Whether converting an existing tennis court or building one from scratch, following USA Pickleball guidelines is important. So how to build a pickleball court? Building includes choosing a hard surface that will allow the wiffle ball to bounce: concrete and asphalt outside, wood, gym flooring, or other specialized surfaces indoors.
You will also want clear boundaries to mark the different areas of the court. This can be done with sidewalk chalk, large crayons, or colored tape.
Court Surface
The court surface is essential for a safe and enjoyable game of pickleball. There are several options for court surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, and snap-together plastic. However, you plan to use your court for multiple sports. In that case, consider hiring a professional sport court builder who can provide a durable and versatile surface that will be suitable for both basketball and pickleball.
Once you have found a suitable space, the next step in constructing your DIY pickleball court is to mark the playing area with clear lines. A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, but you can adjust the dimensions to fit your backyard or driveway.
For this step, you can use sidewalk chalk or large crayons if your court will be used only for pickleball or gaffer tape if you also play other sports on the court. The center service line should be 7 feet from the net and parallel to it.
Court Boundaries
If you don’t have a pickleball court near you, you may still be able to enjoy the game with friends by constructing your backyard court. While a certified court builder should construct a pristine, professional-quality court, the DIY approach is quite doable for those on a budget or who want to get started sooner.
A key component of any pickleball court is the court boundaries, which can be drawn with chalk, tape, or paint. Tape is a good choice, as it can be easily removed or replaced when needed. It also offers a more precise line than chalk.
Begin by marking the two sidelines running perpendicular to the net. Next, mark a 22-foot line from the net to meet each sideline and create the baseline. Finally, mark a 10-foot halfway point on each sideline (the kitchen lines) to create the two service areas. Lastly, use gaffer tape to mark the center service line.
Court Lighting
In addition to the standard court dimensions, paint, and equipment, the surface must be properly illuminated. Lighting helps players play better, especially when the game is played after dark.
Courts should be lit with “cut-off” fixtures that focus the light downward and do not shine into neighbors’ yards or windows. This helps reduce court glare and unnecessary skyglow that may impact the carbon balance of nearby ecosystems.
A backyard pickleball court is a great way to repurpose underutilized space and bring friends together for fun competitions. While constructing one from scratch is challenging for most homeowners, working with a contractor specializing in sports courts is possible to make the construction process as easy as possible.
A professional builder can help design and lay out a court that meets official specifications while keeping the costs within budget. They also offer maintenance services to keep your court in top condition. This includes sweeping and spraying down the surface with a hose to remove dirt, debris, and other materials that can damage or interfere with your court’s performance.
Court Equipment
As a popular alternative group outdoor sport, pickleball is taking the country by storm. To enjoy this exciting new trend, having the right court equipment to make play enjoyable and safe is important.
This includes the net and posts that hold the net, as well as the lines used to mark the different areas of the court. You can use sidewalk chalk or large crayons, colored tape, or a line set with actual vinyl court lines to create clear boundaries that separate the different zones of the court.
If you choose to paint the lines yourself, having acrylic line paint with a tape sealer added is helpful to prevent bleeding under the painted surface. It is also recommended to have the lines run north to south to optimize sun coverage and reduce the potential for glare. Those who prefer to skip the painting can opt for a snap-together plastic surface designed for pickleball courts.
