How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tennis Court?

tennis court

Building a tennis court is a great investment for personal use or as a community sports facility. Surface type, location, and other features determine the cost of tennis court installation. How much does it cost to build a tennis court and what affects it? From the type of surface to labor, lighting, and fencing affect the price. 

It might be challenging to plan your budget and proceed with your project because of this uncertainty. In this article, we’ll discover the costs of building a tennis court. You can make easy decisions by understanding the factors that influence the price.  Ultimately, you will ensure that your dream court is affordable and practical.

Certain factors affect how much it costs to set up a tennis court. Considering these factors, you can select the cheapest way to build a tennis court:

  • Type of Surface: Different surfaces like asphalt, clay, or grass have different costs.
  • Location: Location determines how much you will have to pay.
  • Size: The cost of a normal doubles court is more than that of a singles court.
  • Additional Features: Fencing, lighting, and other add-ons increase the cost.
  • Maintenance: Maintenance costs for various types of surfaces range from $500 to $3,000 per year.
  • Net Posts and Nets: A durable net system costs $500 to $2,000.
  • Windscreens: For added privacy and wind resistance, screens cost $1,000 to $3,000.
  • Seating and Amenities. Benches, shade structures, or spectator seating can range from $1,000 to $10,000.

1. Cost of Surfaces to Build Tennis Court

Surface selection before tennis court construction is important. Different court surfaces have different construction costs, such as Grass, Clay, and Asphalt. The cost of grass surfaces is higher than that of other surfaces. Here are different surfaces and their prices.

Hard Court (Asphalt or Concrete)

  • Cost: $45,000 to $80,000
  • Durable, low-maintenance hard courts are famous for residential and commercial installations. Asphalt courts cost less than concrete but may require resurfacing every 5–7 years. There is a much higher cost for concrete tennis courts.

Clay Court

  • Cost: $30,000 to $75,000
  • Clay courts provide a slower playing surface and are common in professional tournaments like the French Open. Maintenance costs can add up due to frequent leveling and watering.

Grass Court

  • Cost: $50,000 to $150,000
  • Grass courts offer a classic aesthetic but are costly to install and maintain. Regular mowing, irrigation, and reseeding are essential.

Synthetic Turf

  • Cost: $40,000 to $100,000
  • A mix of grass-like appearance with lower maintenance needs. This option is gaining popularity for residential and recreational courts.

Budget Macadam

It is an affordable surface type. It is durable but needs more maintenance with time. It costs between $25,000 and $30,000.

Pladek and Non-Cushioned Acrylic

These surfaces are more durable. They offer the best playability and cost between $45,000 and $55,000.

High-End Synthetic Turf

Playing on artificial turf is a premium experience. It costs between $ 59,000 and $70,000.

Artificial Clay

This surface is a copy of natural clay courts. It is similar to a natural clay court. It costs between $65,000 and $75,000.

2. Cost of Site Preparation for tennis court

Selecting a level, uniform surface is essential for the durability of the court. The cost of site preparation might range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the geology. In addition to preventing water damage, proper drainage guarantees continuous play. According to my research, the estimated cost of a drainage setup is $5,000 to $10,000. 

3. Cost of Fencing and Lighting

tennis court lighting

The fence keeps the ball in court and raises the level of privacy. Its price ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. Read the some types of fencing and their prices to select one for you.

Chain-Link Fencing: $3,000 – $10,000
Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link: $4,000 – $12,000
Welded Wire Mesh: $5,000 – $15,000

 Installing high-quality lighting allows for nighttime play and costs $10,000 to $30,000.

4. Average Cost of Tennis Court Building

 The average cost will help you undersatne overall expenses. Here is the average price list of all these setups. 

  • Surface Installation: From $40k – $100k (depending on the type of material: asphalt, clay, grass, etc.)
  • Fencing: $3,000 – $10,000
  • Lighting: $10,000 – $20,000
  • Windscreens: $600 – $2,000
  • Site Preparation: $5,000 – $15,000

The total cost of building a tennis court ranges from $58,600 to $147,000.

5. Cost of Extra Materials Building Tennis Court

There are some other materials for tennis court installation, such as:

  • Line marking
  • Drainage System
  • Gate 
  • Floodlights
  • Tubular Fencing

The following table shows the prices for these additional materials. 

6. How Much you Pay Labor to Build a Tennis Court?

Depending on the dimensions of the court, labor charges range from $10,000 to $35,000. Local labor rates, surface type, and installation all affect the overall labor cost. Labor costs go high for more complex installations.

Summary of Labor Costs:

  • Minimum Labor Cost: $10,000
  • Maximum Labor Cost: $35,000
  • Average Labor Cost: Approximately $22,500

Total Cost of Tennis Court Construction

Tips for Saving on Construction Costs

  • Choose Asphalt surface over Concrete surface. Asphalt is less expensive than concrete and provides a durable surface for recreational play.
  • Stick to regulation sizes (78 feet by 36 feet for doubles play) to avoid extra material costs.
  • Avoid features like custom logos, elaborate landscaping, or decorative lighting.
  •  Installing a fence can be a manageable DIY project if you’re handy and have basic tools.
  • Handling tasks like planting grass or shrubs around the court yourself can save on professional labor costs.
  • Local sourcing reduces transportation costs. For example, using locally available clay or asphalt can lower your overall expense.
  • Consider a court design that can accommodate basketball, pickleball, or other sports.

Conclusion

A tennis court’s construction can cost anywhere from $50,000 to more than $220,000. Your choice of features and materials will determine the price. By carefully planning your project and prioritizing essential elements, you can build a court. This tennis court will fit your budget while enhancing your property and lifestyle.

If you are ready to take the next step, consult local contractors. With the right plan, your dream court can become a reality.

FAQs

These are some Frequently Asked Questions concerning tennis court construction. They include cost estimates, factors to consider, and tips for saving money.

Clay courts are often the most affordable to construct. Their costs start at $30,000. Unlike on other surfaces, they need more regular care.

Grass courts are the most expensive, costing $50,000 to $150,000 or more. Their installation and ongoing maintenance contribute to the high price.

Maintenance costs depend on the surface:

  • Hard courts: $1,000 to $2,500 annually (resurfacing every 5–7 years).
  • Clay courts: $2,000 to $5,000 annually.
  • Grass courts: $4,000 to $10,000 annually for mowing and irrigation.

Construction time varies based on the surface and complexity of the project. It takes 2 to 6 months to complete a tennis court, including site preparation and installation.

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I’m Shehzad, a tennis player passionate about encouraging others to join the sport.

Here at Tennis Estate, our goal is to distinguish ourselves from other review sites by actively purchasing and testing the products we review. We maintain complete integrity, rejecting any form of bribery. Our reviews are always candid and unbiased, regardless of how manufacturers might feel about them.

I’m Shehzad, a dedicated tennis player committed to inspiring others to embrace the sport.

At Tennis Estate, our goal is to distinguish ourselves from other review sites by actively purchasing and testing the products we review. We maintain complete integrity, rejecting any form of bribery. Our reviews are always candid and unbiased, regardless of how manufacturers might feel about them.

Disclosure: TennisEstate.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This affiliate advertising program enables us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and other affiliated sites.

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