Building a tennis court is a part of many residential and commercial properties. They provide a space for recreation, exercise, and social gatherings. It also adds to property value since it is a desirable amenity for many homebuyers and renters. While the initial cost of building a tennis court may seem high, the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront cost. This article will provide a cost breakdown of building a tennis court.
Whether it’s for professional or personal use, building a tennis court can be a great addition to any home, school, or club. But how much does it cost to build a tennis court? Depending on the materials used, the court’s size, and other factors, the cost can range from $30,000 to $150,000.
Building a tennis court is a significant investment, but it can be a great way to improve your property and provide a fun activity for you and your family or friends. If you’re thinking about constructing a tennis court, research the cost and find a reputable contractor to help you with the project.
Tennis Court Cost Factors
Building a tennis court is not cheap, but it is an investment that can provide years of enjoyment for you and your family. Since various factors can affect the cost of building a tennis court, it’s important to understand what goes into the price. Some of the main factors that will affect the price of your project include the following:
Size
The most important factor is the court’s size. A regulation-size tennis court is 78 ft long and 27 ft wide for singles matches, and 36 ft wide for doubles. The service line is 21 ft from the back fence, and the net is 3.5 ft high. However, you can also construct a court that is only 20 ft wide and 60 ft long. If you want a smaller court for practice or personal use, you can save on some of the costs. For example, a backyard court can be as small as 30 ft by 60 ft. This smaller size can still accommodate a regulation-size tennis net, but it doesn’t have to be as wide as a regulation court. The cost per square foot will be lower for a smaller court, but it might not be as usable or enjoyable.
Surface
Another factor affecting the cost of building a tennis court is your chosen surface type. The most common surface for tennis courts is asphalt, ranging in price from $3 to $10 per square foot. Other popular surfaces include concrete, clay, and grass which cost $5 to $15 per square foot. Each type of surface has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to do your research before deciding.
Location
The location of the tennis court also affects the cost. If you already have a paved area that can be used for the court, you won’t have to pay to have it paved. However, the cost will be higher if you need to have the court built from scratch. The location of the court can also affect the type of surface you choose. For instance, if you live in a region with a lot of rain, you might want to pick a surface that drains well, like concrete.
Labor
The labor cost will depend on the size of the court and the chosen surface type. For example, installing a concrete surface will require more labor than installing an asphalt surface. The excavation and grading of the court will need to be done before the surface can be installed. This work can be done by a professional contractor or by you if you have the equipment and experience. The labor cost for a small court can range from $7000 to $10,000, while a larger court can cost $15,000 to $20,000.
Plumbing And Electrical
The cost will be higher if you plan to have lights installed on the court. You will also need to factor in the court’s running power cost. The plumbing cost will depend on whether you need to install a water fountain.
Permits
Depending on your location, you may need to get a tennis court permit. Some rules and regulations need to be followed, such as the height of the fence and the type of surface. The permit cost will vary depending on the municipality, but it is typically around $350.
Accessories
In addition to the court’s cost, you will need several accessories, such as a net, posts, and windscreens. A regulation-size net will cost around $200, and posts will cost around $00. Windscreens can range in price from $100 to $500, depending on the size and material. Lighting is also an important consideration if you plan to play at night. The lighting cost will depend on the type of fixture you choose and the number of fixtures you need.
Tennis Court Cost Breakdown
Now that you understand the different factors that can affect the cost of building a tennis court let’s take a look at a breakdown of the costs.
- Construction, including site equipment and labor, costs around $22,500 – 45,000
- Court surface can cost around $16,500 -50,000
- Perimeter ball fence is around $4,000 – 7,500
- A tennis net set can cost your around $1,500 – 3,000
- A sprinkler system is around $3,000 – 6,500
- The total cost of the tennis court will be around $60,500 – 120,000
Let’s check the cost breakdown of different court types:
Asphalt Court
A tennis court made from asphalt will cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000, so the average price is roughly $65,000. Compared to concrete, it has a short lifespan and more expensive upkeep. But it’s around 20% less expensive. You should anticipate it lasting for about 20 years on average. The maintenance cost of the asphalt courts is extremely high, starting at $1,000 per year and going up from there.
Concrete Court
A concrete-based tennis court typically costs between $60,000 and $120,000, or about $85,000 on average. Singles courts are towards the lower end of the spectrum, while doubles courts are at the upper end. The construction of concrete tennis courts is more costly than other traditional court types. However, they require a lot less upkeep and have a lifespan of about 40 years. The maintenance cost of the concrete courts is $500 per year on average.
Clay Court
Tennis courts with clay surfaces range in price from $35,000 to 80,000. However, establishing a clay surface requires time and is ineffective in locations with high winds since the top layer easily dwindles and blows away. A clay court can be used indefinitely as long as it receives proper maintenance. The maintenance cost of the clay courts is extremely high, starting at $2000 per year, since it needs to be constantly replaced.
Synthetic Turf Court
The average cost of a synthetic turf court is $75,000 – $100,000. The upfront cost is high, but it requires little to no maintenance and has a lifespan of about 15 years. On average, the maintenance cost of synthetic turf courts is $500 per year.
Grass Court
Grass tennis courts range in price from $50,000 to $150,000. To produce a suitable playing surface, they require practically continual upkeep. They are, nevertheless, also among the most in demand. Even though you might believe they are the most basic DIY projects to build, they require expert building to achieve a perfectly level surface. Grass court, if properly managed, has an endless lifespan similar to a clay court. The maintenance cost of the grass courts is extremely high, starting at $2000 per year.
Artificial Grass Courts
This surface has the same appearance as real grass yet costs only $75,000 to $100,000. Although it’s comfortable to play on, it can’t match a playing surface of real grass. It won’t need to be mowed, rolled, or watered, so it requires considerably less upkeep than grass. Instead, routine maintenance consists of sweeping and clearing away debris. The lifespan of an artificial grass court is about 20 years. The maintenance cost of the artificial grass courts is $200 per year on average.
Tennis Court Maintenance
Once your court is built, several ongoing costs are also considered. The most important is the cost of resurfacing the court every few years. The frequency with which you need to resurface will depend on the type of surface you choose and the amount of use the court gets. For example, an asphalt court will need to be resurfaced every 3 to 5 years, while a concrete court can last up to 10 years. The resurfacing cost will also depend on the size of the court and the type of surface you choose.
In addition to resurfacing, you will also need to maintain the court by sweeping it and adding new lines as needed. You should also check the condition of the net and posts regularly and replace them as needed. The price of these maintenance items will vary depending on the size of the court and the frequency with which you need to do them.
Final Words
Building a tennis court is a significant investment, but it can be a great way to improve your property and provide a fun activity for you and your family or friends.
If you take the time to choose the right location, surface, and accessories, your court will be a lasting addition to your home, school, or club. If you’re considering building a tennis court, research the cost and ensure you understand all the factors that can affect the price.
As you can see, the cost of building a tennis court can vary widely depending on the size, location, and type of court you choose.
Be sure to get a few quotes from different contractors to get the best price for your project. Once you understand the cost well, you can decide if building a tennis court is the right decision for you.
