Basic Requirements to Consider Before Installing a Tennis Court
Tennis courts can be a great addition to the home. However, they require careful planning and have some strict requirements regarding construction. Here are some factors to consider before installing a tennis court.
Tennis court sizes and requirements
When measured from fence to fence, a standard court is 60 feet wide and 120 feet long. Courts also need a graded area that extends another three feet from the fence, depending on topology and drainage conditions. If there are any trees within 15 feet of the court, they would need to be removed as a precaution to prevent root encroachment. Additionally, it reduces leaf debris on the court and any staining of the surface.
Orientation
Tennis courts should be oriented north to south. Keeping the net line on the east-west axis helps keep the sunlight out of the players' eyes during early mornings and evenings.
Fences
A standard fence size is 10 feet high, although 8- or 12-feet-high fences can be used in certain situations. Fences can be lower on either side of the court, between three and four feet high, or omitted if there are no significant dangers from errant balls nearby. Various fence types work equally well depending on the desired aesthetic, including galvanized or vinyl-coated chain link or netting on steel or wooden frames.
Landscaping
Professional court installers recommend landscaping the area around the court to improve water drainage from or near it. However, this landscaping should be kept to a minimum to prevent encroachment on the court and potential court damage.
Windscreens
Some areas are naturally windy, which can have a significant impact on gameplay. A six-foot-high windscreen on a fence usually provides the most benefits without putting more strain on the fence during harsh weather conditions. A professional court installer can change these specifications according to the court's location and fence size.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the essential pieces of equipment to facilitate play during nighttime. In the warmer months, it's usually a better idea to play during the evening when it's cooler outside to prevent heatstroke and minimize body stress.
When designing a light system, the primary considerations are the court size, players' age, and uniformity of light coverage. Age matters, as older players require more ambient lighting to see the ball well. With this in mind, professional court installers can help design a light system that works best for a specific tennis court and owner.
Other tennis court accessories—like benches, water coolers, scorekeepers, ball machines, and practice boards—add more storage and maintenance requirements to the court. Consult a local court installer service for advice, designs, and installation estimates.
Apex Court Builders specialize in construction, resurfacing and repair of tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and more. We do business in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego! Call us today! (480) 384-9141.
