Dimensions and Space
Official court: 20 × 44 feet. You need more. USA Pickleball minimum: 30 × 60 feet (1,800 sq ft). Tournament: 34 × 64 ft.
| Type | Size | Area | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court only | 20×44 | 880 sq ft | Not recommended |
| Min recreational | 30×60 | 1,800 sq ft | Casual |
| Recommended | 34×64 | 2,176 sq ft | Regular |
| Tournament | 40×64 | 2,560 sq ft | Sanctioned |
Surface Types
Post-Tensioned Concrete — Gold Standard
Steel cables prevent cracking. Flattest, most durable. $8-15/sq ft, 25-30+ years. Requires professional installation.
Standard Concrete
4-6" slab with mesh. $5-10/sq ft, 15-25 years. More prone to cracking in cold climates.
Asphalt
Cheapest paved option. $3-7/sq ft, 10-20 years. Needs resurfacing every 5-8 years.
Modular Tiles (VersaCourt/Sport Court)
Interlocking plastic over any flat surface. $3-6/sq ft, 10-15 years. DIY-friendly. Different ball bounce.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Site prep | $1.5-3K | $3-8K |
| Sub-base | $1-2.5K | $2-4K |
| Surface | $4.5-9K | $8-15K |
| Coating | $0.5-1.5K | $2-4K |
| Lines | $200-400 | $500-1K |
| Net/posts | $200-800 | $500-1.5K |
| Fencing | $2-5K | $4-10K |
| Lighting | $1.5-4K | $3-8K |
| Basic | $8-17K | $16-35K |
| Full build | $12-30K | $25-75K |
DIY Steps
Phase 1 Planning (2-4 wk): Verify space, check permits, hire surveyor ($300-500), order materials.
Phase 2 Site Prep (1-2 wk): Clear vegetation, remove 8-12" topsoil, grade 1% slope, compact.
Phase 3 Sub-Base (3-5 days): 4-6" crushed stone, compact in 2" lifts.
Phase 4 Surface: Concrete: form, reinforce, pour 4-6" slab, 28-day cure. This phase often needs a pro. Tiles: follow manufacturer instructions — genuinely DIY.
Phase 5 Coating (2-3 days): 2-3 coats acrylic sport surface. Mark and paint lines.
When to Hire a Pro
- Significant slope (12"+ grade change)
- Freeze-thaw climate
- Post-tensioned concrete
- Permanent lighting
- Budget allows — better longevity and resale
Find builders via ASBA or local tennis clubs.
Permits and Neighbors
Most jurisdictions require permits for concrete, structures, electrical. Check local codes and HOA CC&Rs.
Noise: Pickleball = 70-75 dB. Solutions: 8-10 ft fencing, distance from neighbors, quiet hours, foam-core quiet balls (50%+ reduction), modular tiles. This is the #1 complaint about pickleball facilities.
Maintenance
| Item | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Crack repair | Annual | $50-200 |
| Pressure wash | 2-4x/yr | $100-300 |
| Re-coat | 5-7 yrs | $2-5K |
| Net | 2-4 yrs | $100-300 |
| Lines | 2-3 yrs | $200-500 |
| Annual avg | $500-1,500 |
Sources & Further Reading
- USA Pickleball Facility Guide, 2025.
- ASBA Standards, 2025.
- VersaCourt Guide, 2025.
- The Dink Noise Report, 2025.
- HomeAdvisor Cost Data, 2025.
