New Construction Information 

•  A standard tennis court is 60’x 120’.
•  The area to clear for a standard court is 80’x140’.
•  The length of the court should be oriented in a True north/south direction.
•  Building permits are required in most communities and “setback” dimensions from property lines vary but are usually at least 10 feet.
•  It usually takes about 6 weeks from ground breaking to completion

When deciding on which type of court to build, we usually recommend building a court to fit the users “life style”.

• What age group is going to use the court? Soft or All weather cushion surfaces certainly are easier on the body than the standard recreational type surface.
  
• Is tennis the only usage planned for the court or does the owner want to use it for a multi play area. Tennis and basketball can usually be played on all surfaces including cushion systems but other uses like street hockey, skate boards, inline skating and bikes will damage most cushioned or soft surfaces.
  
• How often will the court be used?
  
• Is the court being considered for April to November use only or does the court need to be playable on sunny days in the off-season. Har-Tru / Clay, Natural Grass and Synthetic Grass with stone bases, become unplayable once the ground freezes and are usually closed for the winter months.
  
• What are the drainage capabilities of the area in which the court is to be built? Wet areas require drainage and special design considerations.
  
• How much maintenance is the owner willing to do?

Choosing a Tennis Court Surface:

All Weather: an asphalt or concrete based court, usually surfaced with an acrylic color coating system, (with or without cushioning). These courts can be played on year round and are very low maintenance in the first 12-15 years.

How It Plays:

• Medium slow to fast ball speed
• Medium height of ball bounce
• Uniform bounce
• Top spin and slice
• Firm footing and non-slip traction
• Moderate shock absorption
• Lifespan of 7 - 15 years

Soft: usually a clay type court called “Har-Tru” with a built in irrigation system. These court are seasonal courts, in the Northeast, and can be played on from April through November. There is a maintenance program required to keep this type court in optimum playing condition.

How It Plays:

• Slow ball speed
• Medium to low bounce
• Top spin, slice
• Firm footing with ability to slide
• Medium to soft shock absorption
• Lifespan of 15 - 30 years

Natural grass and Synthetic grass courts are also usually thought of as “soft courts” and certainly offer unique playing characteristics. Natural grass courts require extensive care and nurturing while Synthetic courts require minimal regular maintenance.

Sand filled artificial grass

This court is a synthetic carpet that is applied on a concrete or asphalt base, then filled with sand, which fills the space between the carpet fibres. The sand holds the carpet in place while providing a firm playing surface and water drainage. It is important to maintain court, including brushing the surface, to prolong its life and treat with a good algaecide at least once a year.

How It Plays:

• Medium slow to very fast ball speed
• Medium to low bounce
• Variable bounce depending on carpet design and sand
• Minimal topspin
• Firm footing with partial slide
• Reasonable shock absorption
• Lifespan 7 -15 years

28 Commerce Park Road
P.O. Box 1100
Pocasset, MA 02559
Phone in MA: 508-759-5636
Phone out of state: 800-422-1827
Fax: 508-563-7915
E-mail: info@tennisandtrack.com