6 Steps to Making Your Own Pickleball Court

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Young Man and Woman Pickleball Player Playing Pickleball in Court

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport. The number of people who play it grew from 3.64 million in 2019 to 4.2 million in 2020. That’s a 21.3% increase, which is the highest increase of any US sport that year. If you want to know is pickleball an olympic sport, then you can visit pickleballmate.com.

If you’re unfamiliar with pickleball, it’s a fast-paced and exhilarating sport that combines elements from tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It’s a highly addictive and enjoyable game, particularly when played with family and friends.

If you are one of the ones who’s caught the pickleball fever, you may want to make your own court. That way, you can play whenever you want for free. You won’t need to wait in line to use a public court or pay for a special gym membership. However, creating a pickleball court requires careful planning, and one of the first steps is measuring the pickleball court dimensions.

So in this guide, we’ll give you the main steps to making your own pickleball court. Here they are:

1. Choose a location

Before you start, you need to determine a location. The location will depend on a range of factors, including how many courts you want in the first place. A lot of pickleball courts are built in sets of 4, for example, which are roughly the size of a tennis court when put together.

However if you only want a single court, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) puts the official court dimension at 20 x 44 feet. But plan for some extra space outside the perimeter of the court for an out of bounds area. And orient the court north-south instead of east-west to limit how much sun gets in players’ eyes and how many obstructing shadows form on the court.

Consider the surroundings of your chosen location. It’s best to select an area that is not close to busy roads or exposed to loud noises, as these can be distractions and interfere with gameplay. Additionally, privacy is a factor to keep in mind. If you prefer not to be watched by strangers while playing, opt for a secluded area.

Finally, check the local zoning regulations where you live to make sure you’re allowed to install a pickleball court on your property. Just because it’s your backyard doesn’t mean your housing laws will permit it. It’s also good to check that it’s okay with your neighbors, too, since playing pickleball can get noisy and you don’t want to disturb them.

Pickleball Court2

2. Choose surface materials

Next, you need to choose surface materials for the court. Here, you have three main options: concrete, asphalt, and plastic tiles. 

Concrete is very durable and has the lowest carbon footprint. You can usually get it poured for anywhere from $4 to $8 per square foot. 

Asphalt is a more affordable option at around $2.50 to $4 per square foot, but it also requires more upkeep. You have to seal-coat it every 2 to 5 years to ensure it stays water-resistant. 

Plastic tiles are ideal if you don’t want to permanently alter the ground under the court. Plus, they add a nice cushion under your feet when playing. Usually, plastic tiles snap together so you can easily modify the court’s size. 

Another option to consider is using a specialty court surface, which utilizes synthetic materials to provide consistent ball response, good traction, and shock absorption. These surfaces are designed with players’ comfort and well-being in mind, as they help reduce joint stress and make the game more enjoyable. 

While the specialty court surface may be the most expensive option, it can be a worthwhile investment, especially if you plan on using the court for an extended period.

Whatever surface material you choose, make sure you hire a professional contractor to install it. One installation mistake could ruin your court and cost you a lot of money to fix. So it’s better to play it safe and get the help of an expert.

3. Paint the lines

Once the surface is done, you’re ready to paint the court lines. They should be white and 2 inches wide and you’ll need 5 different sets of lines: baselines, sidelines, non-volley zone (NVZ) lines, centerlines, and service court lines. If you’re not familiar with what these are, take a look at a court diagram.

Keep in mind that the court lines may fade over time, especially with frequent use. It is important to have extra paint on hand for touch-ups and maintenance to ensure the lines remain clear and visible.

And if you want to make your court really custom, you can even add some painted stencils or graphics in the middle of it. Just remember to let the paint dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next step.

4. Pick a net system

It’s not a pickleball court without a net. You can get a permanent net system or a portable one. Permanent versions are more expensive and have durable posts that can withstand poor weather. Portable ones are more affordable but will need to be disassembled and taken inside at night and during the off-season. Choose whatever you prefer.

The net system should include two poles, a rope ratchet, optional sleeves, and of course the net itself. The top of the net should be 36 inches off the ground at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. 

Pickleball Court1

5. Set up fencing

Fencing keeps balls from flying and outsiders from intruding. It can also divide multiple courts. It’s important for keeping spectators safe from balls that go out-of-bounds and breaking the occasional fall of a player who goes in for a dive.  

Pickleball fencing is usually made out of wires and can reach up to 10 feet high. If you want to save some money, you can opt for 4-foot fencing instead, but you’ll want to cover the top of the fence with padding to prevent any injuries from people falling on it. 

6. Install lighting

Lastly, it’s nice to have outdoor lighting for your pickleball court when it gets dark. Fixtures should be installed near the center line on either side of the court. But keep them at least 24 inches away from the court so they don’t interfere with the game. Look for light poles that are 13-20 feet high, light fixtures that can handle 1,500 watts of power, and LED bulbs that are energy efficient. Then you’ll have a nice lit court to play on in the evenings. 

Final Tips

And that’s it! Of course, making your pickleball court will take some time. But as soon as you complete all of the above steps, you’ll be ready to start playing your favorite sport with friends and family. 

Just make sure that you budget appropriately as this is no small project. You should expect to spend at least $10,000 on the court surface, paint, nets, posts, lights, and labor. 

But as long as you plan your expenses and schedule well in advance, you’ll be well prepared for the fun that awaits!

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