Cricket Nets and Synthetic Pitches

Line Marking Australia builds cricket nets and synthetic cricket pitches across Australia for backyards, schools and cricket clubs. We handle the base, concrete or compacted pitch foundation, synthetic turf, run-up area, steel net frame, side and roof netting, and line marking. Every cricket net and pitch is quoted per site, because length, base and netting vary.

Backyard cricket is a summer tradition, and a proper net lifts it from tennis balls on the lawn to real hard-ball practice without smashed windows. Schools and clubs want multi-lane nets that can take hours of training every week.

A good net comes down to a flat, firm pitch with a consistent bounce, netting strong enough for a hard ball, and enough length for the bowler to run in. Here's how we plan each part.

How much do backyard cricket nets cost?

The cost of backyard cricket nets in Australia depends on the pitch length, the base, the synthetic turf, the net frame and whether you want a roof net. A short pitch with side nets on flat ground costs much less than a full-length enclosed net on a slope. Line Marking Australia quotes each net per site.

Cost item	What affects it
Earthworks and base	Pitch length, slope, soil and access
Concrete slab or compacted base	Base type, length and width
Synthetic pitch turf	Turf grade and how it's fixed
Net frame and netting	Side nets only or a full enclosure with roof net
Run-up and surrounds	Synthetic run-up, edging and paths
Extras	Lighting, crease line marking, a bowling machine area

How long should a backyard cricket net be?

A backyard cricket net in Australia can be built to full pitch length or shorter, depending on your block and who's playing. Full length suits older juniors and adults practising real bowling. Shorter nets suit younger kids, spin bowling and batting against a bowling machine. You also need space behind the bowler's crease for a run-up.

• Full-length net: realistic bowling and batting for older juniors and adults
• Shorter net: younger players, spin, throwdowns and bowling machines
• Run-up: clear, level space behind the bowling end
• Width: enough for the batter to play shots without hitting the side nets

We set out the net on site so you can see the real footprint before anything is dug.

Synthetic or concrete cricket pitch: which is better?

A synthetic cricket pitch in Australia is usually synthetic turf laid over a concrete slab or a compacted base, and it gives a softer, more consistent bounce than bare concrete. A plain concrete pitch is cheaper and very durable but plays hard and fast and is harsh on balls. Most backyards and clubs choose synthetic turf on concrete.

	Synthetic turf pitch	Bare concrete pitch
Bounce	Consistent and closer to a real wicket	Hard and fast, can skid
Ball wear	Gentler on cricket balls	Scuffs balls quickly
Comfort	Softer underfoot for bowlers' landings	Hard on bowlers' feet and joints
Upkeep	Brush and clear leaves; replace turf when worn	Very little
Best for	Backyards, schools, clubs	Tight budgets, temporary practice areas

What base does a synthetic cricket pitch need?

A synthetic cricket pitch in Australia needs a flat, firm base that won't move or develop low spots, because any unevenness shows up as uneven bounce. A reinforced concrete slab gives the most consistent result. A well-compacted crushed rock or asphalt base can work in some situations, with the turf laid or fixed on top.

1. Set out the pitch and run-up on site
2. Excavate and compact the subgrade
3. Lay a crushed rock base and compact it in layers
4. Pour a reinforced concrete slab with even falls, or finish the compacted base
5. Lay and fix the synthetic pitch turf once the slab has cured
6. Mark creases if required

What are cricket nets made of?

Cricket nets in Australia are usually a galvanised or powder-coated steel frame holding heavy-duty netting along the sides and back, and often across the roof. The netting has to be strong enough to stop a hard ball and UV-stable to last in Australian sun. Lighter netting suits juniors; heavier netting suits senior and club use.

• Frame: steel posts in concrete footings, with top cables or rails
• Side and back nets: heavy-duty, UV-stable netting tied tight to the frame
• Roof net: keeps balls inside, important on smaller blocks
• Bowler's end: open or partly netted so the bowler can run in

How long does it take to build cricket nets?

Backyard cricket nets usually take about one to three weeks on site in Australia once approvals are sorted, including earthworks, the slab, curing time, turf laying and the net frame. Multi-lane school and club nets take longer. Replacing worn turf or netting on an existing net is much quicker.

Do you build cricket nets for schools and clubs?

Yes. Line Marking Australia builds single and multi-lane cricket nets for schools and cricket clubs across Australia, with divider nets between lanes, synthetic run-ups and lighting for evening training. We also mark cricket ovals and creases, so one team can look after nets and ground markings together.

See cricket pitch and oval line marking and sports courts for sports clubs for club projects and grants.

Do backyard cricket nets need council approval?

Backyard cricket nets may need council approval in Australia, depending on the height of the frame, how close it is to boundaries, any earthworks or retaining walls, and lighting. Tall net frames are often treated like fences or structures. Rules vary between councils, so we check yours before the final quote.

Neighbours mostly care about balls coming over and noise in the evening, so a roof net and sensible placement help.

How we keep every cricket net build compliant

Every cricket net and synthetic pitch we build follows the same compliance steps. We check council rules on structure height and earthworks, locate services before digging footings, manage safety and dust on site, and build slabs, footings and any lighting to the Australian Standards that apply.

• Council requirements checked for frame height, setbacks, earthworks, retaining walls and lighting
• Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) check before excavation and post footings
• Work Health and Safety laws, with Safe Work Method Statements for excavation and mobile plant
• Silica dust controls when cutting concrete; sediment and stormwater controls
• Slabs and footings to AS 3600
• Lighting to AS 2560.1:2018 and AS 2560.2:2021, with spill controlled under AS/NZS 4282
• For schools: holiday scheduling where possible and Working with Children checks for crews

What do you need from me to quote cricket nets?

To quote cricket nets or a synthetic pitch in Australia we need to know the length you want, how many lanes, and what's on the ground now. Photos, a sketch of the area with measurements and a note on slope and access let us suggest a layout and give you a realistic starting figure.

• Backyard, school or club, and number of lanes
• Full-length or shorter pitch, plus run-up space
• New build, or replacing turf or netting on an existing net
• What's on the ground now, slope and drainage
• Access for trucks and a concrete pump
• Synthetic turf or concrete pitch
• Side nets only or full enclosure with roof net
• Lighting and power, approvals, timing and budget