Pickleball is not only one of the fastest-growing sports in America, but it is also a fairly popular game for older people over the age of 50. Pickleball is fun, and has many health benefits too. It’s a great way to stay active!
While at first glance, those unfamiliar with the sport may think it is quite similar to racket sports like tennis, the truth is a pickleball court is only a quarter of the size of a tennis court.
You may be wondering about the cost of building a regulation-size pickleball court, and we’re happy to tell you we have the answers below!
Is It Cheaper To Build An Outdoor Pickleball Court Yourself?
Building an outdoor pickleball court may seem impossible, but this is simply not the case. In fact, when you have the know-how and the necessary tools, it can be a realistic DIY project.
It’s also a great project to work on with friends and family, as they can give you a hand with constructing the court surface, building a fence, and painting. Making this a group project is a lot more budget-friendly than hiring a contractor, especially if budget is an issue.
The Rough Costs Of Building Your Own Pickleball Court
There are many factors to consider when determining the construction costs of your own pickleball court. These factors will vary according to what you would like your pickleball court to look like, and also the budget.
Building a basic pickleball court in your backyard normally costs around $200-$400. This cost takes into account the cost of the balls, 4 paddles, a roll of court tape, and a portable net.
If you want to build a pickleball court in areas other than your backyard, an 8-court complex may cost somewhere in the region of $30,000 and this cost is inclusive of necessary amenities and lighting.
Let’s break down the cost of building a pickleball court, as the price range can vary depending on your vision. Below, we’ll take you through the costs of constructing a pickleball court, from start to finish.
New court tape/new nets – around $300.
Court resurfacing – $3,500 – $5,000.
A basic court with fencing and lighting – £20,000 – $35,000.
An 8-court complex with fencing but no lighting – $11,000 – $15,000.
An 8-court complex with lighting and stadium seating – costs usually start at around $30,000.
What kind of pickleball court you would like to build will have a big impact on your budget. Of course, the larger, more hi-tech, and more well-equipped pickleball court you would like, the more you can expect to spend.
The final bill for your pickleball court project will all depend on the type of materials you buy and the quality of those materials. But if money is no object, take your time to do your research on the best materials and equipment possible.
How To Build Perimeter Fencing
Your fence should normally be 10 feet tall at a minimum, so you not only improve the security of your court, but you also get some privacy while you play.
However, no matter how tall your fence is, balls may still fly over it, but a wider pad provides you with room to reduce your chances of losing balls.
There are two ways to look at this. You could build a higher wall which will be beneficial if a larger pad isn’t an option. However, this is an extra cost.
Or, you could make your pad wider while keeping the fence height low. But whatever you decide, this additional cost will most likely be between $10,000 to $50,000.
Other Factors To Consider
Just like with other construction projects, you need to take a few factors and regulations into account when building a pickleball court, especially if it’s away from your backyard and will act as more of a recreation center. Let’s take a look at these considerations.
Sound
It’s important to ask yourself, are you going to be bothering your neighbors and inconveniencing the wider community by building this pickleball court?
Constructing a stand-alone pickleball court close to your neighbors is generally not recommended. Not only are you limited in your scope, but complaints about noise will be inevitable.
Orientation
Orientation is another essential factor to keep in mind when constructing a pickleball court. Ask yourself where the light is coming from, and see if there are buildings that block light.
You should also make sure the sun isn’t directly hitting players’ faces, as this will make it challenging to see the ball, not to mention uncomfortable!
You should also make sure there is a shaded area around your pickleball court where players can rest and seek shelter from the sun.
Color
There is a wide range of colors to choose from when building your pickleball court, and deciding on colors can be one of the most fun parts of the process!
Your tastes play a huge role in deciding the color scheme of your court, and the landscape and the color of surrounding buildings and structures can also inform your decision.
Location
Whether you build an outdoor or indoor court is a huge factor to consider as it will help you decide on the kind of flooring you use.
Asphalt is a great choice whether your pickleball court is indoors or outdoors, but an outdoor court will need more maintenance and also be more costly.
Some of these maintenance costs will include water removal and debris cleaning. It’s a good idea to regularly check your playing surface for sun exposure, rain damage, or other kinds of wear and tear.
Taking expenses like good fencing and locked gates is also essential when constructing an outdoor pickleball court.
Meanwhile, indoor courts are less costly and easier to take care of, as you don’t have to worry about weather damage. If you use the right flooring, an indoor court will last for ages!
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of what goes into building your ideal pickleball court!
Balancing your budget with quality can be challenging at times, but as long as you do your research and take your time, you’re sure to build a pickleball court you can be proud of.
Pickleball has been played for decades, and it is a great way to let off some steam, engage in friendly competition, and improve your fitness levels.
Hi, my name is Joe Polls and my family and I are keen pickleball players. My parents actually met on a pickleball court, and the rest is history.
I have always loved pickleball, no matter how many times I hear that it’s not a real sport. It has helped me get through some challenging times in my life - whether that be a breakup, finals, or even bereavement. The reason I made my website is so that I can teach more people about the wonders of pickleball, and maybe even get them interested in playing.
Pickleball could always use more players, so what are you waiting for?
Please, enjoy my website and I hope it teaches you something of use. Who knows, maybe I’ll catch you out on the court one day!
