Building a Pickleball Court? Here are 12 Tips that Will Save You Time, Money and Headaches!

Pickleball has become so popular that seemingly everyone wants to build a new court. Whether in a backyard, at a new venue, or converting an existing tennis court, building a court can be quite an undertaking.

Pickleball has become so popular that seemingly everyone wants to build a new court. Whether in a backyard, at a new venue, or converting an existing tennis court, building a court can be quite an undertaking.

How Much Does it Cost to Build?

Tip #1: Plan your budget.

The cost of a pickleball court will vary depending on many different factors such as:

• What court surface will you use?

• Are you using an existing tennis court or starting from scratch?

• Are you building it yourself or hiring contractors?

• What net system you will use?

• Do you need lighting, etc?

Court Layout

Tip #2: Make sure you have enough space, it’s level and is facing north/south.

Do you have enough space for a pickleball court? Fortunately, pickleball courts are smaller than ones in most other sports. However, in addition to the actual court dimensions, don’t forget to account for space around it. 

Official pickleball court dimensions are 20′ wide x 44′ long. However, the total playing surface should allow for at least 10 feet of extra space around the width of the court and 16 feet of extra space around the length since players serve behind the baseline and can hit shots that are outside of the court boundaries. If you have the space, the USA Pickleball rulebook says a size of 40′ x 64′ is preferred.

Do you have enough space for a pickleball court? Fortunately, pickleball courts are smaller than ones in most other sports. However, in addition to the actual court dimensions, don’t forget to account for space around it. 

Official pickleball court dimensions are 20′ wide x 44′ long. However, the total playing surface should allow for at least 10 feet of extra space around the width of the court and 16 feet of extra space around the length since players serve behind the baseline and can hit shots that are outside of the court boundaries. If you have the space, the USA Pickleball rulebook says a size of 40′ x 64′ is preferred.

Labor

Tip #3: Hire help. It will save time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Are you going to hire a contractor to build the court, or are you going to tackle it yourself? Of course, building it on your own can save some costs, but only if you do it correctly. Going with a professional contractor who has experience building courts can save time and headaches later.

From reading through comments on social media from those who have previously built one, the majority recommended hiring a contractor.

In addition to experience, contractors can give you recommendations on layout, surface, paint, permits, and more. 

Contractors will also have the specialized tools and equipment needed to build the court. If you build it on your own, you might need to add equipment rental to your budget.

Building Permits

Tip #4: Make sure you have the proper building permits.

If you’re building a new court, you will more than likely have to obtain a permit. If you hire a contractor, they should be able to help you with this.

Each city is different when it comes to requirements. Some might require zoning compliance, a building permit, or an application for home construction/renovation. If you are obtaining the permit yourself, contact your local code officer to see what is required.

Best Surface for a Pickleball Court

Tip #5: Do your research before choosing a court surface.

After you have your budget and layout complete, it’s time to get to the fun stuff – designing the court. One of the most important features of a court is its surface.

Typically, the base of the court is either concrete or asphalt. Concrete ones are more durable, but they can be harder on the knees when playing. Asphalt is durable, easier to install, and gives a little better – but it can be rather slippery when wet.

Adding a cushioned layer on top of the base is becoming quite popular as it’s less damaging to your joints.

Pickleball Court Colors

Tip #6: Choose contrasting colors to that of a pickleball.

Is the court being installed at a venue, park, or backyard? Choosing court colors at a park will likely be different from colors at a new venue or in someone’s backyard. However, one of the main considerations when choosing a color is to choose a contrasting color to that of a pickleball. While there is an endless array of pickleball colors on the market, yellow is undoubtedly the most popular. So, no matter how much you may love the maize-and-blue, stay away from yellow as a court color as it will blend in too much with the ball.

You will, no doubt, want complementary colors for the court, non-volley zone (kitchen), and outside perimeter. Lines should typically be white.  However, you can choose whichever color goes with your theme.

Keep in mind that lighter colors result in a cooler playing surface while darker colors absorb more heat from the sun and make for a much hotter experience on the court.

If you’re building a residential, or venue court, consider adding a logo or graphic – while again being mindful of ball visibility. Be creative and have fun with it! 

Pickleball Court Paint

Tip #7: Choose paint that is blended with aggregate.

Choosing court colors (and line colors) is one of the most fun, yet stressful decisions you will make. Once you decide what colors you’re going to use, the next item to choose is the type of coating or paint for the court and lines. According to USA Pickleball, 100% acrylic coatings are recommended for surfacing the court. Many times, the acrylic is mixed with a specialized blend of aggregate to create an ideal surface texture. 

If lines are painted and are not blended appropriately with aggregate (sand), the ball will skid when hitting the lines. You definitely don’t want that. Adding aggregate will mitigate that issue.

Shade

Tip #8: Consider shade covering during your budget analysis.

Will your court be outdoors? It’s important to provide shade whether it’s on the courts, or as a separate shade structure.

The heat and sun can be brutal when playing pickleball. Both players and spectators need shade. 

Shade structures can also help extend the life of your court and equipment by preventing it from fading in the sun, or warping from rain.

Covering can be added in Phase 2 or 3, but should definitely be considered during an initial budget analysis.