Having your very own tennis court in your backyard is a dream for anyone who loves the game of tennis. Even if you don’t love tennis, it still can be a rewarding feeling to have your own tennis court.
Tennis courts come in various sizes, and it can be challenging to decide exactly how big you want yours to be. Some people build multiple tennis courts, while others prefer a single court. It’s important to consider the total cost of building a tennis court before going ahead with your purchase.
The average cost of a regulation-sized tennis court is $60,000. This is inclusive of labor and materials. A tennis court can range anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on the land, size, layout, labor cost, subsurface, and accessories that come with the court.
Having a tennis court can be tons of fun to play on and be social and entertain guests. The cost of a tennis court should be taken into consideration before going ahead with your purchase.
We’ll dive into things you should consider before getting a tennis court, as well as the cost of building one.
Why People Want to Have a Tennis Court
There are plenty of reasons people might want a tennis court in their backyard. Some people might love playing the game, while others might see it as an investment.
If you’re someone who loves to play tennis, having a court in your backyard is a fantastic luxury. You don’t have to worry about scheduling time at a tennis court or finding someone to play with. It’s also a great way to improve your skills and get some practice in.
If you’re not someone who loves to play tennis, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a tennis court. People often see having a tennis court as an investment.
There are also plenty of other reasons why someone might want to install a tennis court in their backyard. It’s up to you why you want one, but be sure that the cost involved won’t take away from your enjoyment.
What to Consider Before Building a Tennis Court
Before making a decision, you should think about the expense of constructing a tennis court. It would be best to think about other things before building a tennis court.
Some of the things you should consider are
How often will you use the court?
What type of surface do you want?
How much are you willing to spend?
How big do you want the court to be?
How much room do you have?
How will you deal with drainage if it’s built on a slope?
Once you’ve thought about these things, go ahead and research into other hidden costs that may pop up once the court has been installed.
Types of Tennis Court Surfaces
There are three different types of tennis surfaces: hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts. This is a decision based on your specific location and the climate.
The most common type of surface in North America is hardcourt.
Hard courts are made with asphalt or concrete and sometimes use a fine coating of silica sand to provide adequate drainage. You can use them year-round under any weather conditions.
Clay courts are made with crushed shale, brick, or limestone compacted to form the court’s surface. This is one of the toughest surfaces for tennis players.
Grass courts are made with grass grown on a bed of sand and soil. It usually requires humidity and is most common in the UK. It’s an excellent surface for tennis players.
Selecting a Size for Your Court
The size of your court will depend on several factors, including how much room you have and what type of court you plan to install. A tennis court is typically 78 feet by 27 feet.
If you’re someone who loves playing tennis, you might want to consider installing a larger court. This will give you more room to play and practice your game.
How Much Will It Cost To Build A Tennis Court?
The cost of building a tennis court can vary greatly depending on a few factors. The most crucial factor is the size of the court. Your standard 78 x 27 ft. court will cost around $15,000 to build.
However, a court that is larger or has more features can cost up to $30,000.
Cost to Design a Tennis Court: $1,000-$2500
Before any construction can happen, a designer will need to be hired to create a plan for the court. This usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500. A designer will survey the land and then prepare the design for the court.
A designer can render your ideal court with any design you can dream up. The more complex the design, the more it will cost to have a designer draw up the plans. If you have your own design, you may be able to find a company that will prepare it for a lower price.
Cost to Level the Land for a Tennis Court: $4,500-$10,000
If your land is uneven or too hilly, you’ll need to hire someone to level the ground. The costs for this will vary depending on how much work is involved and how big of an area has to be leveled.
The average cost to level the land for a tennis court is $6,000. This will include bringing in dirt, gravel, or other materials to make the ground even.
Cost of Materials for a Tennis Court: $5,500-$9,500
Once the land has been leveled, the tennis court’s surface will need to be installed. Tennis court materials usually cost around $7,500. The most common material used is asphalt, but choosing different materials such as clay or grass can change how much your material cost will be.
Clay courts are typically on the lower end for material cost, while grass courts surprisingly can have one the highest material cost.
Contractor Cost for a Tennis Court: $5,000-$15,000
The contractor fee will include all of the labor involved to install your tennis court. This includes everything from laying the asphalt or clay to preparing it for play. The average contractor fee is around $10,500.
The work can be extensive and time-consuming, depending on how big of a job you have. It’s essential to have a contractor who has previous experience installing tennis courts.
This will ensure that your court looks even and professional when completed. It will also help cut down on the amount of time it takes them to complete the job, resulting in a lower cost overall.
Tennis Court Lighting Cost: $1,500-$4,500
If you want to play tennis at night or early in the morning, you’ll need to install some lighting. Lighting for your court can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500.
Many different types of lights can be installed, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. It’s necessary to choose the right kind of light for your needs.
Tennis Court Fencing Cost: $2,000-$8,000
If you want to install a fence around your tennis court, it will cost between $2,000 and $8,000. This price range is based on the height and type of fence you choose.
The most popular type of fence for a tennis court is the wrought iron fence. It gives a stunning look to the court and is also very sturdy.
Tennis Court Nets and Balls Cost: $300-$1,000
To be able to play tennis right away, you’ll need to buy a net and some balls. This will typically cost around $600.
You can also choose to purchase a higher-quality net that will last longer. The average price for a higher-quality net is around $800.
Cost to Paint a Tennis Court: $1,000-$3,500
Painting your tennis court may be necessary to ensure that it’s even and professional. The price for painting a tennis court can vary greatly depending on the number of coats required and the size of the court(s).
Most courts require two coats at a minimum. It’s important to have this done professionally by experienced painters, so you’re sure that the job is done correctly.
Tennis Court Umpire Chair Cost: $500-$1,000
If you are going to have professional matches on your tennis court, it’s worth having an umpire chair. This can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
There are many different ones on the market, but most umpire chairs will give a professional feel to your court.
Tennis Court Sound System Cost: $1,500-$3,000
If you want to listen to music or announcements while playing tennis, you’ll need a sound system that can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
There are many different options for sound systems, so you’re sure to find one that will meet your needs.
Be Sure To Consider The Hidden Costs
After the court has been installed, other costs may still arise. You’ll need to maintain the court regularly to ensure it stays in good condition.
Regular maintenance can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 per year, depending on the size of your court and the type of material you have installed. If you choose to do this yourself, it could save you some money.
Many different companies specialize in tennis court maintenance. You’ll have to weigh the cost of hiring them against the cost of labor and materials you would have to buy to do it yourself.
In addition, if you add any additional features such as a sound system or lighting, there will be extra expenses involved. You’ll want to consider all these costs before beginning your project carefully.
How To Maintain Your Tennis Court
Tennis court maintenance is essential to ensure that the court looks good and stays in good condition. There are a few things that you can do on a regular basis to keep your court looking its best.
The first is to sweep the court regularly. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. You should also wash the surface of the court every few months with a hose or pressure washer.
If there are any oil or grease stains on the court, you can clean them with a degreaser. Be sure to rinse the area well afterward.
If you have a fence around your court, you’ll want to take measures to keep it in good condition as well.
The paint on your court should be checked regularly and repaired as needed.
You should also check the net for damage and repair any holes that appear.
If you follow these recommended steps, your court should last for many years. If done correctly, it can add value to your property and increase the enjoyment of using it each day.
Conclusion
Having your very own tennis court can be a dream come true if you’re an avid tennis player. It’s important to consider all of the costs involved before building one, so you’re sure that it’s right for you.
There are many different things to consider, such as the cost of materials, labor, and maintenance. Also, think about what material would be best suited to your climate and how long it would last.
This will help you choose the most cost-effective option while also ensuring that you get a court you’ll use for years to come.
While the basics for a tennis court are pretty standard, some optional features can really enhance your playing experience. For example, lighting can extend the hours you can play or provide a particular mood for evening games.
Another option is a sound system. This can add music or announcements while you’re playing, making the experience more enjoyable.
Take some time to consider all of your options and what would be best for you before beginning your project.
It’s important to think about the upfront costs and the ongoing costs that will be associated with maintaining your court. With a little bit of planning, you can have the perfect tennis court for your home.