Multipurpose courts have become increasingly popular in schools, residential complexes, clubs, and recreational spaces. The ability to host multiple sports like basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton, and futsal on a single surface makes them practical and budget-friendly. However, designing such a court requires careful planning—especially when it comes to choosing the right surface materials, layout, and budgeting.
In this guide, we explore the best multipurpose court materials, compare surface types, and provide a pricing breakdown to help you design a durable and cost-effective facility.
What is a Multipurpose Court?
A multipurpose court is a single sports flooring system designed to accommodate two or more sports without compromising the playability or safety of any. These courts are ideal for maximizing space in environments where building multiple courts isn’t feasible.
Sports commonly played on a multipurpose surface include:
- Basketball court flooring
- Volleyball court flooring
- Tennis court flooring
- Badminton (outdoor versions)
- Futsal or mini football
Planning a Multipurpose Court: Key Considerations
Before choosing materials and starting construction, consider the following:
- Location – Indoor or outdoor courts require different surfaces
- Sports Requirements – The surface must support all intended sports
- Weather Resistance – Outdoor courts need UV- and water-resistant materials
- Durability – Frequent use demands high-performance, long-lasting flooring
- Budget – Material and installation costs vary significantly
Surface Types for Multipurpose Courts
Here are the most common and cost-effective flooring options for multipurpose court flooring in India:
1. Synthetic Acrylic Flooring
Description: Acrylic flooring is a top choice for outdoor multipurpose courts due to its affordability, durability, and slip resistance. Applied over a concrete or asphalt base, it consists of multiple layers of synthetic coating.
Sports Supported: Basketball, tennis, volleyball, badminton
Advantages:
- Weatherproof and UV-stable
- Anti-skid surface ideal for outdoor play
- Available in multiple colors for sport-specific marking
Cost Estimate: ₹350 – ₹600 per sq. meter
Best For: Schools, housing societies, community parks, and clubs with outdoor play areas
2. PU (Polyurethane) Flooring
Description: PU flooring is a seamless indoor sports surface made of elastic polyurethane resin. It is highly cushioned and suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Sports Supported: Basketball, volleyball, futsal, handball, indoor tennis flooring
Advantages:
- Excellent shock absorption and joint protection
- Seamless, smooth, and easy to clean
- Long lifespan (up to 10–12 years)
Cost Estimate: ₹700 – ₹1200 per sq. meter
Best For: Indoor stadiums, sports academies, multipurpose indoor gyms
3. Modular Interlocking Tiles
Description: Modular tiles are easy-to-install polypropylene tiles used in both indoor and outdoor courts. They offer flexibility and quick maintenance.
Sports Supported: Basketball, tennis, futsal, volleyball
Advantages:
- Quick installation and replacement
- Portable and reusable
- Non-slip and water-draining design
Cost Estimate: ₹450 – ₹750 per sq. meter
Best For: Temporary courts, event venues, or budget-sensitive projects
4. Vinyl Sports Flooring
Description: Vinyl flooring provides cushioned support and is used indoors for multi-sport zones. It comes in rolls or tiles with layered construction.
Sports Supported: Badminton, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics
Advantages:
- Soft underfoot, ideal for schools and kids
- Hygienic and low-maintenance
- Available in shock-absorbing variants
Cost Estimate: ₹500 – ₹850 per sq. meter
Best For: Indoor recreational halls, schools, and commercial fitness centers
Marking and Layout Design
A key component of a multipurpose court is its line marking and layout. A professionally planned layout ensures that markings for all sports are clearly visible and do not cause confusion.
Tips for effective layout:
- Use different colors for each sport (e.g., white for basketball, yellow for tennis)
- Maintain regulatory dimensions for each game
- Prioritize the sport played most frequently in your center for central placement
Sample Budget Breakdown
Here’s a sample estimate for a 28m x 15m (420 sq. m) multipurpose court:
| Surface Type | Cost (INR/sq. m) | Total Estimated Cost |
| Acrylic Flooring | ₹350 – ₹600 | ₹1,47,000 – ₹2,52,000 |
| PU Flooring | ₹700 – ₹1200 | ₹2,94,000 – ₹5,04,000 |
| Modular Tiles | ₹450 – ₹750 | ₹1,89,000 – ₹3,15,000 |
| Vinyl Sports Flooring | ₹500 – ₹850 | ₹2,10,000 – ₹3,57,000 |
Tips to Save on Multipurpose Court Costs
- Choose Multi-Sport Compatible Flooring: Materials like acrylic or PU are ideal for hosting several games without overlap issues.
- Avoid Premium Finishes Unless Necessary: Unless hosting tournaments, skip high-end finishes and opt for function-focused materials.
- Incorporate Long-Term Maintenance Savings: Choose surfaces that require minimal recoating or frequent repair.
- Partner with Experienced Suppliers: Expert installers help avoid costly installation errors and ensure optimal performance.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To keep your multipurpose court in top shape:
- Sweep regularly to remove dust and debris
- Inspect line markings and repaint as needed
- Clean spills and moisture immediately
- For outdoor courts, pressure wash the surface quarterly
- Avoid dragging heavy equipment across the floor
A well-maintained court can last 5–10 years with minimal repairs.
Final Thoughts
Designing a cost-effective multipurpose court involves finding the perfect balance between durability, budget, and sport versatility. Materials like synthetic acrylic, PU, and modular tiles offer great solutions depending on your space and purpose. With proper planning, professional installation, and smart budgeting, you can create a long-lasting sports surface that serves your community or institution for years.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing space or building from scratch, always prioritize surface performance, safety, and scalability to get the most out of your investment.