How Much Does it Cost to Build or Resurface a Tennis Court?

Not all tennis courts are created in the same way or made with the same materials. The most common types of tennis courts include grass, clay, asphalt or post-tensioned concrete courts. Grass courts are preferred by elite players and are found at annual events like Wimbledon, but they are actually one of the most challenging courts to maintain. They need almost daily care in order for players to experience the best possible play, which eliminates them as a realistic possibility for almost every homeowner. Clay courts, similarly, are popular among elite tennis players. Clay is made up of packed, crushed brick, and it can result in fewer injuries for players. However, it can also slow down the speed of game play. In the Southern United States, clay tennis courts are popular because the climate is naturally humid, preventing cracks in the clay and limiting the required maintenance. Asphalt courts typically last for 20 years or longer, making them a durable option. They are also more affordable than post-tensioned concrete courts. However, asphalt can soften over time, which may lead to slight sinking in hot climates and potential injuries for players. Post-tensioned concrete courts are the most popular option in the United States. Post-tensioned refers to the process by which steel cables are tightened after the concrete has been poured, which adds to the strength and integrity of the court. Concrete courts can last an incredibly long time, often 40 years or more. They can be colored and used for sports other than just tennis.

Preparing Sites for Tennis Court Construction

Whether homeowners opt for a clay, grass, asphalt or concrete court, one of the biggest steps will be preparing the actual site for construction. Long before any concrete is poured or any balls are ever hit, the court area needs to be prepared. This may start with clearing the land, if there are any shrubs, plants or trees in place, and then will continue with grading. Tennis courts need to be almost completely flat in order to facilitate proper play. If there is any unusual sloping present, it may create disadvantages for players or create shots at odd heights and angles. However, there does need to be a controlled grade that helps drain the court and prevent water from pooling. Gravel or crushed stone may be needed to create a stable sub-level underneath asphalt or concrete, and this will typically need to be between 4 and 6 inches thick. A compactor can be used to create a level surface for the sub-level. Swampy, rocky or overgrown areas will naturally cost more to turn into a tennis court because of all the extra preparation work involved.

Process of Building a Tennis Court

After there is cleared, level and stable ground in place, the process of actually installing and building the tennis court can begin. For concrete courts, cables are used to create the size of the slab, steel forms are installed, fence posts are placed around the perimeter of the court, concrete is poured and the cables are tightened to create tension as the concrete finalizes the curing process. Asphalt courts may be very similar as they are also poured, but there is no tensioning of cables for that additional level of support. Grass courts, after the prep work is complete, simply need to have sod installed and borders drawn. Clay courts, similarly, have no pouring process and only need to be laser-compacted before the final touches can begin. All courts will need to have perfectly measured perimeters marked around the court and at the halfway mark where the net is to be installed. Concrete and asphalt courts also need to have surfacing done, which keeps the court in peak condition for year-round play.

Final Touches: Extras That Can Influence Cost of a Tennis Court

The cost of a tennis court typically starts at $20,000 and can easily work its way up to over $50,000, and that's excluding regular maintenance. There is such a big difference in price both because of the materials choices discussed above and the extra accessories that can turn a piece of concrete into a championship court. Most courts will need additions like a center net and fencing around the perimeter of the court. Beyond that, there are limitless extras that will drive up costs while simultaneously improving the look and the utility of a tennis court. Some of the most popular upgrades include the following:

• Lights for nighttime play
• Water fountains for player and spectator use
• Court organizers to store rackets, balls and other game play items
• Shoe cleaners to remove debris from soles of court shoes
• Backboards and rebound nets for individual practices
• Clocks
• Scorekeepers to manage non-refereed matches
• Umpire chairs
• Benches so that spectators can watch play

Costs of Resurfacing an Existing Tennis Court

An existing tennis court may not need to be replaced simply because it is cracked, uneven or sinking. Resurfacing is substantially cheaper, typically coming in between $4,000 and $8,000 for a concrete court. Resurfacing can give courts a bright new color, but they can also remove low spots and even out the surface. Resurfacing will cost more and take longer if the court has not been property maintained in the years prior.