How to Build an Outdoor Pickleball Court

Building a Pickleball Court: A Guide to Fostering Community and Connection

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has rapidly gained popularity across various age groups and communities. Its simplicity and inclusivity have contributed to its explosive growth. The court’s smaller size compared to tennis reduces physical strain, opening the game to a broader audience. This engaging sport is not only a fantastic way to stay active but also a powerful tool for building community and fostering connections.

Why Build a Pickleball Court?

Creating a pickleball court in your community space, whether it’s a neighborhood, local park, or corporate campus, offers numerous benefits. It brings people together, promoting health, teamwork, and social interaction. Pickleball is particularly appealing due to its accessibility; it’s easy to learn and suitable for all ages, making it a perfect community sport.

At Sports Imports, we’ve seen firsthand how such initiatives can unite people. We organized a company-wide tournament using our newly built court, which mixed teams across different departments, enhancing camaraderie and team spirit. It was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of community and a great way to meet and connect with colleagues in a fun setting.

Building a pickleball court can be more than just adding recreational space; it can be a catalyst for strengthening community bonds and creating lasting connections in many venues, from country clubs and senior living communities to rec centers. Whether for neighborhood gatherings, company events, or local competitions, a pickleball court is a valuable addition to any community.

Ready To Join The Pickleball Craze?

If you have decided to build an outdoor pickleball court for your recreation center, school, or club, but don’t know where to begin, this guide will help you understand the basics of constructing a pickleball court. 

Step 1: Determine Your Space

Will you be converting a tennis or badminton court to play pickleball? Are you building a multi-court complex? Or are you starting a new pickleball court from scratch? Whatever your situation, it’s important to keep in mind the standard size of pickleball courts and adjust according to your unique program needs.

For example, if you need to use a tennis court to play pickleball, it can be easily divided into four pickleball courts so multiple games can occur simultaneously. Or, if you are building a multi-court pickleball system, the overall construction and dimensions would be the same as a single court. The only difference is that you will be building multiple courts on a larger scale and will need fences with padding between each pickleball court.

• Pickleball Court Dimensions: 20 by 44 feet, for both singles and doubles play
• Pickleball Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines, 34 inches in the middle
• Pickleball Playing Area: 30 by 60 feet is the standard when converting a tennis court, but 34 by 64 feet is preferable for tournament play or if you will have a standalone pickleball court.

Pickleball Court Diagram: Official Pickleball Court Dimensions

Step 2: Choose Court Surface Materials

If you are building your outdoor pickleball court from scratch, or if you have an existing court that needs revamping, you will need to choose what type of court surface is best for you. Common types of court surface materials for pickleball include the following:

• Concrete: This type of outdoor court surface is the best in terms of both durability and value.
• Asphalt: This can be a good option if you want to go a more affordable route, but it can require additional upkeep.
• Snap-Together Plastic: Snap-together court surfaces can be applied over asphalt or concrete which can be helpful when you don’t want to permanently alter the surface of a multi-use court.

Step 3: Pick Out Perimeter Fencing 

Fencing is crucial for multi-court pickleball as it contains the ball within the playing area and provides security for players and spectators. There are a variety of several types of pickleball court fencing to choose from, but fences made from wire are the most common as they allow players and spectators to see into and out of the court. They also allow light to pass through easily. A contractor who is familiar with building pickleball courts can help you choose and install pickleball fencing. Just be sure it is covered with rust-resistant materials to keep players safe from injury.

• Pickleball Fencing Dimensions: 10 feet high is preferred, but 4 feet can also work if the top of the fence is padded.

Step 4: Equip Your Court with Light

Lighting for pickleball courts follows standard protocol. All pickleball courts should include two 1,500-watt light poles. You will want to ensure that each pole is 18 to 20 feet high and mounted in the center, at least 24 inches back from the court. 

Step 5: Shop Pickleball Nets

After determining your space, surface, and court materials, contacting an expert to help you find the right pickleball net system for your program is the next distinct characteristics. Outdoor pickleball poles, however, are specifically designed to withstand the elements of being outdoors for extended periods of time. A complete outdoor pickleball net system includes the following:

Option 1: In-Ground Net System

• Two poles
• One ratchet
• One outdoor pickleball net
• Sleeves (may or may not be required).

Option 2: Above-Ground Net System

• Competition Grade Net
• Easy-glide wheels for smooth movement and positioning
• Powder-coated steel frame

Step 6: Set Up Your Pickleball Court 

After the pickleball surface, fencing, lighting, and other materials are picked, it’s time to set it all up. The following tips can aid you in the building process: 

• Hire a professional contractor: While installing a pickleball net system may be a simple process if you are placing a net and painting the surface for just one court for your own yard, hiring a professional contractor can help ensure everything is built and set up to code for recreation centers, clubs, and school pickleball play. 
• Orient your court north-south: Outdoor pickleball courts are exposed to environmental elements that can obstruct players’ vision (position of the sun, shadows cast onto the surface of the court, etc.), so it is important to orient your pickleball court north-south. 
• Court lines should be white and 2 inches wide: Marker lines can be drawn using sidewalk chalk, contractor’s blue #1 chalk dust, green tape, orange masking tape, or acrylic paint. The standard lines for a pickleball court include: 
• • Baselines: These run parallel to the pickleball net on both ends of the court. 
  • Sidelines: These run perpendicular to the pickleball net on both sides of the court. 
  • Non-Volley Line: These lines should be 7 feet from the net and located on each side of the net between sidelines, running parallel to the net. 
  • Non-Volley Zones: These are areas of the pickleball court surrounded by two sidelines, the non-volley line, and the net. 
  • Centerlines: Located on each side of the net running between the non-volley line and baseline. 
  • Service Courts: Run on either side of the centerline, surrounded by non-volley line, sideline, and baseline. 

*If you are painting the surface of your court or marker lines, let the paint dry for 24 hours before placing your net system.

• Follow pickleball court layout guidelines from the USAPickleball Association to ensure that everything is set up according to regulation pickleball standards.

Integrating Portable Pickleball Nets

For those looking for flexibility, a portable pickleball net is an excellent choice. This portable net is easy to set up and move to the desired location, offering the same high-quality play experience.

Building a pickleball court can be a rewarding project that significantly benefits your community or organization. With the right planning and equipment, you can create a vibrant, active space that brings people together and enriches lives.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact a sales rep who can help you choose the best pickleball net system for your program.

©SportsImportsVB and www.sportsimports.com, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided full and clear credit is given to Sports Imports and www.sportsimports.com with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.

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