Most homeowners pricing out their first court have no idea what they're actually buying. They get a number, they ask "how long will it take?" — and the answer is some combination of "depends" and "a few weeks." That's not wrong. It's just not useful.
Here's what actually happens between the first phone call and the first game, broken out step by step. Numbers assume a typical residential 30x60 ft multi-sport court in NC or SC.
From the day you sign a contract to the day you play. Most of that time is materials lead time and site prep. The actual tile installation is the fastest part of the whole project.
Initial Conversation
You fill out a form or call. We ask three things: what sport(s), what space, what timeline. From those answers we can usually quote a price range within 10% before anyone visits the site. If your space is uncommon (slope, drainage concerns, tight access), we'll schedule a visit before quoting.
Site Visit & Measurements
We come out, measure the proposed space, check drainage, evaluate the soil and grade, and confirm utility lines are clear. This is when we also discuss design — color combinations, where lines will go for which sports, optional logo inlays, lighting positioning if you want LED for evening play.
Ask your installer: Do they evaluate base preparation, or just measure the surface? A quote that skips base prep is incomplete.
Final Quote & Design Sign-off
You get a written quote with line items, a CAD rendering of the proposed court showing exact colors and line layout, and a contract. We don't take deposits over the phone — everything's documented. Once you sign, we order materials.
Materials Order & Manufacturing
VersaCourt tile is manufactured to your spec — custom color blends and logo inlays don't come off a shelf. Lead time depends on color combinations and whether your design includes a custom logo. Standard combos: ~2 weeks. Custom logos: ~3–4 weeks. We schedule the install crew to arrive the week the materials are delivered to our yard, not before.
Site Prep & Base Installation
This is the messy part. If you don't have an existing concrete or asphalt slab, we excavate, grade, install drainage where needed, compact base gravel, and pour the slab. The slab needs ~5–7 days to cure before tile install. If you already have a usable slab, we skip to power-washing it and confirming the pitch is correct (1% slope for drainage).
What you'll see: Equipment access, excavation if needed, gravel delivery, concrete trucks. Plan for the project to limit your driveway/yard access for ~3 days.
Tile Installation & Striping
The actual VersaCourt install is fast. A two-person crew can lay a 30x60 court in 1 day. Lines are molded into the tile (not painted), so they install with the tile in a single pass. Optional accessories — basketball goals, pickleball net posts, fencing, lighting — get installed during this phase or right after.
Final walkthrough is the same day or the next morning. We mark any issues, fix them on the spot if possible, and hand you the warranty paperwork.
You can play the day the install crew leaves. There's no curing time, no surface treatment to wait on, no "let it settle for a week." Tile is mechanically interlocked, not adhered.
What can shift the timeline
- Weather. Concrete pours wait for dry forecasts. We won't pour in rain. In NC/SC spring (heavy rain months), expect 1–2 week schedule slip.
- Permits. Some HOAs require approval. Some municipalities require permits for the slab. We handle the paperwork but they have their own clocks.
- Custom logos. Add 1–2 weeks if you want a logo molded into the tile (mascot, family monogram, business mark).
- Lighting. Permanent LED court lighting adds 1 day of electrical work and may require permit.
What doesn't shift the timeline
The honest answer: most things. The whole reason to work with a single authorized dealer instead of a general contractor is that we manage every step ourselves. We know how long each part takes because we do this every week. Timeline overruns happen when work passes between crews who don't know each other.
Ready to start the clock?
Tell us about your space and we'll come back with a real quote and a real schedule — within 2 business hours.
Get a Free Estimate →Common questions before signing
Can I install over my existing driveway or patio?
Yes, if it's flat, structurally sound, and has proper drainage. We evaluate this during the site visit. ~60% of residential installs go over existing concrete.
Do I need a permit?
Usually no in NC/SC for residential modular courts (no permanent structure being built — just tile on a base). Some HOAs and gated communities require board approval. We help with that letter when needed.
What about during install — can I be home?
Yes, but expect noise during site prep (excavation, concrete trucks, compaction) for 2–3 days. Tile install days are quiet — just a crew snapping tiles together.
Do I need to be there for the install?
No. Many of our clients are out of town during the project. We send daily progress photos. Final walkthrough can be remote if needed.