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Outdoor Game Courts

Backyard & community courts

Pickleball court installation & construction

A good pickleball court starts with the right size, a base that drains, and a surface made for strong sun. Here's what goes into one on the Gulf Coast, and how to get a free quote for yours.

Get a free pickleball court quote
Pickleball court diagram: 20 by 44 feet with a 7-foot non-volley zone on each side of the net44 ft20 ft7 ft kitchen7 ft

Size

Plan the space first

The court is always 20 feet wide and 44 feet long. What changes is the room around it. Players need space to chase lobs and wide shots.

USA Pickleball calls for a 30×60 ft playing surface at minimum and recommends 34×64 ft for new courts. Tight backyard? A smaller pad can still work for casual play.

Two or more courts? They can sit side by side and share fencing and lights, which is common for HOAs and clubs.

Read the full pickleball court dimensions guide

Pickleball court inside its playing surface: 30 by 60 feet minimum, 34 by 64 feet recommended64 ft recommended34 ft60 ft minimum (dashed)30 ft
Source: USA Pickleball Official Rulebook. 30×60 ft minimum surface; 34×64 ft recommended.

The parts

What goes into a pickleball court

  • A base that drains

    Most outdoor courts sit on post-tensioned or reinforced concrete, or on asphalt. The whole slab tilts slightly, about 1%, so rain runs off one side.

  • An acrylic playing surface

    Layers of acrylic resurfacer and color coats give the court its grip, color, and ball bounce. It's the same kind of surface used on tennis courts.

  • Optional cushion

    Rubber cushion layers under the color coats soften each step. Worth a look for daily players and anyone with sore knees.

  • Lines & net

    Crisp 2-inch lines, a kitchen line 7 feet from the net, and either permanent net posts or a portable net.

  • Fencing & windscreen

    Keeps balls on the court and out of the pool or the neighbor's yard. Near the coast, wind load drives the fence design.

  • Lights

    LED lights let you play after the heat of the day. Even if you skip lights now, running conduit before the slab is poured is cheap insurance.

Gulf Coast

What's different here

Drainage comes first

Heavy summer rain is normal, and standing water ruins a court fast. A single, even slope and a plan for where the runoff goes matter more than any upgrade.

Pick colors for the sun

Year-round sun fades cheap coatings. UV-stable acrylic colors last longer, and lighter shades stay cooler under your feet.

Build the fence for wind

A windscreen turns a fence into a sail. Posts, footings, and screen choice should match coastal wind, especially close to the Gulf.

Check the HOA and permits early

Many neighborhoods review courts, fences, and lights. Your city or county may need a permit. Start with the service area notes for your town.

Already have a court?

Converting a tennis court

An old tennis court can often be re-lined for pickleball, or turned into dedicated pickleball courts. If the surface is cracked or faded, resurfacing at the same time is usually the smart move.

See court resurfacing and pickleball lines

Hiring

How to choose a pickleball court contractor

We do this vetting for you. Every contractor we match you with is licensed for the work, insured, and proven on courts. See how it works. Comparing on your own? Use these questions.

Ask the right questions

  • Is your business licensed for this work in Alabama, and are you insured?
  • How many pickleball courts have you built or resurfaced? Can I see or visit a few?
  • Who does the acrylic surfacing: your own crew or a specialty subcontractor?
  • How will the slab slope, and where will the runoff go?
  • What does the warranty cover, and for how long?

Make sure the quote lists everything

A good quote names the pad size, base type and thickness, surface system, number of color coats, lines, net posts, fencing, lighting, site work, permits, and cleanup. If something isn't listed, ask whether it's included.

Compare quotes line by line, not just by the total. See the pickleball court cost guide for what each line usually covers.

How it works

Three steps to your free quote

  1. 1

    Tell us about your court

    Your ZIP, the games you want, and a few details about the space. It takes about two minutes.

  2. 2

    Get matched with a vetted contractor

    We match you with one premium court contractor who fits your project and area: licensed, insured, and proven on courts.

  3. 3

    Get your free quote

    The contractor reviews your site and gives you a written quote. You decide, with no obligation.

See how it works, from quote to installed court

FAQ

Pickleball court questions

How much does a pickleball court cost?

Size, base, surface, lights, and fencing drive the price. The pickleball court cost guide walks through each one. A free quote gives you the number for your site.

How long does it take to build?

The base takes the longest. New concrete usually needs to cure for weeks before acrylic coatings go on, so plan for the slab and the surface as two stages. Your quote will include a timeline.

Concrete or asphalt?

Both can work. Post-tensioned concrete tends to crack less over time; asphalt usually costs less up front. Soil, drainage, and budget decide it.

Can I add basketball or other games to the same slab?

Yes. A multi-use court can carry pickleball lines, a hoop, and more. See backyard basketball court options.

Do I need a permit or HOA approval?

Often, yes, especially for fences and lights. Check with your HOA and your city or county building office before you finalize the design.

Court guides

Read before you decide

Free quote

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Tell us where the court would go and how you plan to play. Photos of the space help; you can send them after.

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