How to Build a Padel Court – Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what’s involved — from securing the right location to final installation.

📍 Step 1: Find Your Location

Whether you’re planning a padel court in your back garden, on club grounds, or as part of a commercial project, your choice of location will shape the entire build. If you already have land, we can help assess its suitability. If not, we can introduce you to property search agents who specialise in finding spaces for padel and other sport facilities.

Here are the key things to consider:

  • A standard court requires at least 24m x 14m (78ft x 46ft) including safety and access space.

  • Can your site accommodate this footprint comfortably?

  • Is the land flat and level, or will excavation or retaining work be needed?

  • What’s the soil like? Heavy clay or sloped ground can increase groundwork costs.

  • Can construction vehicles reach the site easily?

  • Is there clear access for delivery of glass panels, steel frames, and heavy equipment?

  • Will the court require electrical connections for floodlights?

  • Are there nearby power sources or will trenching be required?

  • Will your court impact nearby residents? (This matters for planning)

  • Is there space for fencing, noise buffering, or light shielding if required?

  • Do you own the land, lease it, or intend to acquire it?

  • Are there existing planning restrictions (e.g. in conservation or residential areas)?

  • South-facing courts get more even light throughout the day.

  • Are there windbreaks or natural shade that will improve player comfort?

We can connect you with specialist property finders who understand what padel courts need and can help source plots, conversions, or long-term leases.

🎾 Step 2: Choose Your Court & Cover

Once you have a site in mind, the next step is selecting the right type of court — and whether it should be outdoor, indoor, or covered. The choice you make will affect not just cost and construction, but how the court is used year-round.

Whether you’re planning for a club, school, private home, or commercial venue, we’ll help you choose a court type and cover that fits your needs, budget, and location.

  • 🟩 Singles Court

    • Dimensions: 20m x 6m

    • A growing option for private installations or compact spaces

    • Designed for 1v1 play, offering a fast, intense game

    • Requires less space, reduced materials, and slightly lower cost

    • Not officially used in most tournament formats, but great for training or recreational use

    • Perfect for homes, boutique hotels, or gyms with limited outdoor space

    🟨 Standard Doubles Court

    • Dimensions: 20m x 10m (the international standard)

    • The default for clubs, academies, public courts, and events

    • Accommodates 2v2 gameplay, the official padel match format

    • Most widely available design for prefabricated court systems

    • Suitable for competitive use and casual play

    🟦 Multi-Court Setups

    • Combines 2 or more courts in a shared footprint

    • Ideal for:

      • Clubs hosting tournaments and group coaching

      • Schools looking for split-group teaching

      • Commercial venues needing high throughput

    • Can be designed with shared fencing, walkways, viewing decks, and branding zones

    • Often paired with a clubhouse, café, or pro shop

    🟧 Panoramic Court

    • A premium version of the doubles court with open glass sides/back

    • Features minimal visible framing for an uninterrupted view

    • Ideal for:

      • Rooftop or showcase locations

      • Resorts, hotels, or private estates

      • Spectator events and televised matches

    • Strong aesthetic appeal — enhances venue visibility and brand image

    • Slightly higher cost due to materials and structural engineering

  • The decision to cover or enclose your court depends on usage, climate, planning permission, and budget. Below are the most common types:

    🌤️ Outdoor (Open-Air) Court

    • Most affordable court format

    • Suitable for good weather regions or seasonal use

    • Requires weather-resistant turf and proper drainage

    • Often used by schools, tennis clubs, and residential customers

    • Typically easier to gain planning permission for

    🛖 Canopy-Covered Court

    • Adds a metal-framed roof to protect from rain, wind, and sun

    • Allows year-round play without full enclosure

    • Optional LED lighting and partial windbreaks/sides available

    • Popular for:

      • UK-based clubs

      • School sites

      • Public sport parks

    • May require additional planning approval depending on height and materials

    🏢 Indoor Padel Court (Fully Enclosed)

    • Built inside a new or existing structure (e.g. warehouse, barn, industrial unit)

    • Includes:

      • LED lighting

      • Ventilation

      • Insulation (for cold-weather comfort)

    • Suitable for:

      • Year-round commercial venues

      • Multi-court facilities

      • High-traffic coaching academies

    • Allows controlled access, locker room integration, and paid access models

    🧱 Custom Enclosures & Hybrids

    • Rooftop builds, retractable-roof courts, or glass-fronted event venues

    • High-end projects may combine panoramic courts with architectural canopies or timber-framed covers

    • Ideal for:

      • Resorts

      • Luxury residential estates

      • Destination clubs

    🧭 Cover Considerations

    • Weatherproofing extends usage hours and lifespan

    • Height clearance must accommodate lobs (min 6m recommended)

    • Planning laws vary by region — we help navigate them

    • Aesthetic integration can increase venue appeal and ROI

We can connect you with specialist padel court installers that can talk you through your options

🏛️ Step 3: Planning Permission – What You Need to Know

Before your padel court project can begin, it’s important to understand the planning requirements in your area. While not every site will require full permission, many installations — particularly outdoor or covered courts — do fall under local authority rules.

We help take the guesswork out of the process by connecting you with court suppliers and consultants who can manage or assist with your application from start to finish.

That depends on:

  • Whether the court is indoor, outdoor, or covered

  • If it’s for private or commercial use

  • The impact on neighbours (e.g. lighting, noise, height of enclosure)

  • If your site is in a conservation area or within a residential zone

In most cases, open-air courts built in residential gardens will require planning permission, especially if floodlighting, high fencing, or significant groundwork is involved.

Our partners can prepare and submit:

  • Scaled site plans and CAD drawings

  • Lighting diagrams showing lux levels and angles

  • Noise assessments for residential compliance

  • Drainage and access plans

  • Design & access statements (explaining your proposal)

For larger or commercial builds, they can also support with:

  • Pre-application meetings with planners

  • Heritage or tree impact reports (if required)

  • Planning appeals and adjustments

In the UK:

  • Standard planning applications take around 8–12 weeks

  • In England, most applications go through your local authority planning portal

  • We recommend engaging a specialist early to avoid delays or rejections

In the US:

  • Local city or county zoning ordinances will apply

  • Commercial venues may need building permits, zoning clearance, and fire safety sign-off

Some permitted development rights (especially in rural/agricultural land) may allow you to build without full approval — but this depends entirely on:

  • Land use classification

  • Size and structure of the court

  • Proximity to neighbouring boundaries

We always recommend seeking advice first to avoid costly rework.

Some councils offer a low-cost “pre-app” review service. This gives informal feedback on your proposal — helping you avoid rejection and plan smarter.

We’ll connect you to partners who offer:

  • Full planning application support

  • Architectural and technical drawings

  • Experience working with councils and planning consultants

  • Transparent costs and timelines

🚜 Step 4: Groundworks & Site Preparation

Once your location is secured and planning permission is approved, it’s time to prepare the site for construction. Groundworks are the foundation (literally) of a successful padel court — done well, they ensure the court is level, long-lasting, and safe to play on.

Whether you’re building on grass, gravel, concrete, or an undeveloped site, our partner installers manage or oversee the full groundwork process before installation begins.

Groundworks vary by site, but typically include:

  • Site clearance – removal of vegetation, existing surfaces, or obstacles

  • Excavation and levelling – ensuring the area is flat and stable

  • Drainage installation – preventing water build-up under the court

  • Concrete slab pouring or modular base installation (depending on design)

  • Perimeter preparation – for fencing, lighting, and safe access routes

  • Trenching for power and services – if lighting or access control is planned

For rooftop or indoor courts, prep may include weight/load analysis, waterproofing layers, or flooring underlays.

Concrete Base (Most Common)

  • Requires full excavation and sub-base build-up

  • Durable and permanent

  • Ensures consistent bounce and drainage

  • Preferred for long-term outdoor courts

Modular Pad Systems

  • Pre-fabricated interlocking base pads

  • Quicker to install

  • Suitable for less permanent builds or uneven ground

  • May be used for indoor conversions or temporary event courts

Your court supplier or installer will advise on the best option for your site conditions and usage.

Before work begins, it’s important to assess:

  • Soil type – clay, sand, or unstable ground may need reinforcement

  • Slope or unevenness – may require retaining walls or step-downs

  • Existing drainage – improper water flow can lead to turf damage over time

  • Access space – is there enough room for machinery and material delivery?

Many installers offer site surveys to evaluate and quote accurately before groundworks begin.

As part of your preparation, also consider:

  • Power supply for floodlights or access control

  • Water flow/drainage planning

  • Pathways and fencing layout

  • Delivery and storage areas during the build

These small details make a big difference to both construction and long-term usability.

We’ll match you with experienced teams who:

  • Handle groundwork from start to finish

  • Understand regional weather and soil patterns

  • Work alongside court installers to ensure a perfect foundation

  • Offer clear timelines and transparent pricing

🧱 Step 5: Court Materials Supply

Once your groundwork is complete, the next step is sourcing the padel court materials — and this is where quality really counts. Whether you’re building a single court in your garden or installing multiple courts for a club, the materials used will directly impact durability, player experience, and long-term maintenance.

We connect you with vetted suppliers and manufacturers offering high-grade, internationally certified court components — delivered direct to site and ready for professional installation.

A full court kit typically includes:

🟩 1. Steel Structure / Frame

  • Galvanised or powder-coated steel

  • Weatherproof and engineered to resist wind and corrosion

  • Frame profiles vary based on panoramic vs standard design

🟦 2. Glass Walls

  • Tempered safety glass (10mm or 12mm thick)

  • Toughened to withstand heavy impact

  • Transparent for visibility and spectator-friendly play

  • May include branding or UV protection on high-end models

🟨 3. Artificial Turf Surface

  • UV-resistant synthetic turf designed for padel

  • Sand-infill for grip and bounce consistency

  • Available in green, blue, or custom colours

  • Shock pad layer optional for enhanced player comfort

🟥 4. Net & Posts

  • Padel-regulation central net and tension posts

  • Easy tension adjustment and secure fixings

  • May include branded net tape for commercial courts

⚡ 5. Lighting Systems (Optional)

  • LED floodlights mounted on corner posts or poles

  • Required for competitive or nighttime use

  • Energy-efficient, low-maintenance lighting solutions

  • Full cabling and mountings included

🚧 6. Fixings & Accessories

  • Bolts, clamps, and all required structural fixings

  • Anti-vibration pads (where required)

  • Edge protection and corner caps

Most padel court materials are manufactured in:

  • Spain – the global hub of padel court manufacturing

  • Portugal and Italy – known for high-quality turf and steelwork

  • UK or USA – some components may be produced or warehoused locally for faster delivery

We only work with suppliers who meet international quality standards and can guarantee:

  • Short lead times

  • CE/ISO certification

  • Technical documentation

  • Warranties and aftercare support

  • Standard vs panoramic frame – do you want visibility or lower cost?

  • Turf colour – traditional green, tournament blue, or custom branding?

  • Court exposure – coastal or windy sites may need extra reinforcement

  • Player safety – shock absorption, turf texture, and net height all affect experience

We help you compare specs and get the right balance between cost, performance, and longevity.

Court kits are typically shipped on pallets or in containers and include:

  • Delivery tracking

  • Scheduled arrival to match site readiness

  • Optional unloading or crane hire (depending on access)

Some suppliers offer pre-assembly services for structural sections, speeding up installation time on site.

We’ll connect you with verified court providers who match your budget and timeline.

🏗️ Step 6: Court Installation

With the site prepared and court materials delivered, it’s time for installation — the most exciting phase of the project. This is where your vision comes to life, and your padel court is fully constructed and brought into playable condition.

Our trusted partners manage the installation process from start to finish, ensuring that the structure, turf, and finish meet international padel standards and long-term performance expectations.

📦 1. Material Unloading & Prep

  • Structural steel, glass, turf, and accessories are delivered to site

  • A secure area is set up for staging and material checks

  • Tools, fixings, and safety barriers are prepared

🧱 2. Frame & Structure Assembly

  • Corner posts, beams, and side panels are bolted together

  • Precision levelling ensures the court is structurally sound and square

  • Anchors are set into the concrete or modular base

🪟 3. Glass Panel Installation

  • Tempered glass walls (10mm–12mm) are carefully lifted and fixed in place

  • Glass is aligned for a smooth finish and player safety

  • Panoramic courts require extra attention to detail in alignment

🌿 4. Turf Laying

  • Shockpad (if used) is laid beneath synthetic turf

  • Turf is rolled out, cut, and secured

  • Sand infill is brushed in for traction and bounce

  • Custom colours, lines, or branding are added if required

🕹️ 5. Net & Posts Setup

  • Regulation-height net is tensioned and fixed

  • Posts are secured and aligned to meet competition standards

💡 6. Lighting (if applicable)

  • LED floodlights mounted and connected to power supply

  • Testing of angles, intensity, and timing systems

  • Lighting layout complies with play standards and minimises light pollution

Once construction is complete, the court undergoes:

  • Final surface checks

  • Net tension verification

  • Lighting and access testing

  • Safety inspection of fixings, edges, and gates

You’ll receive a handover pack from your installer that includes maintenance guidance, warranty documentation, and optional aftercare plans.

  • Most standard court installations take:

    • 7–10 days for a single outdoor court

    • 2–3 weeks for covered or multi-court projects

    • Weather, access, and complexity may affect duration

    Our partners will work with you to schedule the build and minimise disruption on site.

We only work with court builders who:

  • Are experienced in padel court construction

  • Use trained, insured installation crews

  • Follow site safety protocols

  • Deliver consistent quality across every project

Once your court is complete, maintenance is straightforward but essential:

  • Periodic brushing of turf and top-up of infill

  • Occasional glass cleaning

  • Lighting checks and net inspection

Many suppliers offer optional maintenance contracts to keep your court looking and playing at its best.

We’ll connect you with experienced builders near you.

💷 How Much Does It Cost to Build a Padel Court in the UK?

Building a padel court in the UK involves several variables — from the court type and cover to groundworks and lighting. Here’s a breakdown of typical price ranges to help you plan.

💰 Estimated cost: £30,000 – £45,000+ (installed)

Includes:

  • Glass & mesh fencing

  • Artificial turf

  • Metal frame

  • Net, posts, line markings

  • LED lighting (optional extra)

  • Delivery & installation

✅ Most cost-effective option
✅ Suitable for clubs, schools, private homes
❗ Planning permission typically required if fencing or lights are included

💰 Estimated cost: £55,000 – £75,000+

Includes everything above, plus:

  • Permanent steel-framed roof or fabric canopy

  • Increased height and weatherproofing

  • Integrated lighting and wind protection

✅ Enables year-round play
✅ Adds commercial appeal to clubs and leisure sites
❗ Requires more complex planning permission and groundworks

  • 💰 Estimated cost: £80,000 – £120,000+

    Costs can vary based on:

    • Whether you’re converting an existing space or building new

    • Indoor lighting, heating, ventilation

    • Flooring and building upgrades

    • Planning and regulatory approvals

    ✅ Ideal for commercial venues and multi-court operations
    ❗ High upfront cost — but strong return in high-demand areas

    🔨 Other Key Cost Factors:

    ItemTypical Cost Range
    Groundworks & drainage£8,000 – £20,000
    Planning permission support£2,000 – £5,000
    LED floodlights (per court)£3,000 – £6,000
    Site access / logisticsVaries (urban = higher)
    Extra branding / club fencing£1,000 – £3,000

Every project is different. When you complete our enquiry form, we’ll connect you with experienced UK-based court installers who can assess your location and provide accurate costs based on:

  • Court type (single / panoramic / multi-court)

  • Whether you need a canopy or not

  • Site access and prep

  • Preferred surfacing and lighting options

✅ Start Your Padel Court Project Today

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or ready to build, we’re here to help you take the next step.

👉 Simply fill out our quick requirements form, and we’ll match you with experienced padel court specialists in your area. You’ll get expert advice, tailored quotes, and a clear path forward — no pressure, no obligation.

🧭 What Happens Next?

  1. You tell us a bit about your project — location, court type, timescale, etc.

  2. We review your requirements and match you with the right supplier(s)

  3. You receive follow-up from verified padel professionals within 48 hours

🎯 Save time, avoid dead-ends, and get your court built right — first time.

👉 Get Started Now »
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