Constructing a tennis court is a long-term investment that demands precision, the right materials, expert planning, and professional execution. Whether you are developing a residential court, club facility, school, academy, or sports complex, choosing the right court type and following the proper construction standards ensures durability, high performance, and player safety.
This comprehensive guide explains tennis court dimensions, surface types, construction steps, base preparation, materials, cost breakdown, maintenance and more.
What Is Tennis Court Construction?
Tennis court construction is the engineering process of building a playable tennis surface that meets international standards for height, bounce, traction, drainage, and performance. It involves:
🔹 Ground preparation 🔹 Base formation 🔹 Surface installation 🔹 Marking & net system setup 🔹 Fence and lighting installation (optional)
The construction approach depends on the selected surface material and expected court usage — recreational, professional, or training.
Standard Tennis Court Dimensions (According to ITF)
Parameter
Measurement
Court length
78 ft (23.77 m)
Court width for singles
27 ft (8.23 m)
Court width for doubles
36 ft (10.97 m)
Service line
21 ft (6.4 m) from net
Net height at posts
3.5 ft (1.07 m)
Net height at center
3 ft (0.914 m)
Total area required
~ 120 ft × 60 ft (for full play area)
Types of Tennis Court Surfaces
Choosing the right surface impacts speed, gameplay, injury prevention and maintenance.
Cost varies based on surface type, brand of materials, and location.
Court Type
Approx. Cost (Per Court)
Acrylic Hard Court
$18,000 – $60,000
Cushion Acrylic Court
$25,000 – $75,000
Synthetic Turf Court
$30,000 – $95,000
Artificial Clay Court
$40,000 – $120,000
Natural Clay Court
$55,000 – $140,000
Indoor PU / Vinyl Court
$45,000 – $160,000
Costs may vary based on country and customisation.
Maintenance Requirements
Activity
Frequency
Surface cleaning
Weekly
Minor repairs
As required
Resurfacing (acrylic)
Every 4–6 years
Net replacement
As needed
Fence & lighting check
Annually
Life Expectancy of Tennis Courts
Surface Type
Expected Lifespan
Acrylic Hard Court
10–15 years
Cushion Acrylic
12–18 years
Synthetic Turf
6–10 years
Clay
3–7 years
Indoor PU / Vinyl
7–12 years
Benefits of Professional Tennis Court Construction
✔ Long-lasting and crack-resistant base ✔ Accurate bounce and speed ✔ Player safety and cushioning ✔ Drainage & weather resistance ✔ Low maintenance and long lifespan
FAQ’s
How long does it take to build a tennis court?
Typically 30 to 60 days, depending on surface type and weather conditions.
Which tennis court surface is best?
For most players and academies, acrylic hard courts and cushioned acrylic courts offer durability, consistent bounce, and low maintenance.
Can tennis courts be built on rooftops?
Yes — with proper structural load study, waterproofing, and drainage planning.
Do courts need fencing and lighting?
Not mandatory, but highly recommended for safety and nighttime gameplay.
