Pickleball has exploded in popularity in recent years, quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in North America. As more and more people discover the fun of this paddle sport, there has been a huge demand for pickleball courts. However, setting up a dedicated pickleball court can be an expensive endeavor. A much more affordable solution for bringing pickleball to your community is using pickleball court tape to temporarily convert a tennis court or other hard surface into pickleball courts.
Pickleball court tape is a great option for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. With quality removable tape and some simple tools, you can set up pickleball lines on your court in just a few hours. However, finding the right tape for your needs can be a challenge. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to find the best pickleball court tape for your project.
What to Look for in Pickleball Court Tape
When shopping for pickleball court tape, there are a few key factors to consider:
Adhesion
The tape needs to stick securely to the surface to avoid shifting, peeling, or curling up. Look for tapes made with strong adhesives that are formulated to bond well on sports court surfaces. Heavy-duty court tape designed for high-traffic areas tends to have the best adhesion.
Durability
Since the tape will need to stand up to active play, opt for a tape material that is thick and durable. Many standard masking tapes are too thin and fragile for this application. Look for tapes that are at least 6-8 mils thick for better durability.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Indoor court tape can usually be thinner and use a less aggressive adhesive since it’s not exposed to the elements. Outdoor pickleball court tape needs to be able to withstand sun, rain, cold, and heat without losing adhesion or deteriorating. Look for exterior-rated UV and weather-resistant tapes.
Removability
The tape must be removable without leaving residue or damaging the underlying court surface when you’re ready to convert back to a tennis court. Tapes with rubber-based adhesives tend to be removed cleanly.
Color Contrast
The lines need to clearly stand out from the court surface. White and yellow tapes offer the highest visibility on most dark court colors.
Line Width
Pickleball court boundary lines are 2” wide while center lines are 4” wide. Make sure to get tape in the appropriate widths for crisp, regulation-size lines.
What is Temporary Pickleball Court Tape?
Temporary pickleball court tape, also sometimes called indoor pickleball court tape, is a special tape that is designed to temporarily mark lines on a surface to create a pickleball court. It easily sticks to surfaces like concrete, asphalt, tile, or hardwood floors.
The tape typically comes in 2-inch or 3-inch wide rolls in varying lengths. The most common temporary pickleball tape is made of vinyl material. It can be easily removed without leaving residue behind.
Temporary pickleball court tape makes it easy to set up a court for a day or take it down when needed. It’s a versatile and affordable option whether you want to create a court at home, your community center, church, or school.
Where to Buy Pickleball Court Tape Near Me?
Now that you know what to look for, where can you purchase quality pickleball court tape? Here are some of the best places to shop:
Sporting Goods Stores
Major sporting goods retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and Big 5 Sporting Goods typically carry some form of court tape in their tennis sections. Selection is often limited, but you can find basic white or yellow indoor/outdoor court tapes.
Online Specialty Shops
For the widest selection of specialized pickleball tapes, online retailers have Pickleball court tape for sale like PickleballCentral.com, and Amazon offers various indoor and outdoor court tapes designed specifically for pickleball.
Local Hardware Stores
Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes can be another convenient option for finding court tapes. Offerings may be limited to basic masking tapes, so call ahead to check the availability of suitable outdoor vinyl tapes.
Sport Court Resurfacing Companies
Companies that resurface and paint sports courts also frequently install court lines using long-lasting, pro-grade tapes. Check with local providers to see if they sell court tape retail or can point you toward their suppliers.
Direct from Manufacturers
Going directly to court tape manufacturers like Glit Microfiber and Advance Tapes allows you to order their full selection of tapes engineered for sport court striping. But minimum order quantities may apply.
Applying Pickleball Court Tape
Once you’ve purchased quality pickleball court tape, the key is proper preparation and application. Here are some tips for flawless installation:
- Make sure the court surface is clean and dry first. Sweep debris and use a wet/dry vac to remove dust.
- Use painter’s tape for crisp edges and avoid overspray. Apply to both sides of court lines before adding court tape.
- Measure precisely between lines to center the tape and ensure regulation court dimensions.
- Roll or firmly press the tape to maximize adhesion, avoiding bubbles or wrinkles.
- Carefully cut tape ends or seams at 45 degree angles for clean transitions between strips.
- Seal the edges and ends with extra adhesive caulk for added durability.
- Consider top-coating with clear acrylic sealer for extra protection and longevity outdoors.
With quality tape and proper application, you can enjoy great-looking pickleball courts all season long. Just replace worn tapes as needed. Removing old tape residue restores the surface when you’re ready for tennis again.
So don’t let a lack of permanent pickleball courts stop you from playing this fun sport. Affordable pickleball court tape allows you to temporarily and cost-effectively transform almost any hard surface into regulation pickleball courts. Just follow this guide to find the best tape products and installation tips. You’ll be set up for pickleball in no time.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can build a pickleball court on your property, but be sure to check local zoning regulations and permits.
Concrete surfaces are generally more expensive than asphalt, but they tend to last longer and require less maintenance.
The construction time can vary, but typically, it takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity and weather conditions.
Yes, it’s possible to convert a tennis court into a pickleball court, which can be cost-effective.
It’s not mandatory, but if you want to play at night or in low-light conditions, lighting is a great addition.
While some people attempt DIY pickleball court construction, it’s recommended to hire professionals for the best results.