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Tennis court installation

A tennis court is the biggest court most people will ever build. Get the space, slope, and fence right, and it plays well for years. Here's what goes into one, and how to get a free quote from a vetted tennis court contractor.

  • Vetted, licensed & insured contractors
  • Free written quotes
  • Mobile & Baldwin County
Tennis court diagram: 78 by 36 feet for doubles, 27 feet wide for singles78 ft36 ft doubles27 ft singles21 ft net to service line

Space

How much room a tennis court needs

The doubles court is 78×36 ft (ITF Rule 1 (opens in new tab)). Players need room to run, so the fenced area is much bigger.

USTA court guidance recommends 60×120 ft inside the fence and lists 56×114 ft as the minimum (reproduced by Tennis Ontario (opens in new tab)). That's 7,200 square feet at the recommended size.

Smaller yard? Angi (opens in new tab) says many backyard recreational courts are about 60×30 ft. That's a common size, not a rulebook size.

Read the full tennis court dimensions guide

Tennis court diagram: 78 by 36 feet for doubles, 27 feet wide for singles78 ft36 ft doubles27 ft singles21 ft net to service line
Tennis court lines: 78×36 ft doubles, 27 ft singles, service line 21 ft from the net (ITF Rule 1).

The parts

What goes into a tennis court

  • A base that drains

    Post-tensioned concrete or asphalt, laid as one flat plane that tilts slightly so rain runs off one side.
  • An acrylic surface

    Layers of acrylic resurfacer and color give the court its grip and speed. Cushioned systems add softer layers underneath.
  • Lines

    Doubles and singles lines, plus blended pickleball lines in a second color if you want both games.
  • Net and posts

    Posts set 3 ft outside each doubles sideline. The net hangs 3.5 ft at the posts and 3 ft at the center.
  • Fence and windscreens

    Tall backstops keep balls on the court. Windscreens cut wind and glare, but they also catch wind.
  • Lights

    LED lights add evening play after the heat of the day. Even if you wait, lay conduit before the pour.

Layout

Plan the layout before the pour

Face the court north to south

USTA guidance runs the long side north to south so players don't look into the sun. In the South, if you play a lot in the late afternoon, it suggests turning the court 15 to 25 degrees off true north.

Slope it side to side

The same guidance prefers about 1 inch of fall every 10 feet, side to side, with 1% as the maximum. A court should never slope toward or away from the net.

Pick the fence height

The guidance calls for 10-foot backstops. For home courts, 8 feet is enough if balls that go over are easy to get back without bothering neighbors.

Keep trees back

Trees drop leaves, cast shade, and send roots under the slab. Shade that stays damp grows slick mildew.

Source: USTA court guidance (Tennis Ontario reproduction) (opens in new tab)

Tennis + pickleball

Add pickleball to your tennis court

A 60×120 ft tennis area holds four pickleball courts at USA Pickleball's 30×60 ft minimum surface. Or keep tennis and add blended pickleball lines in a second color, so both games share the court.

See pickleball lines on a tennis court or pickleball court installation.

Hiring

How to choose a tennis court contractor

We do the vetting for you and match you with one premium tennis court contractor. See how it works. Every contractor we match you with is:

  • Licensed

    Licensed for the work in your state.

  • Insured

    Carries insurance for the job.

  • Proven on courts

    Has built courts before. We review past court projects and references.

Questions worth asking

  • How many tennis courts have you built, and can I see a few?
  • Post-tensioned concrete or asphalt for my site, and why?
  • Who applies the acrylic surface: your crew or a specialist?
  • How will the court drain, and where does the water go?
  • What does your warranty cover, and for how long?

Make sure the quote lists everything

Fenced area size, base type, surface system and number of coats, lines, net posts, fence height, windscreens, lighting, site work, permits, and cleanup. Compare quotes line by line.

Gulf Coast

What's different here

  • Drainage first

    Heavy rain is normal here. The slope and where the runoff goes matter more than any upgrade.
  • Windscreens and storms

    Windscreens catch wind. Plan fence posts and footings for coastal wind, and take screens down before a storm.
  • Sun on the color coats

    Year-round sun fades color. UV-stable acrylic colors last longer, and lighter shades stay cooler.

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

Tennis court questions

How much does a tennis court cost?

It depends on the fenced area, the base, the surface, fencing, and lights. The tennis court installation cost guide covers national price ranges. Your free quote gives the real number.

How much land do I need?

Plan on about 60×120 ft inside the fence, with 56×114 ft as the minimum in USTA guidance. Add room outside the fence for a gate, a path, and any setback your city requires.

How long does it take to build?

The base takes the longest. New concrete needs to cure for weeks before acrylic coatings go on. See the typical timing on how it works.

Can you fix my existing tennis court?

Yes. Cracks, fading, low spots, and new lines are all resurfacing work. See tennis court resurfacing.

Do you work with HOAs and clubs?

Yes. Community courts start with a budget estimate. See HOA and commercial courts.

Free quote

Get a free tennis court quote

Tell us where the court would go and roughly how much room you have. Photos of the space help; you can send them after.

You'll hear back within one business day.

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