Tennis Court Construction
Tennis court installation is not a simple undertaking, and many things must be considered before the first shovel of earth is moved. The lay of the land should be the first consideration, as a completely flat and level surface is needed. Irrigation questions must also be answered, especially if the court to be installed is going to be a clay or grass court.An area that is somewhat larger than the actual court is going to be needed in order to make room for water drainage, posts, fences and possibly lighting equipment. Also, it is best to orient the court slightly west of true north so that the sun does not bother players. Soil preparation for the tennis court is of utmost importance as well.
Hard Tennis Courts
Hard courts are constructed out of concrete or asphalt and are usually covered with an acrylic coating. The coating is used to protect the surface of the court from weathering as well as to enhance its appearance. However, the acrylic covering also affects how the court plays, and the amount, type and size of sand used in the coating can affect the “speed” of the court.
In general, hard courts produce what are known as “fast” games. This means that the ball bounces off the court at a relatively low angle. Hard courts are known to be quite durable if they are installed properly, and they require little upkeep and maintenance. Installing a hard court can cost anywhere from $15,000 to over $50,000 depending on the type of construction desired.
Cushion Tennis Courts
Cushion tennis courts are great for year-round play, but they add anywhere from $5,000-$25,000 to the total cost of installation. Basically, a cushion court is constructed by placing a cushiony surface on top of an acrylic or concrete court. Cushion courts tend to be popular with players because they are somewhat easier on the joints and they produce very consistent bounces.
Synthetic Grass Courts
Synthetic grass courts are another popular choice because they tend to be easy on the joints as well and produce an excellent playing surface. The court also highly resembles natural grass, making it very pleasing to the eye. Synthetic grass courts are not as expensive to install as cushion tennis courts, though they do require a bit more upkeep.
Fast-Dry or Clay Courts
Clay courts are a little more complicated to install because great care must be taken to ensure that the clay material is placed at a consistent depth over the entire court area. This is important because clay courts must be watered consistently to stay moist, yet they must have proper drainage so that areas of the court do not become over-watered and soggy. Clay courts must also be brushed after each use, and the clay must be rolled periodically to keep the court in excellent condition. Clay courts produce slower, slightly more irregular bounces than other court materials. However, clay courts are excellent for the joints as they cushion very well.
Nets, posts, and lines and other accessories
Many companies produce a large variety of nets, posts, and line materials for tennis courts. Nets may be purchased at differing grades of qualities, and lines for clay and grass courts may be purchased in different materials and colors. Tennis court colors may also be customized to suit the user, though there are standard colors for tennis courts which are suggested because they make the ball easier to see.