Get a 3-Month Head Start on Next Year's Family Fun
Here's something most GTA homeowners don't realize about fall backyard court installation. If you install now, in October or November, you could be playing by March or early April. Wait until spring? You're looking at late May or June before your court is ready.
That's a three-month difference.
We've been installing backyard courts across Ontario for over a decade, and the question we hear most often is "Should I wait until spring?" The answer surprises people. Fall and early winter are actually the ideal times to start your project.
Why the Timing Makes Such a Big Difference
"We often get the question about waiting for spring, but if we can put your court in now, in September, October, even November, you could be playing on that court in March, early April," explains Ian Lintott, CEO of Total Sport Solutions. "If you wait until spring, we have to wait for the moisture to get out of the soil before we can put in the concrete pad. This typically pushes the final installation into late May or early June. Installing now gives you a three-month head start on next year's family enjoyment."
The difference comes down to soil conditions. Spring in Ontario means wet ground. We can't pour a proper concrete base until that moisture is gone. Fall and early winter? The ground conditions are much more predictable. We can work with that.
Your Court Is Built for Canadian Winters
TSS courts are designed to be outdoors year-round in freezing temperatures. The cold has no negative effect on the court surface. In fact, when frozen, nothing's happening to it.
"It's just like putting something in your freezer," Ian explains. "Nothing's happening to it. It's frozen and then it thaws in the spring, and you're ready to go."
The modular surface we install handles freeze-thaw cycles without damage. The color goes right through the court material and cannot be worn out. When spring arrives and the snow melts, your court is ready to play.
Key Benefits of Fall and Early Winter Installation
Get an instant head start on play. You're playing by March or April instead of waiting until late May or June.
Perfect base for a winter ice rink. A new court provides a level, flat surface for creating a backyard ice rink, correcting for any natural slope in your backyard.
No scheduled maintenance required. TSS courts require no scheduled maintenance. You install them and play.
Potential home value increase. Installing a court may increase the attraction and potential value of your family home.
Lock in current pricing. You could save some money by locking in pricing now, as pricing can change regularly.
The Installation Process Is Faster Than You Think
From your signature, we aim to have you playing on the court in about four weeks. This rapid turnaround ensures families can maximize their play time.
Beyond the physical enjoyment, a TSS court often transforms the backyard into a hub for the neighborhood. It encourages screen-free, safe outdoor activity for kids and provides parents with an easy way to connect with their family.
We've seen it happen countless times. The court goes in. Suddenly the neighborhood kids are at your house instead of inside on devices. Parents tell us it's one of the best investments they've made in their family's health and happiness.
What About Game Lines in Cold Weather?
The only thing we might not be able to do in late fall is paint the game lines because the temperature may be too cold at installation time. No problem. We come back in the spring, usually in April.
And really, for a backyard court, you can still get out there and bounce a ball and shoot hoops or hit a pickleball across the net. You don't need the lines right away. The court is fully functional. The lines just make it look complete.
Making a Long-Term Investment in Your Family
A backyard court is more than a playing surface. It's an investment in year-round outdoor activity. It's a way to get kids outside and active. It's a gathering place for friends and neighbors.
We're committed to delivering smart surfaces for active communities, helping families make long-term investments in home improvement and year-round outdoor activity.
The families who install in fall don't regret it. They're the ones playing in March while their neighbors are still planning and waiting for contractors to return calls.
Ready to Install Your Backyard Court This Fall?
Lock in your spot for early spring play. We're scheduling fall installations now across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.
Book a Free ConsultationTotal Sport Solutions
775 Pacific Rd. Unit 38, Oakville, ON L6L 6M4
Phone: (866) 718-9178 or (289) 815-1434
Showroom Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-4:00pm (please call before visiting)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Won't freezing temperatures damage my backyard court?
A: Not at all. Our courts are specifically engineered for Canadian winters. When frozen, the court is essentially in suspended animation, like food in your freezer. Nothing degrades or deteriorates. When it thaws in spring, you're ready to play immediately. We've had courts in service across Ontario for over a decade, going through freeze-thaw cycles every year without issues.
Q: If I install in October or November, when can I actually start playing?
A: You can start playing as soon as the installation is complete, about four weeks after signing. However, most families wait until spring for regular outdoor play. The big advantage is you'll be playing in March or early April, while families who wait to start their project in spring won't have courts ready until late May or June. That's a three-month difference in enjoying your investment.
Q: What about using the court as an ice rink in winter?
A: Many families do exactly this. The court provides a perfectly level, flat surface that's ideal for a backyard ice rink. If your yard has any natural slope, the court corrects that, giving you a much better skating surface than you'd have otherwise. It's like getting two recreational surfaces for the price of one.
Q: Can I really save money by installing in fall instead of waiting?
A: Potentially yes, in two ways. First, you lock in current pricing rather than risking price increases that might happen by spring. Second, and more importantly, you get three extra months of use and enjoyment out of your investment. If you're paying for a court anyway, getting it sooner rather than later means more value for your money.