How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tennis Court?

Last Updated on February 20, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Constructing a regulation-sized tennis court at your home, business, or community center is a major undertaking, but provides countless hours of exercise, competition, and fun.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tennis Court?

Like any major construction project, building a tennis court requires careful planning, quality materials, professional installation, and a significant budget. Typical costs to build a tennis court range from $10,000 for a simple backyard court up to $250,000 for an elaborate tournament-level complex.

SuperMoney, for example, writes that grass tennis court construction will cost you $50,000 to $150,000 to install upfront, though expect that cost to be in the six-figure range.

According to Sports Venue Calculator, the cost to build a tennis court typically ranges between $25,000 – $120,000 for a regulation-sized court. The price of a tennis court depends on many factors such as the geographical location and choice of the court surface.

Bankrate states that you can expect to pay between $25,000 and $115,000 to build a tennis court at your home, with the average cost running around $65,000. The court surface plays a large part in the price: Clay and turf courts tend to be cheaper to install, while asphalt and concrete ones are pricier.

This guide goes over the factors that influence the total price tag so you can plan and budget for your dream court.

Tennis Court Construction Cost Breakdown

From materials to unexpected overruns, building a court requires substantial capital split over multiple areas.

Upfront Project Expenses

Major fixed costs consist of:

• Surfacing – Largest line item, from $15K to over $100K
• Fencing – $10K to $30K+ for perimeter enclosure
• Lighting – $5K to $15K depending on fixtures
• Preparation – $5K to $15K for grading, drainage

Ongoing Operating Costs

Annual expenses include:

• Maintenance – $2K to $5K for surface upkeep
• Supplies – $500 to $1,500 for nets, balls, brushes
• Insurance – $1K per year minimum liability coverage
• Utilities – $500 to $2K+ for lighting and water

Potential Add-Ons

Optional items that boost cost:

• Landscaping – $3K to $10K+ for trees, gardens
• Custom design – $5K to $15K+ for color, logos
• Accessories – $2K to $10K for seating, storage

Tennis Court Construction Materials

The subsurface, surfacing, fencing, lighting, and accessories make up the core components of a tennis court. Selecting quality, durable materials is essential for safety, performance, and longevity.

Court Surfacing

The playing surface is the largest material investment. Popular options include:

• Asphalt ($2-$4 per sq ft) – Offers a smooth, consistent bounce. Requires frequent sealing to prevent cracks.
• Concrete ($8-$12 per sq ft) – Provides a perfectly flat, stable surface but is rigid with no shock absorption.
• Artificial turf ($4-$8 per sq ft) – Cushioned, all-weather alternative with uniform ball bounce. Needs a decomposed granite base.
• Clay ($3-$6 per sq ft) – Premier surface for Grand Slam tournaments with forgiving play. High maintenance.
• Grass ($10-$15 per sq ft) – Natural feel but difficult to maintain and reserved for lawn tennis purists.

Subsurface Materials

The subsurface under the playing surface ensures proper drainage. Common choices are:

• Gravel/stone – Inexpensive option for drainage and stability. Needs frequent smoothing.
• Sand – Shifts easily requiring frequent re-leveling. Better for grass or clay courts.
• Concrete – Provides the most stable, resilient base but with a higher upfront cost.

Fencing

Fencing defines the court boundaries and contains errant balls. Materials include:

• Chain link ($15-$30 per linear ft) – economical, see-through option that requires frequent repairs
• Aluminum ($25-$60 per linear ft) – sleek, contemporary look if budget allows
• Wood ($30-$75 per linear ft) – classic choice that complements landscaping

Lighting

Outdoor lighting extends playing time into the evening:

• Halogen ($2,500-$4,000) – tried-and-true technology, prone to glare
• LED ($3,500-$7,500) – energy-efficient, customizable lighting
• Solar ($4,000-$10,000) – eco-friendly source, but higher upfront cost

Additional Features

Other features that enhance functionality and design:

• Court paint ($4-$8 per gallon) to define playing lines and areas
• Windscreens ($3,500+) block wind and errant balls
• Shade structures ($5,000+) allow play in hot climates
• Seating for spectators ($500+)

Tennis Court Construction Process

Transforming a vacant lot into a regulation tennis court requires careful planning and skilled execution.

Site Preparation

Creating a flat, stable, adequately draining base is crucial. Work includes:

• Grading and leveling the ground surface
• Installing subsurface drainage system
• Layering and compacting gravel and stone

Court Surfacing

The playing surface must be meticulously installed for proper bounce and safety:

• Asphalt and concrete require curing time between coats
• Clay and artificial turf involve special techniques to avoid seams
• Line painting requires templates and precision

Fencing, Lighting, and Features

Fencing, lighting, and accessories are added after the playing surface:

• Lighting fixtures mounted on poles at precise heights
• Fencing installed plumb and taut
• Features like windscreens integrated thoughtfully

Tennis Court Design and Features

Many choices influence the aesthetics, functionality, and playing experience.

Indoor vs Outdoor

Differentiators:

• Outdoor – Less expensive, subject to weather, more maintenance
• Indoor – All-weather access, higher upfront cost, requires HVAC

Custom Design Elements

Personalized touches include:

• Color schemes – Vibrant colors create visual interest
• Logos – Branded courts for schools, clubs, and businesses
• Landscaping – Greenery enhances beauty and provides shade

Accessibility

You might also like our articles about the cost of building a pickleball court, racquetball court, or Bocce ball court.

Making courts open to all users:

• Wheelchair access – Graded pathways and openings in fencing
• Spectator seating – Bleachers outside fence line

Legal and Administrative Requirements

Construction must adhere to regulations for safety and community integration.

Permits

Local municipalities require various permits:

• Building permits for new structures
• Electrical permits for lighting
• Plumbing permits if adding restrooms or water fountains

Zoning and Codes

Court location and features must adhere to:

• Setback requirements from property lines
• Noise ordinances for nighttime lighting and play
• Stormwater management regulations

Utilities

Professional connections needed for:

• Electric to power lighting and accessories
• Water for irrigation, drinking fountains and restrooms

Factors influencing the cost of tennis court construction

The factors influencing tennis court construction are interdependent:

• The design choices drive material selection, timeline, and budget
• Material selection affects options for subsurface, drainage, and maintenance
• Construction techniques must account for climate, soil type, and usage level
• Adhering to legal/administrative requirements can increase costs and duration
• Professional team composition and quality impact the cost and success

Building a tennis court requires examining all interconnected elements – materials, construction, design, legal issues, related entities and budget – to create a court that meets your needs. Careful planning and research ensures your tennis court investment provides enjoyment for years to come.

Final Words

Can you build a small tennis court?

Yes, building a small or “mini” tennis court is certainly possible. Typical dimensions for a mini court are 20 x 44 feet, compared to the standard 36 x 78 feet. Mini courts are well-suited for backyards or other modest spaces.

The basics of construction remain the same – you still need an appropriate subsurface and drainage, a smooth flat playing surface, and proper enclosing fencing. However, the smaller size significantly reduces costs for materials and installation.

A DIY mini court can be built for under $5,000, while a pro-installed court may run $8,000 to $12,000. The main tradeoffs are that mini courts only allow singles play with modified rules. But for casual practice and games, a mini court delivers ample space in a compact footprint.

What is a mini tennis court?

A mini tennis court is a smaller version of a regulation court designed to fit in more modest backyards, neighborhoods and recreation areas. Dimensions for mini courts measure approximately 20 x 44 feet – around half the length and 60% of the width of a standard 36 x 78 foot court.

This compact size allows for singles tennis games with modified rules and scoring. Instead of regulation 11-foot 8-inch clearance on each side, mini courts feature just 2 to 4 feet of side setback. The surfacing, fencing, lighting and other basics mirror full-sized courts, only on a smaller scale. While serious competitive play requires a regulation court, mini courts offer a fun, affordable home tennis option.

How much space do you need for tennis?

For a regulation tennis court suitable for competitive singles and doubles play, you need a rectangular space measuring 36 x 78 feet (2,808 square feet). This accommodates the standard playing field with 12 feet of clearance on each side and 21 feet of clearance on each baseline.

But “mini” tennis courts for recreational and solo practice can be built in much smaller areas. A standard mini court is approximately 20 x 44 feet (880 square feet) – enough room for singles play with modified rules.

For casual practice with no formal scoring, even smaller spaces like a 25 x 25-foot patio can work. Ultimately the amount of space needed depends on the intended play style. But mini courts provide a flexible tennis option for modest backyards and recreation areas.