Indoor Sports Facility Design FAQs

What Questions do Coaches and Facility Owners Need to Know the Answers To?

At On Deck Sports, we fully understand that building a facility from the ground up can be an overwhelming and complicated project. With a range of custom turf, netting, padding, and rubber flooring options- we’d like to help. Since 2001, our sports facility design team has helped over 1,300 customers design, install, and supply all the equipment their sports facility needs. We have decades of combined experience helping our clients from the initial planning stages all the way through the final installation and beyond. This experience allows us to provide top-level services and advice – far above the industry standard. For this blog post, we have asked our team to compile a list of commonly asked questions coaches and sports facility owners have when they are looking to build out or expand their facilities. These are some of their most common questions.

What size building do I need for my sports facility?

For us, no facility is too small, and no challenge is too big. For you, it depends on what you are looking to accomplish with the facility. Do you envision it as a practice facility for youth players learning the fundamentals? Or are you planning for collegiate or professional players to hone their skills? Or perhaps a mixed-use facility for all ages and skill levels. Either way, our team takes your building and designs a facility that will maximize the space you have. We have designed and outfitted all different sizes from a single tunnel to multiple fields.

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How much does it cost to outfit my facility?

The cost of your facility will be dependent on three main factors. First, the size of your facility (square feet) will determine how much turf is needed. The overall structure of the facility will determine the netting needed. Your cost will also depend on how many pieces of equipment and training aids you want to furnish your facility.

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What gauge netting should I get?

The higher the gauge, the stronger, thicker, and more durable the netting.

Our most common netting for baseball and softball use is #36 nylon with a 1 ¾ inch mesh. #42 and #48 act as excellent upgrades, with a thicker gauge rope.

We also have sport-specific netting including #30 with a 1.5-inch mesh for lacrosse and hockey, and ¾ inch hi-impact mesh netting for golf.

The gauge netting you should get depends on exactly what your facility is being used for.

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How far off the walls and lights do the nets need to be?

At a minimum, we recommend 2 to 3 feet of distance between walls/lights and netting. Any less distance may result in damage to the walls and lights in your facility. In some cases, the netting might need to be even further away. Contact a sales representative to find the right distance for your facility.

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What type of turf should I use? (Padded vs. Unpadded)

For indoor usage, most facilities use padded turf. The padded turf gives a substantial amount of cushion and comfort to the players. Unpadded turf can also be used in an indoor facility; if you anticipate a lot of constant movement on the turf, it is recommended to use padded turf.

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How much does your artificial turf cost?

Artificial Turf is sold in square feet, and in a variety of options that range in price. Our turf ranges from $1.25 to $4.49 per square foot. 

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What goes in first, the turf or the nets?

Nets. The turf should be the last thing installed in your facility. This is because the installers typically use machines (such as scissor lifts) to put the netting up. However, if the turf is already installed, we can work to protect the turf while putting up the netting system.

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How do I clean the turf?

For indoor, carpet-like turf, simply clean just like you would a carpet, i.e. vacuum cleaner or power washer.

Check out ourblog post for more information on how to clean your turf.

How is the turf installed?

It is recommended that your turf be glued down 100%. It can be loose-laid with glued seams but if the temperature varies it can cause the turf to expand and contract which will create bubbles.

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What does Yarn Type refer to?

“Yarn Type” refers to the type of material used to make the turf. Turf is made from 3 types of material that are used to manufacture the finished products.

Nylon is the most durable yarn for turf and will typically last the longest amount of time. Our nylon products are Stadium and Cage.

Polypropylene (PP) yarn-type products are very durable as well but tend to have a little bit lesser life expectancy. Example products are OD Pro and Crown.

Polyethylene (PE) yarn products are generally softer turfs. While other turfs are soft as well, our most popular PE products can be more comfortable with skin contact. The life expectancy is often slightly less than the PP products but still offers great durability along with being cost-effective. Examples are GT34 and GT48.

Hybrid or Blend turf products are the newer turf technology. This gives you the look and feel of natural grass or a grass-style turf without requiring rubber infill. These turfs are often a mix of Nylon paired with either PE or PP materials. These products are also our top-of-the-line turf; the combination of the two materials generated durability and a soft feel while giving you a realistic playing surface. Examples are Arena and Elite.

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What does Face Weight refer to?

“Face Weight” refers to the amount of material (yarn) per square yard. The more yarn there is per square yard (the higher the face weight), the heavier and more durable the turf will be. For example, a 36 oz piece of turf will seem more durable than an 18 oz piece of the same yarn type, because there is more yarn in the same size piece of turf.

Face weight combined with yarn type will determine how durable your turf will be.

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How long does delivery take?

Some products are in stock and can be shipped out within a day whereas others need to be manufactured. For example, custom netting generally takes 7-10 days to manufacture, turf (in stock) can be shipped out within 48 hours, mounds are typically delivered in 5-7 business days and smaller pieces of equipment can be sent out right away. Products can also be rushed if needed. Contact an On Deck Sports sales representative to confirm current lead times.

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Now that I have the turf, can I install it myself?

Yes, you can. However, we have specialized in indoor facility installation for over 15 years and have found that because the installation process is so important, it is highly recommended to have professionals do it.

If you are installing by yourself, contact an On Deck Sports sales representative for guidance.

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How can I receive the turf delivery?

The turf will ship freight. The freight truck driver will contact you to set up a day and time of delivery, so you can be prepared for it.

Check out our blog post for more information on the delivery process for turf.

When can my facility get installed?

We strive to get your facility up and running as soon as possible but will work with you and your schedule. Our scheduling for facility installations is on a first-come-first-serve basis, and it may take longer during our busy season. To be extra cautious, we recommend scheduling the installation of your facility two months prior to the opening day.

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Can you build the building for my indoor facility?

We do not build the actual buildings, but we can completely design and outfit the inside to fit your needs and maximize your space.

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Have more questions? Click here to read an indoor facility Q&A with our Project Operations team.

Ready to speak with a sales representative? Fill out a request form or call us at 800-365-6171.