How Much Does it Cost to Build a Pickleball Court?

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Pickleball is one of the most popular and fastest-growing sports in America. It is quite popular among those from age 50 and above.

This game is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. One can have a singles or doubles game. Pickleball takes up only a quarter the size of a tennis court.

If you have not seen this sport yet, you are missing out on so much. It is not only fun, it is also beneficial to one’s health.  There is no better time for you or your community to join this bandwagon!

You might be asking how much it would cost to build a regulation-size pickleball court? We have checked out the basics to show you what you are likely to spend for this sport. So read on!

Related Reading: What is the Size of a Pickleball Court?

Considerations in Building a Pickleball Court

Various factors go into determining the cost of constructing a dream pickleball court. These elements vary depending on one’s vision as well as the budget.

It will typically cost between $200 and $400 (US) to construct a simple court in your backyard. This includes the portable net, balls, four paddles, and one roll of court tape.

Beyond your backyard, a new eight court complex could cost upwards of $30,0000 (US). This will include all necessary lighting and other amenities.

You get what you pay for. In addition to comfort, you invest in a location that offers a smooth play.

Need a Rough Estimate?

Need a Rough Estimate?

So let’s look at the cost breakdown of building a pickleball court.  Since it can be anywhere from $300 to $300000 (US). We are going to walk you through a new construction, right from the start to finish.

  • A new net or court tape – $300 (US)

  • Court resurfacing – $3,500 to $5,000 (US)

  • A basic court including lighting and fencing – $20,000 to $35,000 (US)

  • An 8-court complex without lighting, but fenced – $11,0000-$15,0000 (US)

  • An 8-court complex fenced with light plus the required stadium seating – starting at $30,0000 (US)

As you can see your budget will be determined by the type of pickleball court you want to build. Of course, the bigger,  more modernized, and sufficiently equipped pickleball court you desire, the bigger your budget.

Depending on the quality and type of materials you purchase will determine the final bill.  Do your research in these areas to get the best, if money is no object.

Perimeter fencing

Typically, you want the fence to be at least 10 feet high. This way, you not only benefit from the enhanced security you also have a sense of privacy while playing.

The height of the fence does not entirely deter balls from flying over. A wider pad offers room to avoid losing balls.

You can look at this in two ways. One, build a taller wall which could be helpful if you do not have a bigger pad. Keep in mind that this will be an additional cost.

Second, consider widening your pad while retaining a lower fence height. Whichever option you choose, you are likely to spend an additional $10,000 to $50,000 (US).

Your Dream Court Specifications

Your Dream Court Specifications

Officially, pickleball courts are usually 20×44 feet. Additionally, you will need extra space on the sides of the pitch to allow for fans and room for the ball to run off.

That will increase the overall pickleball court dimensions to 34×64 feet squared. In the event you prefer an indoor court, you will need approximately an 18 to 20 feet buffer between the net and needed indoor lighting.

Let’s see what an indoor court will approximately cost. You will need additional supplies to reach your goal. The following costs are in addition to the above breakdown.

The materials you generally need include a tape measure, PicklePave, and a court tape. Here is the breakdown for each item:

  • Can of Marking Paint – $46 (US)
  • Court Tape – $8-$21(US) depending on the quality and the projected durability.
  • Portable Pickleball Court Pencils – $33 (US)
  • Permanent Net Posts – $290-$385 (US) (depending on durability)
  • Permanent Net – $79-$159 (US) OR
  • Mobile Net System – $160-$260 (US)

Do your homework.  The better the materials the happier you will be with the results.

Factors That Determine The Cost Of Your Dream Pickleball Court

Factors That Determine The Cost Of Your Dream Pickleball Court

When you understand the variables that contribute to the cost of building a new pickleball court you will reach sound decisions in the construction. You will be satisfied with what you have in the long run.

Is Buiding Building Outdoor Pickleball Courts Yourself Cheaper?

Constructing an outdoor pickleball court is not an impossible project. With the right tools and instructions, you can consider it a DIY project.

There are many articles and YouTube tutorials that can guide you on the process step by step.

You can utilize this opportunity to bond with your kids as they help you with fun activities like painting, constructing the floor surface, and erecting a fence.

If the pickleball players are your friends, you can team up and build the outdoor court together. You may find this is more cost-effective than hiring a contractor if you are on a budget. This way, you won’t have to break your bank.

Not only will you get ample time with your friends, but they may also help contribute towards the cost. Talk of killing two birds with one stone!

Perks of Hiring a Professional Contractor

Although building a pickleball court can be a DIY project, hiring a contractor is almost always a better option. These professionals not only warranty their work but also see that the construction project goes well. In addition, it is the best way to ensure that the court is up to par with the community’s regulations.

Another major benefit of working with a contractor is that they give you the right quotation for the project. A contractor will give you the correct quotation whether you want an indoor pickleball court or a backyard pickleball court. This helps you avoid incurring additional costs that you may miss when doing it yourself.

The professional will also supervise the construction physically instead of giving you estimates via phone calls.

Hiring a contractor will help you maximize your results and keep your costs reasonable. You may believe that doing it yourself can save you the money that you would otherwise layout by involving a contractor.

It is more likely that the investment to pay a contractor will save you from far more expensive mistakes that can happen when doing a project of this size on your own.

Not to mention the added costs of the equipment you will need for the construction. Do the job smart instead of a hard – and costly one.

A professional contractor is not only skilled enough to handle the job but also has the appropriate equipment as well as experience. The cost of hiring a contractor also guarantees the desired quality results.

A DIY job may prompt you to hire a contractor to clean up mistakes and that will make this undertaking even more expensive.

You continue to get what you pay for when choosing quality materials. If you are new to this type of project, again the contractor knows their way around the necessary materials and will give you what you want.

Better quality materials used by a professional will assure you of the stability and durability of your court. If you are not familiar with what you need then let your contractor do the research of comparing quality and advising you in the decision-making process.

Other Considerations for a Pickleball Court Construction

Like any other construction project, one should consider several factors and regulations while setting up a pickleball court, especially if you want it to be a recreation center. Here are other considerations to put in mind.

Noise

This should be one of the questions you ask yourself first. Are you inconveniencing your neighbors and the community at large during the construction? Building a stand-alone pickleball court where you are close to your neighbors is never a good idea. There will be some limitations and complaints about noise. Therefore, you won’t fully enjoy this sports facility.

Orientation 

Orientation is a very important factor to consider when building the court. Where is the light coming from? Are there buildings that obstruct light? Also, it would be best to ensure that the sun does not directly hit the face of any players, as this would make it difficult for them to see the ball. You should also ensure that there is a shaded place where the players can rest.

Project Cost

Having a landscape architect foresee this project is an excellent option. Depending on your pickleball court size, the professional will give you a cost estimate for the entire project.

Having an average cost estimate will help you prepare adequately beforehand and raise the money needed for the construction.

Incurring additional costs that surpass your budget can be a frustrating ordeal. In some cases, you might have to take out a loan to help you cover all the unplanned costs.

Court Color

There are a variety of color schemes to choose from. Playing around with different colors can be fun. Your style plays a major role in helping you decide the court’s color. The landscape and color of other structures can give you a clue about the best color. You might consider getting advice from a landscape architect or your friends. All in all, the color choice will depend on your style and preferences.

Court Location

Whether the court is indoor or outdoor is a major factor as it will help you determine the type of flooring to use. Asphalt flooring is an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor pickleball court surfaces. However, an outdoor court will require more maintenance and be more expensive. Some of these maintenance costs include debris clearing and water removal. You are advised to regularly inspect your surface for wear and tear due to exposure to sun and rain.

Factoring expenses such as locked gates and a good fence is crucial when building an outdoor pickleball court.

Indoor courts are easier and less expensive to maintain as you don’t have to worry about wear and tear from the elements. With the right flooring, an indoor court can serve you for ages.

Conclusion

We trust that this information has given you a decent understanding of what it will take to build your dream pickleball court.  Balancing frugality with quality is not always easy. Making the best informed decision will give you the best results.