According to USA Pickleball, it grew at a rate of 158.6% between 2020 and 2023. Do you plan to build a pickleball court but don't know where to start? Building any sporting facility takes substantial planning and consideration of required resources, and building a pickleball court is no exception. Use the following steps as a guide throughout the pickleball court construction process.
1. Choose a Location
The easiest way to build a pickleball court is to convert a tennis or badminton court into a pickleball court. However, you'll have to build one from scratch if you don't have these courts. In both scenarios, you have to consider the standard pickleball court dimensions.
You'll need 60 by 30 feet for the entire setup. Here are the dimensions of a standard pickleball court:
Knowing these dimensions is important to choose the ideal space for the court's construction, in case there is no tennis court to convert. Based on these dimensions, a standard tennis court can easily be divided into four pickleball courts.
The ideal location should allow the court to be constructed from north to south. That way, the sun doesn't come in the direction of the players' eyes. This is not a requirement if the site has a shade that prevents excess sun exposure.
2. Design the Court Layout
The next step is considering the pickleball court setup. This refers to the lines marking the service areas and the kitchens — the baselines, sidelines, non-volley lines and centerlines. These lines on the court should be 2 inches wide and white. At the center of the court is the pickleball net, which should be 22 feet wide.
As you design the court's layout, don't forget the required permits before you start construction. Local and state regulations will determine the specific types and number of permits you need to build the court.
3. Choose a Surface
Once you have the court location and a general construction layout, you need to think about the surface materials you will use. The four main materials used for the construction of these courts are:
The court material's longevity will depend on various factors, including how frequently the court is used and the amount and frequency of care or maintenance it receives. You can choose the materials based on your budget and specific needs.
If you have an old pickleball court with a dilapidated surface, and all it needs to be functional is resurfacing, your main focus should be on the materials. Choose sturdy materials for pickleball court resurfacing to ensure the surface remains level for long periods.
4. Add Fencing
The court should have outer boundaries that keep the ball in play. This is crucial for multi-court pickleball courts, where the perimeter fence also provides players and spectators with a sense of security. Although there are several fencing options, perimeter fences made of wire are the most common because they allow spectators and players to see into and out of the court. Additionally, wire fences allow light to pass through easily. Fences also save players from a lot of leg work by keeping the balls close.
The preferred height for pickleball perimeter fences is 10 feet, although 4 feet with padded fence tops is acceptable. To protect the players and spectators, the fencing material should be resistant to rust.
5. Consider a Roof
Roofing is an optional step and depends on the site. Consider building a roof or dome for an outdoor pickleball court to help maintain the surface and offer protection from the elements. Roofing may be necessary if you're installing the court in an area with a wet climate, making the court a year-round venue for playing the sport.
6. Install Lights
Consider installing lights depending on the site and the time players play the sport. Good-quality spotlights are a must for recreational centers and sports clubs where players may play at night or late afternoon going into the night. Include two 1,500-watt light poles, each 18-20 feet high. Each pole should be mounted at the center and 24 inches back from the court.
7. Buy a Pickleball Net System
Ensure you get the right pickleball net system for the court, consisting mainly of poles and net. Different types of nets and poles have different characteristics. However, you should choose poles that can withstand the elements if you're building an outdoor pickleball court. In addition to two poles and one net, net systems include one ratchet and sleeves. The sleeves may or may not be required.
8. Set up the Court
The final step is setting up the court. Assemble the net according to the directions provided. The nets are typically held by metal tubes that break down into portable carrying cases. You can set these poles in concrete if you build a permanent court. The net should be at the center of the court and 22 feet from each baseline.
You can convert a tennis court or even a basketball court to a pickleball court. However, you'll have to refer to the standard dimensions required for a pickleball court. Depending on the size of the current tennis court, it's possible to convert it into several pickleball courts. You can even turn it into a multisport court where tennis and pickleball players can use the same court.
Building a pickleball court gives your players a facility to enjoy their games instead of having them use a tennis or basketball court not designed for the sport. The court surface is one of the most important factors to consider during construction. The quality of the materials matters.
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