Pickleball’s popularity has been sweeping the nation, gaining thousands of fans along the way. The game is simple and easy enough for anyone to play. It’s an excellent way for friends and family to spend time together and get some exercise. 

As the popularity of pickleball grows, so does the demand for pickleball courts. If you want to build a backyard or neighborhood court, you need to know how much it costs to build a pickleball court outdoors.

We’ll break down the basic costs so you can precisely determine what your pickleball court needs.

Pickleball Court Cost Breakdown

We know you want a clear answer, but the truth is every court will have a different cost. The best estimate we can give you is the average cost of building a pickleball court is between $25,000 to $50,000. It could cost as low as $10,000 if you only use essential features.

The cost of building a pickleball court can vary based on factors like the following: 

• Court site preparation
• Court and surrounding pad size
• Surface type
• Contractor fees
• Lighting and fencing 
• Additional features 
• Routine maintenance

Pickleball Court Site Preparation

When you’ve decided where you want the pickleball court, you must consider site preparation.

1. Court Orientation

Your court should be convenient and comfortable for players. Constructing your pickleball court facing north-south reduces the direct sun glare players will face.

2. Clearing the Area

Pickleball courts need a flat surface free of trees, bushes, rocks, or other landscaping features. If your designated space has these, you’ll need to remove them. Removal adds cost, especially if you need an excavator or bulldozer.

3. Drainage

You definitely don’t want water pooling on or around your court. You may have to install drainage systems, especially if you live in an area with frequent rainfall.

4. Grading the Court

One may think pickleball courts should be completely level, but having them at a one-degree slope allows water to run off the court without settling or pooling. Grading means you won’t have to manually clear water off your court, and you’ll avoid costly water damage repairs that could occur.

Pickleball Court Size

You’re sure to want a correctly sized pickleball court. The USA Pickleball organization says a regulation-sized court is 20 feet by 44 feet. However, you’ll need a larger space than that because most pickleball courts have an area around the painted regulation lines. The most common courts are 30 feet by 60 feet.

Court Surface Type

Your pickleball court has a few surface options with different price tags. For a 30- by 60-foot pad, you could use:

• Concrete: This most common surface type for pickleball courts ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot. A concrete surface would cost between $9,000 and $18,000.
• Asphalt: Creating an asphalt pad is slightly cheaper than concrete but less ideal because of its rough surface texture. Asphalt costs between $3 to $7 per square foot, costing you between $5,400 and $12,600.
• Clay Courts: A clay court is made of crushed earthen materials like stone. These often require more maintenance because wind and storms can wash away the material. This costs between $3.50 and $12.50 per square foot for a total cost between $6,300 and $22,500.
• Modular Tiles: Sport court tiles that fit together to form a court are an excellent option for seasonal courts. This construction type can range from $5,400 for a full pickleball court to tens of thousands, depending on your chosen brand. 

Surface Finishing

You’ll need an acrylic top coat to finish the surface of your concrete or asphalt court. The acrylic coat provides the necessary grit, and its pop of color makes it easy to see when a ball hits the ground outside the court boundaries. Most pickleball courts are blue and green, but you can get creative here and choose unique colors.

An acrylic top coat can cost $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot. If you want an upgraded court, you can purchase cushioned acrylic mixed with granulated rubber for shock absorption. A mixed coating can cost between $2 and $4 per square foot.

Pickleball Court Materials

Your pickleball court still needs a net! A net can cost anywhere between $50 and $2,000. Portable nets are usually on the lower end of the price range and are a good option if you use the court for other purposes.

If the net is a permanent addition to your pickleball court, you may need to install permanent net posts. These could cost between $200 and $2000.

Contractor Costs for Preparation

Before you begin construction, you’ll need a reliable contractor with experience building pickleball courts. Meet with them beforehand to determine the costs associated with excavation, grading, pouring cement or asphalt, painting, and installing finishing touches. These costs vary greatly based on wages in different states and individual contractors.

If you want to proceed and build it yourself, go for it! We recommend conducting research beforehand to prepare for the project and any contingencies.

Lighting and Fencing Considerations 

You may want a fence around your pickleball court to stop stray balls from falling away and ensure people and pets can’t accidentally wander into your game. There are quite a few options for fencing:

• Chain Link: This costs between $9 and $30 per linear foot.
• Vinyl: This material costs between $15 and $30 per linear foot.
• Vinyl Coated: This product costs between $10 and $35 per linear foot.
• Wooden: Wood type will determine the price; a wooden fence generally costs between $12 and $27 per linear foot.

Invest in an outdoor lighting system if you intend to use your pickleball court after daylight hours. A well-lit court requires tall poles (around 20 feet) to light the court and allow players to enjoy the game after dark. Lighting can cost anywhere from $800 to $6,000 to construct.

You may also need to invest in lighting a pathway so people can reach the court safely at night.

Routine Court Maintenance

Once your court is up and running, you’ll still need to invest in routine maintenance to ensure it stays in the best condition possible. 

Cleaning your court is as easy as sweeping off leaves and outdoor debris and using a hose to rinse it. If your concrete or asphalt court has surface damage, you can use acrylic putty to fill cracks or holes. Depending on the amount you need, this could cost $50 or more.

Optional Additions

You can add some comfort to your court for the final finishing touches. Remember that each of these options will add to the cost of building a pickleball court.

• Benches: Do you want players and spectators to have a comfortable place to rest or watch the game?
• Shade: Do you want to install an awning or shade trees by your court for player comfort?
• Storage Units: If your court is part of a public space or used by many patrons, consider adding a storage unit where people can place belongings while playing.
• Pathways: You may want to create a path so people can easily get to and from the court without damaging landscaping.

The Cheapest Way to Build a Pickleball Court

Understanding how much it costs to build a pickleball court is essential. If you want to save money and make the most affordable pickleball court possible, here are your best options:

1. Choose an area already level and clear of trees, bushes, or large rocks.
2. Construct the court yourself instead of hiring someone else. This will reduce your overall costs, but if any troubles occur, it may cost extra to fix.
3. Install an asphalt court, which at its cheapest would be $5,400.
4. Apply the acrylic topcoat. 
5. Use a portable net and poles.
6. Don’t install lighting.
7. Don’t install a fence. 
8. Simplify the area around the court, and don’t add extra features like benches or shade.

The cheapest pickleball court setup you could build could cost around $10,000.

Get Started with Dominator

Before building a pickleball court, it’s vital to understand what you’re getting into. Consider all the factors we’ve mentioned (especially surface types, contractor costs, and net options) and determine a clear plan to match your needs with your budget.

We know you’ll enjoy your new pickleball court, and so will everyone else who comes to play. When you’re ready to build and need essential supplies, browse Dominator’s pickleball products and get started on your outdoor pickleball court today!