How Much Does It Cost To Build A Pickleball Court?

pickleball court

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pickleball Court?

Pickleball Court Cost Breakdown

When it comes to understanding how much it costs to build a pickleball court, prices can vary, but the average cost of building a pickleball court is between $25,000 and $50,000, with some as low as $10,000 for basic features.

The cost of building a pickleball court can vary based on factors like the following: 

  • Court site preparation
  • Court and surrounding pad size
  • Surface type
  • Contractor fees
  • Lighting and fencing 
  • Additional features 
  • Routine maintenance
Pickleball Court Cost Breakdown

 

Court Surface Type

Your pickleball court has a few surface options with different price tags. For a 30- by 60-foot pad, you could use:

  • Concrete: This most common surface type for pickleball courts ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. A concrete surface would cost between $9,000 and $18,000.
  • Asphalt: Creating an asphalt pad is slightly cheaper than concrete but less ideal because of its rough surface texture. Asphalt costs between $3 to $7 per square foot, costing you between $5,400 and $12,600.
  • Clay Courts: A clay court is made of crushed earthen materials like stone. These often require more maintenance because wind and storms can wash away the material. This costs between $3.50 and $12.50 per square foot for a total cost between $6,300 and $22,500.
  • Modular Tiles: Pickleball court tiles that fit together to form a court are an excellent option for seasonal courts. This construction type can range from $5,400 for a full pickleball court to tens of thousands, depending on your chosen brand. 

Surface Finishing

You’ll need an acrylic top coat to finish the surface of your concrete or asphalt court. The acrylic coat provides the necessary grit, and its pop of color makes it easy to see when a ball hits the ground outside the court boundaries. Most pickleball courts are blue and green, but you can get creative here and choose unique colors.

An acrylic top coat can cost $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. If you want an upgraded court, you can purchase cushioned acrylic mixed with granulated rubber for shock absorption. A mixed coating can cost between $2 and $4 per square foot.

Pickleball Court Materials

Your pickleball court still needs a net! A net can cost anywhere between $50 and $2,000. Portable nets are usually on the lower end of the price range and are a good option if you use the court for other purposes.

If the net is a permanent addition to your pickleball court, you may need to install permanent net posts. These could cost between $200 and $2000.

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Contractor Costs for Preparation

Before you begin construction, you’ll need a reliable contractor with experience building pickleball courts. Meet with them beforehand to determine the costs associated with excavation, grading, pouring cement or asphalt, painting, and installing finishing touches. These costs vary greatly based on wages in different states and individual contractors.

If you want to proceed and build it yourself, go for it! We recommend conducting research beforehand to prepare for the project and any contingencies.

Lighting and Fencing Considerations 

You may want a fence around your pickleball court to stop stray balls from falling away and ensure people and pets can’t accidentally wander into your game. There are quite a few options for fencing:

  • Chain Link: This costs between $9 and $30 per linear foot.
  • Vinyl: This material costs between $15 and $30 per linear foot.
  • Vinyl Coated: This product costs between $10 and $35 per linear foot.
  • Wooden: Wood type will determine the price; a wooden fence generally costs between $12 and $27 per linear foot.

Invest in an outdoor lighting system if you intend to use your pickleball court after daylight hours. Lighting can cost anywhere from $800 to $6,000 to construct.

Routine Court Maintenance

Cleaning your court is as easy as sweeping off leaves and outdoor debris and using a hose to rinse it. If your concrete or asphalt court has surface damage, you can use acrylic putty to fill cracks or holes. Depending on the amount you need, this could cost $50 or more.

Optional Additions

You can add some comfort to your court for the final finishing touches. Remember that each of these options will add to the cost of building a pickleball court.

  • Benches
  • Shade
  • Storage Units
  • Pathways

The Cheapest Way to Build a Pickleball Court

Understanding how much it costs to build a pickleball court is essential. If you want to save money and make the most affordable pickleball court possible, here are your best options:

  1. Choose an area already level and clear of trees, bushes, or large rocks.
  2. Construct the court yourself instead of hiring someone else. This will reduce your overall costs, but if any troubles occur, it may cost extra to fix.
  3. Install an asphalt court, which at its cheapest would be $5,400.
  4. Apply the acrylic topcoat. 
  5. Use a portable net and poles.
  6. Don’t install lighting.
  7. Don’t install a fence. 
  8. Simplify the area around the court, and don’t add extra features like benches or shade.

The cheapest pickleball court setup you could build could cost around $10,000.

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