a vital role in maintaining the upright position of turf fibers and offers cushioning properties. There are different options:

Sand: Sand is commonly used because it’s cost-effective and adds weight to the turf, keeping it in place.

Rubber: The rubber padding provides better shock absorption, helping to reduce impact on players’ joints, making it ideal for sports such as football.

Combination of Both: Many turf installations use a mix of sand and rubber to balance weight and comfort, providing the best of both worlds.

Adding the right infill will enhance the durability, performance, and comfort of your soccer field.

Maintenance Tips

• Brush weekly to keep fibers upright and infill even.
• Remove debris (leaves, twigs) with a blower or rake.
• Hose down occasionally to clean dust or stains.
• Check infill levels annually and top up as needed.

Design Your Backyard Soccer Field

Want to make your soccer field feel like the real deal? Consider adding boundary lines and goals:

• Boundary Lines: You can easily mark the field with turf-safe tape or paint. If you want a more permanent solution, turf paint works great for creating clean, sharp lines.
• Goals: Installing a goal (or two) adds the finishing touch. Whether you choose a portable option or a more permanent setup, make sure they’re securely anchored so they stay in place during the game.

Don’t let the setting sun stop the fun—add lighting for those evening matches: 

Set up some weatherproof LED floodlights around your field. These lights will ensure you can keep playing even when it gets dark.

Why limit yourself to just soccer when your turf can be used for more?

Turf is tough enough for more than just soccer. Set up a mini basketball hoop, volleyball net, or even a small putting green. Use your field for family games, outdoor workouts, or a backyard movie night. The turf gives you endless possibilities for fun and exercise.

How Much Does it Cost to Install a Turf Soccer Field?

Constructing a backyard soccer field is an exhilarating endeavor, yet it is essential to grasp the associated costs. The overall expenditure can fluctuate depending on several pivotal factors:

What Affects the Cost?

1. Turf Quality: Opting for higher-quality turf might entail a higher price tag, but it guarantees superior durability and performance. The material (e.g., polyethylene or nylon) impacts both the feel and longevity of the field.
   
2. Field Size: The size of the field directly correlates with the amount of turf required, thereby influencing the overall cost, with larger fields necessitating more turf and resulting in higher expenses. Consider how much space you have and whether you want a full-sized field or a more compact version that fits your backyard.
   
3. Installation Costs: Whether you hire a professional or handle the installation yourself, this will significantly impact your budget. Installing the turf yourself (DIY) can cut down on expenses, but it demands a significant investment of time and energy. On the other hand, hiring professionals for the installation guarantees a top-notch outcome, though it does increase the overall cost.

Estimated Costs

For a typical 30 x 50-foot backyard soccer field, here’s what to expect:

• Turf: Costs can range from $2 to $5 per square foot, bringing the total cost of turf alone to around $3,000 to $7,500 depending on quality.
  
• Installation: Professional installation typically costs an additional $2 to $4 per square foot, adding $3,000 to $6,000. DIY installation can lower this, but remember to account for tools and equipment if you’re doing it yourself.
  
• Additional Features:
  
  • Goalposts: Depending on size and quality, expect to pay between $200 and $1,000.
    
  • Lighting: If you plan to play at night, lighting can range from $500 to $2,000 depending on the setup.

How to Budget

To ensure you stay within budget:

• Start with the essentials: Focus on turf and basic installation first. You can add goals and lighting later when the budget allows.
  
• Measure accurately: Knowing the exact size of your field will help you estimate turf and material costs more precisely.
  
• Consider extra costs: Plan for unexpected expenses, like drainage solutions or ground leveling, to avoid surprises.
  
• Shop around: When considering hiring a professional, it’s advisable to obtain estimates from several companies in order to secure the most favorable arrangement.

By planning carefully and prioritizing essential components, you can create a high-quality soccer field within your budget, ready for years of fun.

Artificial Turf Supplier for Your Backyard Soccer Field

At JCturf, we are proud to be a leading supplier and manufacturer of premium artificial turf, ideal for creating a durable, low-maintenance backyard turf soccer field. Our turf can be used in various settings, including backyard turf soccer fields around pools or backyard turf soccer fields with fences, making it a versatile choice for any project.

Our turf is designed for easy installation, and we provide comprehensive installation manuals along with remote installation guidance to make the process seamless. Whether you’re installing on concrete, grass, or even roof-top settings, we offer step-by-step instructions to ensure your field is set up correctly and performs at its best.