FAST ANSWERS

 

Here are some common questions our clients have encountered over the years.

 

What is the recommended space for a tennis court?

A single court size is recommended at 60' by 120'. The minimum requirements per International Tennis Federation for a court are 56' by 114'. Stadium courts should be 66' by 132' allowing for judges. Multiple court complexes for each court are recommended to be 60' by 120' which allows 24' between the courts. The preferred minimum space between multiple courts is 18' with an absolute minimum of 12'.

 

How much slope is there on a tennis court?

Hard courts should slope in one straight plane with a minimum 1" of slope in every 10' (0.833%). Ideally, side to side is preferred but end to end or corner to corner is also acceptable. Side to side sloping is desirable as technically there is no "uphill" advantage for the serving player standing 12" higher due to slope requirements.

 

What types of substrates are required?

For hard courts, either concrete or asphalt. Asphalt has a lower initial cost of installation, but will begin to deteriorate more rapidly. Generally, within five years structural cracks and depressions have developed or are developing. After twenty years major renovation work is required. Concrete can either be reinforced with rebar or post tension. Post tension concrete courts are widely recognized as the top of the line method of installation as they typically provide many decades of virtually crack-free tennis. Substrates for clay courts should be properly compacted road base or non-expansive native soils. Sand-filled synthetic turf courts can be installed over both concrete, asphalt or compacted road base.

 

What types of surfaces are available?

Acrylic color coatings are the standard hard court surfaces. These are resurfacer coats followed by multiple color coats applied for optimal texture and overall aesthetics. Custom cushioned surfaces are applied for either concrete or asphalt. They are either multi-layer squeegee applications or rolled-out textile systems. Both are associated with shock absorbing characteristics and are becoming quite popular as they provide a hard court ball-bounce with a soft court feel. Sand-filled turf courts are also enjoying popularity for the same reasons as the cushioned courts but offer even more cushioning and can be customized for slow, medium or fast play depending upon sand quantities applied. Har-Tru Clay surfaces are comprised of aggregate bases with finely crushed granite as the play surface. Although maintenance intensive, clay courts offer a unique and classic playing experience that combines a slower game with controlled sliding, different ball-bounce characteristics and is softer on the legs, angles and feet than hard courts.

 

What resurfacing options are available on hard courts?

A typical resurfacing includes crack filling and re-coating of the acrylic surface.  Structural cracks, even properly filled, will reopen due to natural temperature variances which cause expansion and contraction of the slab. This is more apparent in courts built with asphalt than concrete. Sand-filled turf courts and certain cushion systems can be a wonderful options for moderately to severely cracked existing surfaces. These free-floating systems allow the cracks to continue movement without reflecting through.

 

What size should my fencing be?

10' high is the most common height for tennis court fencing although 12' high is recommended for certain sites. The ends of the court typically remain at 10' high and continue 20' down each side with the option of the remaining side fencing being lowered or even eliminated depending upon the specific site. Typically, 3' or 4' high side fencing is chosen as it creates an "open" feeling while playing as well as allowing viewing from off-court.

 

Do I require engineer or architectural involvement ?

Depending upon the specific project. A total site development with new construction probably necessitates their input as they can assist in the overall scope of proposed work. An important element for the tennis court contractor is understanding the composition of the native soils. Although not always required, a soil engineers report is valued in determining what type of soil (expansive, etc) is involved and further clarifies grading options, retaining walls, and drainage issues.