How to Build a Padel Court: The Complete Guide (Step by Step)

Padel is a highly regarded sport globally, and it is growing in popularity in the United States. Padel sometimes referred to as padel tennis, is a social game that is enjoyable and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

When deciding to build a padel court or setting up a padel club, you may wonder about the best approach to take. In this article, you will learn how to do it step-by-step.

How to build a padel court (The basics in 7 steps)

1. Padel court dimensions

The first step in planning is to find out what area you have available and ensure that it is large enough to build a padel court.

How much space do you need to build a padel court?

Padel courts are 20 meters long and 10 meters wide for doubles. Single courts are the same length but only 6 meters wide.

A padel court requires at least 11×21 meters, plus an extra 0.5 meters on each side. This makes the minimum needed to build a double court 231 m2. A single court requires at least 11×7 meters, plus an additional 0.5 meters as well.

Usually, these measurements are the minimum; however, we recommend that you allow for more space around the court. Additional space around the court can also contribute to a better gaming experience. The location is also vital for the overall experience, especially if your court is going outside. The sun and wind significantly affect the game outside, making it essential to think through location and positioning correctly.

2. Ceiling height

It is essential to have a high ceiling as the lob is perhaps the most critical shot in padel tennis. No one wants to lose a point because their lob touches the ceiling.

Which ceiling height is required for padel?

A padel court can be built outdoors without considering the ceiling height. Indoors, ceiling height of at least 7 meters is a guideline, but 8 meters is even better. As padel evolves, more skilled players with greater demands will prefer courts with higher ceilings.

3. Flooring

Having a perfectly leveled surface is essential for playing padel. It cannot be sloping.

What type of foundation do you use for padel courts?

Padel court supplier recommendations vary slightly, but you should strive to use a 10 cm-thick concrete surface without pits or elevations. If you are going to build a padel court outdoors you can install quick-dry asphalt, which will help your court dry faster when it is raining.

4. Surface

You now have to decide which top layer surface you will use for the court. You have a range of options, each with pros and cons.

Which kind of artificial grass do padel courts use?

The synthetic turf on padel courts is specifically designed to withstand heavy wear due to the frequent usage combined with a relatively small surface area.

You should take several factors into consideration before selecting an artificial turf, including how frequently the court will be used, how much maintenance you are prepared to do, as well as how long you need it to last. Additionally, the decision depends on whether the padel court should be inside or outside, as well as your financial plan.

Why do padel courts have sand?

Padel courts use sand in the synthetic turf to keep it in place and reduce friction so fast movements are easier.

To build a padel court, you need about 8-12 kg of sand per square meter, depending on the type of artificial grass you use.

5. Building permits

Before you build your padel court, you need to have all permits in place. Otherwise, your padel dream can become an expensive one.

Does a padel court need a building permit?

Your country and the area where you plan to build the padel court will determine whether you need a building permit. Check with your local authorities to find out what is required in your case.

6. Installation

How do you install a padel court?

Padel court installation requires experience and knowledge in order to achieve the best results.

This involves setting up the structure, installing glass walls, adding sand, and installing artificial turf. Correctly installing the artificial turf is crucial to a good result and should always be carried out by professionals.

Lighting is usually part of the installation, making it essential to prepare all the necessary electrical outputs and sockets before installation.

7. Maintenance

Padel courts require regular maintenance. A well-maintained padel court improves both the playing conditions and the service life of the court.

What maintenance is necessary for a padel court?

Depending on the type of court you have, maintenance varies. A general rule of thumb is to clean glass walls once a month and sweep artificial turf once a week. (For certain types of artificial turf, this is less frequent).

You should also have the glass walls inspected every month, and the artificial turf serviced once a year.