This section contains information regarding the installation of the classic concrete and replaceable timber border systems designed and installed by Bocce Builders of America. Additional construction techniques involve the installation of a timber only border using either stacked timber materials or typical post and plank systems.
A picture is worth a thousand words. We form the perimeter of the bocce court (in the left situation below, there are actually 2 courts side by side) using 2" x 12" or 2" x 6". Normally it's best to use 2" x 6" so you can tie them together prior to pouring. These ties keep the forms from expanding out with the pressure of the concrete. If we use 2" x 12" boards, they must be staked and kicked more often.
The next process involves laying and tying steel rebar in the perimeter border foundation. As you can see, we also hang the steel so it stays more to the center of the concrete and doesn't fall to the ground. Bocce Builders uses both #3 and #4 rebar in the foundation wall.
Concrete is ordered and as you can see, a pump is usually required. We use a special 6 sack mix to provide a higher psi and add color to the mix. The concrete is usually vibrated in place to minimize any concrete voids. After the concrete sets up a bit, we remove the top bracing and trowel the top face and edges. Typically, the edges are rounded but can by angled as well.
After the concrete forms have been stripped and most of the base layers installed, we attach the perimeter boards by using concrete anchor bolts and sleeved inserts. This allows us to change the boards years later when necessary to keep the court looking great. If you install a beam or post and plank system, it would be a much more difficult process to change these out down the road. We typically use a special treated and stained cedar side board, but also have options to use more exotic woods like Zebrawood, Philippine mahogany or other interesting woods proven to resist the affects of weather and decay.
