Verified By
Karianne Jaeger, Construction Project Manager
Verified By
Karianne Jaeger
How much does it cost to build a pickleball court? The construction of a new pickleball court costs somewhere between $20,000 and $150,000. Many items will affect the cost when planning a construction project for your pickleball court. Some significant factors include the playing surface, the equipment needed to carry out construction, and of course, labor (more on all of these below).
Try our pickleball court cost calculator, type in your court specs and get a customized estimate for your project.
Cost Breakdown – How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pickleball Court?
| Pickleball court installation cost items | Price range |
|---|---|
Installation, including labor and site equipment | |
$14,500 – $27,800 | |
Pickleball court surfacing | |
$10,400 – $25,600 | |
Pickleball court net cost | |
$1,200 – $2,600 | |
Pickleball court fence cost | |
$4,000 – $7,200 | |
Pickleball court painting cost | $250 – $650 |
What Determines Pickleball Court Cost?
Once you’ve decided whether you are building a new venue or converting an old court, it’s time to dig into the specifics.
Site Preparation
Proper site preparation is essential for a stable and long-lasting pickleball court. This process includes land clearing to remove vegetation and obstacles, grading to ensure a level playing surface, and drainage installation to prevent water accumulation.
Size
While the playing area for the court is 20′ x 44′, the USA Pickleball Association recommends an area of 36′ x 64′. The extra space provides your players with enough room to maneuver and play with the speed and enthusiasm they desire. Measure your space and identify any obstructions, trees, or uneven ground that must be handled before construction can begin.
Number of courts
Since pickleball courts take up less space than tennis or basketball, you may be able to fit multiple courts in your area. Given the sport’s growing popularity, building a multi-court facility could draw many players and visitors to your venue. Each court will have its own set of costs and requirements. Multi-court setups become complicated quickly. It’s best to consult a professional to help you plan.
Indoor or Outdoor
The location of your court will significantly impact the cost. If you are building an indoor pickleball court, the materials you need for the surface are different from the outdoors. You can use wood or rubber (often found in school gyms). These materials are less suited for outdoor use. They can become slippery from condensation and can erode quickly depending on the weather in your area.
Court Surfacing Cost
Choosing the right court surface affects playability, durability, and maintenance. Asphalt is a cost-effective option with good traction but requires periodic resurfacing. Concrete is more durable and low-maintenance but often needs a cushioned coating for shock absorption. Modular tiles provide excellent shock absorption, are easy to install, and work well for both indoor and outdoor courts. The best choice depends on budget, maintenance needs, and usage preferences.
Court Accessories
Fencing is a crucial need for your new pickleball court. It helps keep games contained balls from bouncing away and gives your athletes a safe space in which to play. If you’ve ever priced out fencing, you know it can add up quickly. You’ll need the correct height and the proper quality fencing around the entire perimeter of your court.
Lighting is another essential piece to the experience of your court. Since many pickleball players are hobbyists, providing a safe space for evening or night play is critical. With adequate lighting, players can meet for their weekly games at a time that best suits their schedule. For a full breakdown of pickleball lighting costs, check out this article.
Further reading:
Other accessories and amenities to consider
- Bleachers – you may want to provide seating for spectators. Especially if you are installing your court at a school or community center. Creating a space for families, friends, and fans to watch games is a fantastic addition.
- Roofing – this is an optional accessory, but depending on your geographic location, it may be essential. You can install a self-supporting curved roof or even a pickleball air dome to help protect your surface (and players) from the elements. Also, roofs help cut down maintenance costs because debris and precipitation won’t collect on the surface.
- Net – a requirement for every game
- Backboard – helps speed up games and benefits with ball control
- Windscreen – pickleballs are lightweight, so heavy winds can impact play. A windscreen reduces the effects of weather.
- Customization and Design – from court colors matching your school to logos, text, or graphics, you can customize just about every part of your new court.
- Line painting – If you create a court designed only for pickleball, painting lines can add an elevated look.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Court Costs
The cost of building a pickleball court depends on whether it is an indoor or outdoor facility. While outdoor courts are generally more affordable, indoor courts offer year-round play and better protection from the elements. Understanding the cost differences can help you determine the best option for your needs.
Outdoor Pickleball Court Costs
Outdoor courts are the more budget-friendly option, as they do not require an enclosed structure or climate control. The main costs include:
- Site Preparation – Clearing and leveling land can cost $5,000 to $15,000, depending on terrain conditions.
- Court Surface – Asphalt courts range from $15,000 to $25,000, while concrete courts cost $20,000 to $35,000.
- Fencing & Windscreens – Adding fencing for ball containment typically costs $5,000 to $10,000.
- Lighting – Outdoor LED floodlights cost $8,000 to $20,000, depending on brightness levels and coverage.
Total costs for an outdoor pickleball court typically range from $25,000 to $50,000, with high-end installations exceeding $75,000 when premium materials and lighting are included.
Indoor Pickleball Court Costs
Indoor courts offer consistent playing conditions year-round but come with higher costs due to additional facility requirements. Assuming the building is already available, key cost factors include:
- Court Flooring – Hardwood or synthetic gym flooring costs $20,000 to $50,000 per court, while modular tile flooring is a more affordable option at $10,000 to $20,000.
- Climate Control – Installing or upgrading HVAC systems for temperature and humidity control can cost $10,000 to $50,000, depending on facility size and existing infrastructure.
- Lighting – Indoor LED sports lighting typically costs $15,000 to $30,000 for proper visibility and player safety.
Total costs for an indoor pickleball court typically range from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on surface materials, lighting, and climate control needs.
Cost Comparison: Indoor vs. Outdoor Pickleball Courts
| Cost Factor | Outdoor Pickleball Court Cost | Indoor Pickleball Court Cost |
|---|---|---|
Site Preparation | $5,000 – $15,000 | N/A |
Court Surface | $15,000 – $35,000 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Fencing & Windscreens | $5,000 – $10,000 | N/A |
Lighting | $8,000 – $20,000 | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Climate Control | N/A | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Total Cost Range | $20,000 – $75,000 | $50,000 – $150,000 |
3 Ways to Build a Pickleball Court
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, and it’s captivating players and spectators everywhere. The sport has quickly become the choice for many hobbyists, athletic clubs, and even professional athletes.
The sport’s popularity has led to a demand for courts and, more importantly, the need for quality courts.
Depending on your specific scenario, the starting point for your project will impact your total cost.
For instance, starting from bare land, the total price will be more expensive than converting an existing basketball court. New courts will require more labor, materials, and equipment than switching from one sport to another.
The three types of projects are:
- New pickleball court
- Converting an existing court
- Resurfacing an old pickleball court
How Much Does It Cost to Convert an Outdoor Tennis Court to Pickleball?
Tennis, basketball, and badminton courts are excellent options for creating a pickleball court. If you are converting an underused or obsolete space, there are a few things to consider:
1 – The size of the court
- Tennis and basketball courts are roughly double the size of a pickleball court
- Badminton courts are nearly the same size
2 – The surface
When converting an existing court, you already have some essential pieces needed for pickleball. Chances are, you have surface and perimeter fencing so that you can save quite a lot of money on construction.
However, depending on the age of your court, it may need resurfacing. For that reason,, it isn’t easy to pinpoint an exact amount for conversion. On the one hand, it could be a relatively inexpensive venture (around $1,000). But if you need a full resurfacing, it can run the total cost up to over $15,000. It’s best to consult a professional construction partner early in your planning process. An expert will help you identify what is needed to prepare your new court for pickleball.
Total cost: $1,000 – $15,000
Playing Surface – How Much Does It Cost to Resurface a Pickleball Court?
No matter the surface or starting point, every court will eventually need to be resurfaced. Depending on your location, the weather, level of maintenance, and the amount of use, your pickleball court should last between 8 – 15 years.
We’ve found that around the 8 – 10 year mark is when you will start noticing significant cracks and damage in your surface. When planning your construction, begin crafting a strategy to fund your eventual resurface. Early consideration will save you significant headaches down the road.
Total Cost: $3,000 – $10,000
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Pickleball Court?
Like any sports court, maintenance is essential in keeping your venue safe and enjoyable for your athletes. Depending on your budget, there are a few ideas to consider.
1 – Indoor or Outdoor
Indoor courts may require less maintenance than outdoor pickleball courts. Fewer hours and less equipment and materials mean a lower overall cost for maintenance.
2 – Court Surfaces
The surface you choose for your playing area will affect the required amount of maintenance. Like asphalt or concrete, harder surfaces are more durable than clay or rubber surfaces. However, even with proper care, cracks and signs of wear can impact the level of play.
Some low-maintenance options for your pickleball court surface are acrylic and rubber. These surfaces require less-frequent deep cleanings.
When trying to understand how much maintenance will cost for a pickleball court, it’s helpful to compare it to other sports. As stated above, a pickleball court is roughly half the size of a tennis court. On average, a tennis court will cost $1,800 to maintain each year. Depending on the surface you choose, you should budget for at least $1,000 per year. However, your specific use case may require more or less.
To get the most accurate estimate, find a local maintenance expert. Having a partner on your side will help you plan more effectively.
How to Finance the Construction of a New Pickleball Court?
If you’re wondering how to finance your pickleball court, you have a couple of different options.
1 – Public funding
There are many grants and loans you can take advantage of to support construction. Both federal and state governments provide flexible options for funding. Your pickleball court is bettering your community – and there are entire governmental programs dedicated to supporting these initiatives.
2 – Private funding
If you can’t get funding from public programs, consider private funding. There are private organizations in every community searching for projects to support. Also, consider fundraising (online or in-person), to generate the funds you need to create your pickleball court.
The excitement surrounding the sport of pickleball means finding donors could be easy.
Further reading: Mapping out grant opportunities for pickleball court construction and resurfacing
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average cost of building a pickleball court?
The cost of building a pickleball court can vary widely, but you’ll likely end up paying anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000, depending on factors like site development, materials, and amenities.
What’s included in the total cost of building a pickleball court?
The total cost typically includes site development, court surfacing, fencing, and the installation of a permanent net. If you want additional amenities, that will bump up the price too!
What’s the cost of building a pickleball court per square foot?
The cost of building a pickleball court per square foot can range from $4 to $10, depending on the materials you choose and the specific features you want to include.
How much does it cost to put up a fence around the court?
The cost of building a fence around your pickleball court can vary, but you’re looking at around $10 to $20 per linear foot, depending on the type of fencing you choose.
Can I build four pickleball courts in one area?
Absolutely! Just remember that you’ll need a larger court area, and the total cost will increase significantly. Make sure to plan for the additional site development costs as well.
What are some additional amenities I can add to my pickleball court?
Depending on which amenities you decide to include, you might consider things like seating, lighting, or even a small shelter. These will all add to the overall cost, so keep that in mind!
Is it cheaper to build a pickleball court than a basketball court?
Generally, yes! The cost to put together a standard pickleball court is usually less than the cost of building a full basketball court, making it a more budget-friendly option for many.
Get a Cost Estimate for Your Project at an Early Stage
There is a long list of factors determining the total cost of pickleball court construction. To help you plan more efficiently, getting a cost estimate early in the process is crucial.
We’ve created an easy-to-use pickleball court cost calculator to better assist you in your quest to join the growing pickleball community. Fill in some basic information, and we’ll connect you with top experts in your area.
