Fences

"The basic function of a fence is to contain the tennis balls".

There are a variety of fence types and layouts to consider, each one having a practical application.

For public municipal courts a heavy gauge galvanized frame with a vinyl chainlink are common materials and a full ten-foot high enclosure with gates capable of being locked is a standard layout. Top and mid rails are recommended, a bottom rail or a heavy gauge tension wire can be used for the bottom.

Courts for clubs, schools, including colleges and homeowner associations tend to be a little more appearance oriented and prefer the All Vinyl System, where the frame work and chainlink are vinyl coated. A ten-foot high full enclosure is often used but a shorter fence height of three or four feet along a portion of the side or sides is also used. Top and rails are recommended, a heavy gauge tension wire can be used for the bottom.

In residential applications there tends to be more variety in the materials for the fence frame but black chainlink is the standard for enclosing the frame. The various possible frame materials are:

• Galvanized steel with black vinyl coating
• White round cedar (post and rail)
• White square cedar using a 2"x 6" for the top rail.
• Pressure Treated Square using a 2"x 6" for the top rail.

Any of the wooden frames can also be stained with any semi-transparent stain for added protection and enhanced appearance.

Fence Layout

Most public facilities will use a full enclosure fence for security purposes but club and residential installations can be more creative with their layouts if the surrounding landscape permits. The only area where the full 10' high fence is really needed is the end of the court and returning wings of at least 30'. The remaining area in the middle can be left open or enclosed with a shorter fence height. The advantage of this layout or a variation thereof, is the ability to view the players from outside the fence.

This is just an example of one possibility and there are a number of other layouts which are often utilized.

Regarding fence height, ten foot has long been considered the standard and twelve foot when it is more important to prevent balls from escaping but with recent zoning requirements and close neighbors, the eight foot fence is slowly being accepted as a viable alternative.

The staff at CIT&T will offer a variety of options in both material and layouts in order to help you to choose what will best suite your needs.