Step by Step Guide to Building an Outdoor Pickleball Court
Many schools, recreation centers, and clubs have shown an increased interest in pickleball. Consequently, the demand for outdoor pickleball courts has been on the rise. In this guide, we present six steps to building a pickleball court.
Step 1: Determine the space
Whether you plan to convert a tennis court, build a multi-court complex, or start a new space from scratch, it's essential to stick to the standard pickleball court size. The court can later be adjusted depending on specific needs.
Here are the standard pickleball court dimensions:
Court dimension: 20 x 44 feet
Net height: 36-inch sidelines and 34 inches for the middle
Playing area: for tennis court conversion, the standard is 30 x 60 feet. However, 30 x 64 feet is better for tournaments and standalone courts.
Step 2: Choose the materials
Anyone building a pickleball court from scratch needs to decide between several material types:
Concrete: This is the best material when it comes to value and durability.
Asphalt: A good solution for those on a budget, but comes with additional upkeep.
Plastic: Snap-together courts serve the best purpose for those who don't wish to change a multi-use court surface permanently.
Step 3: Choose the perimeter fencing
Fencing constitutes an essential element of multi-court pickleball spaces. Its primary purpose is to keep the ball in the playing area and add a layer of security to the players and the spectators. Wire is the most common fencing type, although there is a variety of other options. Wire fences offer better lighting compared to alternative solutions.
Standard fencing dimensions for pickleball courts range from 10 feet in height, but four feet is acceptable with padded fence tops.
All fencing should be rust-resistant to keep the players and visitors safe. Hiring a professional contractor ensures you get the best fencing solution and installation.
Step 4: Setting the lights
The standard procedure for pickleball courts includes two 1,500-watt light poles. Each pole should be 18 to 20 ft high, center-mounted, and 24 inches back from the court.
Step 5: Purchase the net systems
A fully functional pickleball net system needs the following features:
Two poles
A ratchet
An outdoor net
(Optional) Sleeves
As there are plenty of pickleball poles to choose from, it's best to consult with a professional regarding the right one for specific pickleball courts.
Step 6: Set up the court
Setting up the court is the final step. Some tips for the final stage include:
Orienting the court north-south. The court orientation is especially important to prevent the sun from obstructing players' vision and keep the shadows away.
Adding the court lines. Lines should be two inches wide and white. Some tools commonly used to draw the lines include sidewalk chalk, chalk dust, green or orange masking tape, and acrylic paint. Standard pickleball court lines include baselines, sidelines, non-volley lines, non-volley zones, centerlines, and service courts.
Finally, make sure to follow the USA Pickleball Association guidelines to align all details with regulatory standards. Hiring a professional construction business will help you build a pickleball court according to the industry rules and the highest safety standards.
CourtMaster Sports specializes in construction, renovation, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. Palm Springs - (760) 548-3545 Las Vegas - (702) 825-8818
