Skip to Main Content

Alternative to Concrete Pad

Replacing Mass with Science

Ten Reasons to Choose Ultra Base over a Concrete Pad

Whether you are building a backyard basketball court or just looking for a safer, less permanent, and better draining alternative to a concrete pad or sub base, Ultra Base panels are the answer. By Replacing Mass with Science, Ultra Base panels streamline installation, reduce site disruption, and provide a number of benefits over concrete pads. 

orange line

Concrete vs Ultra Base Installation Photo

1

INSTALLS QUICKLY

Ultra Base panels can reduce installation time by approximately 40%.

  • Save on labor costs
  • Reduce inconvenience to customer and neighbors
  • Allows installers to complete more jobs
  • Help installers meet tight deadlines

2

Installs Easily

Ultra Base simplifies the base preparation process and requires no heavy equipment.

  • Excavate with sod cutter vs. a skid steer
  • Eliminate need for tons of crushed rock
  • Simply drop and lock
  • Interlocked panels flow easily over crowned areas
Champion Panel Install

3

Installs Cleanly

With no need for heavy equipment, damage to construction sites is minimized. 

  • Keeps customers and their neighbors happy
  • Less cost to repair damaged areas
  • Reduces need for large staging areas
  • Eliminates potential for damage caused by rock piles

4

Enhances Safety

orange line

Simply put, concrete is very hard.  In contrast, Ultra Base provides a softer more forgiving base that adds a level of impact resistance.  When combined with VersaCourt tile systems, the result is a court surface that is much safer than concrete.

Wet basketball court verses dry basketball court

5

Drains Thoroughly

Designed to drain better, faster and more consistently than crushed rock bases.

  • Achieve vertical flow rates exceeding 340 inches per hour
  • Features underside cell structure that maximizes horizontal flow
Bocce Courts

6

Performs Better

Ultra Base consistently provides a more solid, load-bearing, interlocked base that... 

  • Lies flatter and does not form ruts
  • Eliminates issues with soft spots, pitting and erosion
  • Artificial grass can be affixed to panels
  • Cushions more effectively

7

Improves Versatility

orange line

Ultra Base is ideal for creating bases in hard to reach or limited access areas like courtyards, rooftops, busy city streets or even in the middle of the desert.

Basketball Court on Beach

8

Enhances Flexibility

Unlike a permanent concrete pad, Ultra Base foundations and courts can be disassembled and moved rather easily in future.

The structural stability of the panels also makes them ideal for building foundations on sand and other challenging soil conditions.

9

Saves Money

Add up all the direct and indirect costs associated with crushed rock bases and the choice becomes obvious, Ultra Base saves you money...

Less time to coordinate trades, schedule deliveries and manage project

Less direct labor needed to prepare foundation and install the base

Less cost to fixed damaged areas

Fewer quality issues - short term and long term

10

And...Ultra Base is even Environmentally Friendly

orange line

While it may not seem natural to think that using plastic panels instead of crushed rock or concrete would be environmentally friendly, when you consider all of the pollution creating activities involved using these materials, the evidence is very telling.

  • Made from recycled plastics
  • Requires significantly less material distribution (fewer dump trucks)

Champion Panel

orange line

Designed for turf applications, the Ultra Base Champion Panel provides the ideal solution for an easy artificial turf base system compared to rock or concrete. With enhanced drainage capabilities and application longevity. Learn more about the Champion Panel today.

View Champion Panel

Flipping Champion Panel

Get Started with Ultra Base Today

Talk to an Ultra Base team member today to discuss your project, application, and pricing options. Our experienced team will ensure you're choosing the right Ultra Base product for your application.