Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. As its popularity continues to surge, more and more people are looking to build pickleball courts. But how much does it actually cost to build one? In this blog post, we’ll break down the factors that impact the cost of building a pickleball court and provide estimates for both indoor and outdoor construction.
A regulation pickleball court is 20×44 feet, or 880 square feet. Courts can be constructed indoors or outdoors using a variety of surfaces including concrete, asphalt, or sport court tiles. Most outdoor courts utilize asphalt or concrete while indoor courts often opt for sport court tiles or polished concrete.
No matter which surface you choose, the basics needed for a playable court are relatively straightforward:
- The playing surface
- Court markings
- A safety zone around the court
- A net and posts
Outdoor Court Construction
For outdoor pickleball courts, the foundation is key. A good base will provide the smooth, flat surface needed for game play. Most outdoor courts use either asphalt or concrete.
Here are typical costs for outdoor construction:
- Asphalt court – Asphalt provides a cushioned playing surface at a lower cost than concrete. Construction costs range from $3,000-$7,000.
- Concrete court – More durable than asphalt, concrete courts range from $5,000-$13,000. Post-tensioned concrete is the preferred material.
- Fencing – Most outdoor courts are fenced. Expect to pay $15-$25 per linear foot for fencing.
- Lighting – For night play, lighting costs around $2,500-$5,000 depending on the number of fixtures.
- Nets & posts – Competition-grade pickleball nets and posts cost $200-$500.
Indoor Court Construction
For indoor construction, poured concrete and sport court tiles are two popular options.
- Poured concrete – Polished concrete delivers a smooth surface ideal for pickleball. Costs start around $4,500.
- Sport court tiles – Interlocking plastic tiles come in a choice of colors. Tiles cost $3-$7 per square foot installed.
The Cheapest Way to Build a Pickleball Court
Looking for the most budget-friendly option? The cheapest way to build a pickleball court is with an asphalt surface outdoors.
Asphalt provides a playable surface at a fraction of the cost of other materials. You can build a basic asphalt court for as little as $3,000. Add pickleball markings for $500 and a portable net system for $200.
For less than $4,000, you can have a regulation-sized outdoor pickleball court.
If you’re willing to go smaller, you can build a mini-court for even less. A 12×24 foot court can be built for around $1,500. While smaller than regulation size, a mini-court is still large enough for recreational play.
Cost of Building a Pickleball Court Calculator
Wondering what a court might cost for your unique situation? Our pickleball court cost calculator provides estimates tailored to your project:
Just input details like court size, surface type, and accessories needed. The calculator will provide an estimated price range for your court construction project.
Having an accurate budget estimate upfront will help you plan and budget for your new pickleball court installation.
How Much Does It Cost to Build an Indoor Pickleball Court?
Indoor pickleball courts provide a weatherproof place to play year-round. But they come at a higher price.
Here are cost estimates for indoor construction:
- Poured concrete court – $4,500-$8,500
- Modular sport tiles – $7,000-$14,000
- Gymnasium conversion – $2,000-$5,000 to add markings and nets
As you can see, there is significant cost variation based on the chosen flooring. Multi-purpose gym floors can be the most affordable option to create a part-time pickleball court.
Concrete Pickleball Court Cost
Concrete is valued for its durability and low maintenance. But it comes at a premium price.
A typical concrete pickleball court cost breakdown is:
- Concrete surfacing – $8,000-$12,000
- Post-tensioning (recommended) – $2,000-$3,000
- Pickleball markings – $500-$1,000
- Nets & posts – $300-$500
- Total cost – $10,800-$16,500
Post-tensioned concrete is the best choice for its strength and crack resistance. It’s more expensive upfront but lasts longer than standard concrete.
Pickleball Court Construction Near Me
Looking to hire a professional pickleball court builder in your area?
Your best bet is to search for “pickleball court construction near me.” Reputable court builders will have experience constructing both indoor and outdoor pickleball courts.
Some things to look for:
- Specialization in sport court construction
- Experience building pickleball courts specifically
- Established business with positive reviews
- Can provide examples of past pickleball court projects
- Offer design consultation services
- Handle permitting process
Hiring a professional builder is recommended if you want top-quality results. Expect to pay around $15,000-$25,000 for a complete outdoor court installation.
Pickleball Court Dimensions
Here are the official dimensions for pickleball courts according to USAPA guidelines:
- Total area – 20×44 feet
- Playing surface – 20×44 feet
- Safety zone – 3 feet minimum on sides; 7 feet minimum on ends
The total court area, including safety zone, is 30×50 feet. But the playing surface itself measures 20×44 feet on both indoor and outdoor courts.
How Many Square Feet is a Pickleball Court?
A regulation pickleball court playing surface measures:
20 feet wide x 44 feet long
So the total playing area is:
20 feet x 44 feet = 880 square feet
Add in the safety zone around the court, and the total court dimensions are 30 feet x 50 feet, or 1,500 square feet.
But the main playing surface itself is 880 square feet for both indoor and outdoor courts.
The Bottom Line
The cost to build a pickleball court can range from just under $3,000 for a basic outdoor asphalt court to over $25,000 for a top-of-the-line indoor court with a post-tensioned concrete surface.
To save money, go for an asphalt or sports court tile surface. For the best quality and longevity, poured and post-tensioned concrete is recommended. And don’t forget to budget for fencing, nets, lighting, and other accessories to maximize your court.
With the right contractor, you can install a regulation-sized pickleball court tailored to your budget and needs. Use our tips to understand the costs involved so you can plan your dream court.
FAQs
The average cost ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot, considering factors like materials, location, and additional features.
While possible, it’s crucial to balance cost savings with the impact on playability and long-term maintenance.
LED lights have a higher upfront cost but offer long-term savings through energy efficiency and reduced maintenance.
Explore local grants, community funding, or sports facility financing programs that may offer financial assistance.