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