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Article #2: Build a backyard tennis court

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As most die-hard tennis players know, the with a vinyl cushioning material or a
investment in a backyard tennis court can colored acrylic paint mixed with sand for
be substantial, usually anywhere between texture, and can be much easier on the
$15,000 and $20,000. And resurfacing an players. Cushioned hardcourts are the
existing court can cost up to $8,000 most popular surfaces for residential
depending on the type of material used. court construction and renovation. The
If you are considering your own tennis three types of synthetic courts are:
court, make sure you get the most from - Vinyl padding
your investment by choosing a court - Synthetic grass
design that bests suites your climate. A - Fast-dry materials (such as colored
well-constructed and properly maintained acrylic paint)
court can bring you years of playing In locations where watering is
enjoyment. impractical, the sand-filled synthetic
Selecting a Surface grass or indoor carpet surfaces should be
Although the dimensions of all tennis considered. If your area is subject to
courts are the same, their surfaces can freeze-thaw cycles, your contractor will
vary dramatically. There's nothing better probably suggest a cushioned hardcourt
than a natural grass tennis court, but for its longevity.
the functional limitations and upkeep Selecting a Contractor
make them somewhat impractical for most Tennis court construction is a highly
homeowners. At the other end of the scale specialized field, so it's important to
are the concrete courts, which tend to hire a professional individual or firm
hold up very well, even if the kids with extensive experience in the
skateboard on them. Several factors business. Select a contractor who is
including usage, soil, location, familiar with the type of surface you
available materials and climate will intend to have installed. You'll notice
determine the best court surface. that many surface products require
There are four main types of court installation by certified builders who
surfaces. have been trained by the manufacturer.
Hardcourts: Asphalt or concrete courts Don't be afraid to comparison shop. Get a
are durable and easy to maintain. Keep in list of clients and ask the tough
mind, however, that hardcourts tend to questions about their service after the
develop cracks after a few years of play, court was completed, and whether they are
and standing water can be a problem for experiencing any on-going problems. Look
the surface. Applying cushioning at courts that are at least two years old
materials to the top of the existing so you can evaluate the performance over
court is a good solution to renovate multiple seasons. Make sure you feel
damaged hardcourts. The U.S. Open matches comfortable with the mechanical systems
in New York are played on hardcourt that are proposed with the court. If
surfaces. possible, schedule a game on the court to
Grass: Similar to putting greens, grass get a feel for how the surface plays.
courts are fairly rare because of their Will Ferguson, a Certified Tennis Court
tremendous amount of upkeep. Only a few Builder with Empire Recreational Surfaces
private clubs can afford to maintain of Tennessee, Inc., suggests the best way
grass courts. The Wimbledon Tennis to find a qualified contractor is to
Tournament is played on a grass court. check with the professional associations.
Clay: Red clay surface courts are made The U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders
from crushed brick that is packed to make Association (USTC&TBA) is a good starting
a good surface for tennis play. The point. "It's always best to hire a
French Open in Paris is played on red contractor who is a member of the
clay courts. Green clay is a natural association. That way you're assured of a
clay, which is packed to make a state of the art tennis court that will
subsurface, then covered with a topping. last," Ferguson says.
This is a highly popular style in the Here's what a certified builder will do
eastern and southern United States. While for you:
clay courts are considered "slow," they Determine the type of work needed
are much better for sliding into shots Plan the court
because the top surface is loose. Player Determine a budget
injuries are less frequent on natural Call for and compare bids on materials
clay courts. Oversee the work
Clay courts do require regular watering, A qualified contractor knows the latest
compacting and brushing. These courts developments and innovations in tennis
should be constructed in an area where court products and designs. Contractors
the humidity is high so they can absorb select surfacing products for ease of
extra moisture. Drainage is also an installation, performance and durability.
important. The latest subsurface watering According to Ferguson, homeowners should
systems help keep clay courts in playable never compromise quality of sub-base
shape at all times. A subsurface preparation in order to install a more
irrigated tennis court is watered from expensive surface. Always decide in favor
below the surface of the court rather of the climate for a court that will last
than above. Subsurface watering systems and rely on a qualified construction
cost between $3,000 and $8,000. expert for selecting the best surfacing
Synthetic: These are hardcourts covered products.






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