Establishing a home tennis court can be both exciting and satisfying; choosing the ideal location, surface materials and accessories is essential to its long-term enjoyment and exercise benefits.
Decide where the direction of your court should face so players won’t get directly hit with sunlight.
Layout
Tennis is an enjoyable social exercise that can improve strength, balance and fitness. While court space in public venues may be scarcer, those with enough space can create their own private tennis court where everyone in the family can enjoy.
First, identify an available space on your property suitable for a tennis court and the budget you are willing to allocate for its construction. Consider how your tennis court may impact other outdoor spaces of your garden such as pools or entertainment areas – depending on your preferences you can design the court to complement or contrast with them.
Once your site has been chosen, clearing any vegetation and preparing the soil are the next steps. Consultation with a civil engineer should also take place as soil must fulfill minimum durability and stability standards; to achieve optimal playing surfaces for young athletes a concrete sub base should be installed using at least 3,000 PSI concrete with 4-inch slump should be used according to ASBA guidelines.
As part of your site preparations, it would be prudent to consult a professional contractor about the layout of your court. They will be able to offer guidance regarding materials used as well as dimensions and specifications.
For instance, a tennis court designed for doubles play should measure at least 60 feet by 120 feet and include ample room around its perimeter for fencing and drainage purposes. If your yard slopes significantly, lowering the ground around your tennis court might be necessary in order to avoid water pools and puddles accumulating.
Other considerations when designing your court include what type of fence to erect around it, whether or not a backboard that returns the ball is desired and whether lighting will be needed. Once these details have been discussed with a professional, construction can begin more easily – speaking with neighbors is also wise in order to gauge their reactions!
Court Surface
Building your own tennis court adds both value and entertainment to your home, but before getting started it is important to understand its costs as well as requirements. This comprehensive guide takes you step by step through designing an affordable yet enjoyable tennis court at home.
As part of your initial preparations, it is essential that you measure the area where you plan to build a court. This will ensure there is enough space for seating, fencing and walkways surrounding it as well. Next, clear away existing grass or weeds before using a rotary tiller to loosen soil clumps so the area drains efficiently. It’s crucial that it can drain properly!
Once the area has been cleared of obstructions and prepared soil is prepared for planting specialized grass used on tennis courts. For optimal growth results, planting dormant grass allows maximum root development. Once planted, watering should occur regularly while any weeds must be eliminated before maintaining its pristine condition by mowing and fertilizing your tennis court regularly.
If you intend to play tennis at night, lighting for your court will be essential. LEDs tend to be popular because they provide consistent illumination while simultaneously minimizing heat production.
Consider also choosing a surface color that is darker to make it easier to see tennis balls when they hit against it. Although choosing your court’s hue may be tempting, consider picking something more practical such as picking one based on your favorite sports team instead.
If DIY work seems overwhelming, professional contractors are available to take on this job for you. Their knowledge of council regulations will save time and hassle; additionally they will help avoid potential roadblocks from neighbors who may oppose your plans later on.
Accessories
As Serena Williams proves, having your own backyard tennis court can be the ultimate dream come true for budding tennis stars or casual enthusiasts alike. Not only can adding one increase value of your home and provide round-the-clock access to your sport of choice; but planning and consideration must go into this project to ensure its successful implementation and many years of enjoyment!
Before beginning construction on any property, consult with a professional to learn of your best options and budget accordingly. Initial costs will likely be the largest expense and it’s essential that you stick to it when setting a budget for yourself and making any decisions about extras for your tennis court if necessary in order to stay within it.
A tennis court can be constructed using several techniques, each offering their own set of advantages and disadvantages. A concrete court provides long-term durability without cracking issues; however, its cost may be prohibitive for some users. A more affordable solution might include using synthetic grass sand-filled courts on existing dirt; these offer less bounce than their concrete counterparts and may flood more often during heavy rainfall events.
Location is also key when it comes to setting up a tennis court, as you will need to ensure there is ample space for both the court itself and surrounding fencing and maintenance areas. Furthermore, leveled ground must also be ensured in order for it to function effectively with an ideal surface containing an increased center point that slopes downward towards its sides to help drain off water quickly and avoid damage to the court surface.
Fencing is essential to the functioning of any home tennis court, as it will serve both to contain the ball and offer privacy to both those playing on it and spectators. If your home is part of an HOA, be sure to review their regulations regarding height of fences or restrictions that could impede on building one in your backyard.
Lighting
No matter your level of play, adding a tennis court to your property can be an amazing way to stay active and have fun with friends. When building the tennis court of your dreams, always consult with professionals for layout and construction assistance; this will ensure optimal results while saving money in the long run.
Professionals will also have the knowledge needed to help navigate local council regulations and permits required for this work, which can prevent potential roadblocks down the line if you wish to sell your property in future. Furthermore, they will advise on minimum construction requirements set forth by Cement and Concrete Association.
As with any project of this nature, one of the initial steps should be taking measurements and clearing away any obstructions such as trees or debris. Once your space has been thoroughly assessed and cleared away from obstructions, construction of the tennis court itself can begin. Once foundations have been laid and your design completed.
Cost of your court will depend on what surface you select for play. Most installers recommend selecting concrete over grass as its durability will outlive its life faster. Soil type may also play a part in costs as will any tree stumps or rocks which need removing.
Fencing can significantly add to the cost of building your tennis court, both by keeping out balls and providing privacy for players and spectators alike. Your selection will have an effectful overall look and feel to your court.
Lighting for your tennis court will incur an extra expense, and must be placed so as to reduce glare. It is highly advised that before installing lighting on the court you consult with an expert lighting designer or specialist so as to ensure its appropriateness to a tennis court and all local safety standards as well as provide advice regarding additional options such as wind screens or shade structures.