How to Create Your Own Pickleball Court
The growth of Pickleball has not slowed down in popularity, thanks to its fun and inclusive nature. Having a court at home can be a game-changer for developing your skills. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to create your very own pickleball court, transforming any outdoor or indoor space into a playground for the fastest-growing sport in America.
Step 1: Decide on Outdoor or Indoor
Outdoor Court: Make sure you select a flat, hard surface like a driveway or a backyard area. You’ll also want to consider fencing or some sort of perimeter to keep the ball in play.
Indoor Court: If converting a garage or indoor space, ensure the ceiling is high enough (at least 16 feet) to try to accommodate overhead shots.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Before jumping into the details for constructing your court, you will need to determine the best location. Here are some things to consider:
Space Requirements:
A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles play. We recommend you have a space around 35'x65' to safely serve and return on sides of court. Each service area should be 10’ wide and 15’ long with the non-volley zone being 20’ feet wide and 14’ long (7’ on each side of the net). The net should be 36” tall at the sideline and 34” in the middle.
You’ll also need an extra 10 feet on each end and 5 feet on the sides for safety. Here is a helpful graphic from USA Pickleball highlighting court dimensions:
Step 3: What You Will Need
- Pickleball Net: Determine if you want to add a permanent or portable net. Here are some nets we recommend:
Picklenet - Portable Pickleball Net
Boulder Pickleball Net
A11N Portable Pickleball Net - Measuring Tape
- Tape or Chalk. You can use painters tape, duct tape, masking tape, or chalk for marking out lines. It is much easier to make straight lines with tape.
- Of course, you will need some paddles. Check out our paddle partners for some great paddle options.
Franklin Sports: Save 15% off your purchase on Franklin Sport's website! Use discount code CLUBPICKLEPLAY at checkout.
Wild Monkeys Pickleball: SAVE 20% OFF your next Wild Monkeys order! Use code: WMPLAY20. Life Time Warranty on all paddles! - Pickleballs: Franklin X-40 Pickleballs are the official ball of the PicklePlay app! Try them for yourself and make sure to use the code above to save on pickleballs too! Our favorite is the bucket of 36 pickleballs Franklin offers, the bucket is easy to store and keep the balls fresh and dry.
- All Supplies based on factors chosen below.
Step 4: Surface Preparation
Consider your Surface. Pickleball courts can be constructed on various surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Ensure the ground is level and durable enough for play. If your space isn’t already a suitable surface, you’ll need to lay down a solid foundation.
Concrete or Asphalt: These are the most popular surfaces for outdoor courts as they’re long-lasting and provide a good bounce.
Acrylic Surface Coating: Many dedicated pickleball courts are coated with acrylic surfaces, which are designed to enhance the court’s grip and durability.
Step 5: Mark the Court
Once your surface is ready, it’s time to start measuring and draw the court lines.
Mark a rectangle 20 feet wide by 44 feet long where you would like the playing area. Tape or chalk a 20 foot line where you would like the net to go. Tape off the non-volley zone (commonly referred to as the “kitchen”) extends 7 feet on each side of the net. The rest of the court is split into left and right service courts.
Use white outdoor paint or durable chalk if you’re marking the court temporarily. Stencil kits are available online to help you accurately measure and mark.
Step 6: Install the Net
Once you have determined if you are using a permanent or portable nets, install the net. A pickleball net is 36 inches high at the posts and 34 inches high in the middle.
For those committed to a permanent court, you can cement in metal posts and attach the net securely. A portable net is a great option if you want flexibility. They are easy to set up and can be moved if needed. See our portable net recommendations above in "What you need".
Step 7: Optional: Add Fencing or Windbreakers
If you’re building an outdoor court, consider adding fencing around the court to prevent balls from rolling away. A 10-foot high chain-link fence is a common choice. For areas with frequent wind, adding windbreakers on the sides will help make the playing experience smoother.
Step 8: Lighting for Evening Play
If you plan to play in the evening, install proper lighting. LED lights are the most efficient and can be mounted on poles around the court. Ensure the lighting is evenly distributed to avoid shadows that can affect play.
Step 9: Court Accessories
Finally, equip your court with any essential accessories you want to incorporate into your court.
- Court benches or seating nearby for players to rest.
- Ball holders or baskets to keep the game organized.
- Scoreboards can be a fun addition for competitive play.
Step 10: Final Touches
Once your court is set up, add some personal flair! Paint it in your favorite colors, hang up some pickleball-inspired decor, or set up a small area with shade for spectators or players to rest.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pickleball Court
- Clean regularly: Sweep away debris to keep the surface smooth.
- Repaint lines: Over time, court lines can wear out, so make sure to repaint them as needed.
- Check the net: Ensure the net is taut and properly set to the right height for consistent play.
Conclusion
Building your own pickleball court is an exciting project that can bring endless enjoyment for friends and family. Whether you’re converting an old space or starting from scratch, following these steps will help you create a fun and functional court. Once it’s done, all that’s left is to grab your paddles and start playing!
Watch this quick video for more info on taping off your pickleball court. It is so easy, even kids can tape off a pickleball court!
New to PicklePlay? Download the PicklePlay app today on IOS or Android or visit pickleplay.com to find courts, upcoming events, additional blog topics, connect with other players and more!
