Building a tennis court costs $15,774 on average, but ranges between $5,776 and $26,189 depending on the surface material.
If you're a budding U.S. Open champ, you need a full-size tennis court to practice on, preferably in your own backyard. These tennis courts cost an average of $15,774, but this varies considerably based on court type, enclosures, and choice of upgrades. If you have limited space or are installing the tennis court for children, you may get away with a half-size court that costs between $5,776 and $26,189.
Assuming you're building a regulation-size doubles court of 78 by 27 feet, you'll also need to account for the surrounding surface. For adequate court, run-back, and surrounding space, you'll need an area of 130 by 70 feet, for a total of 9,100 square feet of surface area. And the type of surface you choose has a direct impact on the total cost.
Some materials are more expensive, while others are more affordable but have more ongoing maintenance costs. Some cost more in labor even if the materials are inexpensive. You may want to consult with a local backyard designer who can help you decide on the layout, the type of court surface you want, and how best to integrate it into your space.
Full-size asphalt tennis courts cost between $40,000 and $80,000. Asphalt is quick to install and has a durable coating, but it does require more regular maintenance than other hard surfaces. Its life span is only around 10 years, after which time it will require resurfacing.
While a good option for a moderately priced tennis court in a temperate climate, if your local summers get particularly scorching, asphalt isn't the best choice, as it can melt, warp, crack, and become uncomfortably hot to the touch.
Clay tennis courts cost $60,000 to $90,000 and are a common choice for those who prefer a more controlled tennis match as the ball bounces more slowly on this surface. While fairly unaffected by cold and heat, clay courts aren't suitable for windy locations because the wind quickly strips off the top layer, and it would require constant maintenance to repair and replace.
Clay has similar maintenance costs to asphalt of $1,000 to $2,000 annually but takes more time to maintain because you’ll need to replace the clay.
A Post-tensioned concrete tennis court costs $45,000 to $80,000. Concrete courts require less maintenance and have a longer life span than most other playing surfaces. They provide a moderately paced but very high bounce.
Post-tensioned concrete has a grid of high-strength steel cables embedded in the playing surface and anchored to a perimeter beam to keep it under constant tension. This significantly improves the strength and flexibility of the surface and helps to prevent cracking and shrinkage.
An artificial grass tennis court costs $25,000 to $80,000. If you want to amp up the excitement with high-speed play, AstroTurf® or another artificial grass are great options, as they provide a fast, moderately high bounce. This material works well in all climates as it isn't susceptible to damage from temperature changes. This affordable tennis court surface is comparatively low-maintenance and is quick to install.
Grass tennis courts cost $20,000 to $75,000. They are budget-friendly, well-suited to fast play, and often preferred by pro tennis players. However, unless you have a tennis bubble installed, you can't use grass courts during or directly following a rainstorm because if the surface hasn’t dried out, you'll ruin it.
Grass courts also require significant maintenance, sometimes daily, because you need to provide enough water and mow the grass to the right height to keep your tennis matches going.
Acrylic tennis courts cost $65,000 to $100,000 and consist of an acrylic top layer overlaying an asphalt or concrete foundation. This low-maintenance option has a long life span and won't crack or shrink. Hence, the premium price tag. Acrylic tennis courts provide a long-lasting, professional-quality playing surface.
Installing a tennis court involves more than just dumping a load of topsoil and sprinkling grass seed on top. Many variables influence tennis court costs, ranging from how much excavation and leveling it requires to the type of surface you choose and any upgrades and amenities you want.
The surface type you choose will play a big role in your budget.
| Surface | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Asphalt | $40,000–$80,000 |
| Clay | $60,000–$90,000 |
| Concrete | $45,000–$80,000 |
| Artificial turf | $25,000–$80,000 |
| Grass | $20,000–$75,000 |
| Acrylic | $65,000–$100,000 |
Tennis bubbles cost between $6,000 and $150,000, depending on their size, quality, and permanency. These inflatable tents cover the playing area in a dome-like fashion and let you continue to play, even in heavy rain and wind. So if you love tennis and want to play all year round, a tennis bubble is a smart addition.
If you want to take your games inside, you'll need to build an enclosure for your court. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $125 per square foot, which equates to $70,000 to $150,000 all in. The most common indoor tennis court surfaces are hard courts, such as concrete and wood, with an acrylic or rubber overlay.
Night games are a blast but will require some good lighting. Tennis court lighting costs $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the type of lighting, how many lights, and whether you need to add electricity. You may save money here by purchasing solar lighting, which also has little to no cost to run.
Fencing is key as it will prevent you or your ball collectors from getting exhausted chasing after stray tennis balls. Expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on what type and height of fence you like. Vinyl-covered chain link costs $5 to $20 per square foot, making it another budget-friendly option.
Maintaining a residential tennis court involves various costs, depending on the surface type. When choosing a tennis court surface for your property, consider both installation and ongoing maintenance costs and your preferences for appearance and playing characteristics. Each surface type has its unique advantages and challenges. Here's a brief overview:
Annual maintenance costs range from $1,000 to $2,000. Clay courts require frequent attention, including clay replacement, which is time-consuming.
Annual costs of $1,000 to $2,000 are typical. Regular cleaning, crack repair, and occasional resurfacing are essential tasks.
Grass courts tend to be higher maintenance, with annual costs of $3,000 to $5,000. Frequent mowing, irrigation, and weed control are necessary.
While initial installation costs are higher for artificial turf versus grass, annual maintenance is relatively low, usually less than $500 for cleaning and minor repairs.
Concrete courts require minimal maintenance, costing $500 to $1,000 annually for cleaning and crack repairs.
Typically used for hard courts, acrylic surfaces have maintenance costs similar to asphalt and clay, around $1,000 to $2,000 annually, but these fees are typically associated with regular cleaning over repairs.
Investing in tennis court upgrades and amenities will enhance the court’s performance and appearance, making it more enjoyable for players. Common upgrades include storage, timers, and players’ benches. Features like these boost the overall playing experience but may also increase the value of your property.
| Amenities | Costs |
|---|---|
| Equipment storage | $200–$3,000 |
| Shoe cleaners | $400–$3,500 |
| Backboards and rebound nets | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Clocks, timers, and scoreboards | $200–$1,500 |
| Umpire's chairs | $800–$2,500 |
| Players' benches | $200–$2,500 |
Although it's technically possible to install a tennis court yourself, it's not practical for most people. If you have the right skills and all the right equipment, you can potentially save yourself up to $35,000 in labor costs.
However, installing a tennis court is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Plus, it requires precision, as an uneven playing surface is disastrous. You'll be better off leaving the installation to a local tennis court pro while you practice your overhead volley.
DIY projects can help you save money, but certain projects, like building a tennis court, are best left to the pros, as mistakes can lead to costly problems. So unless you have professional experience with building tennis courts, save yourself the headache and hire a professional for the job.
Professionals have the experience and knowledge necessary to construct a high-quality tennis court that meets industry standards with significantly reduced construction time, allowing you to enjoy your court sooner. They’ll ensure the court's surface is properly graded, drained, and finished, providing consistent playability and durability. Consider reaching out to multiple pros for quotes so you can find the right person and price for your project.
When interviewing prospective pros, it’s helpful to ask the following questions so you can find the right pro for the job:
Can you provide references from previous clients?
Can you provide examples of similar projects you’ve done in the past?
How many tennis courts have you built?
How do you handle project timelines and deadlines?
Do you have insurance and the necessary licenses for this project?
How do you handle changes in the project scope?
Do you offer post-completion support?
Can you explain your project management and communication process?
Are there any additional costs that might arise during the project?
How do you ensure your work’s quality and consistency?
What are your payment terms and processes for the project?
Katy Willis contributed to this article.
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The best type of tennis court for you depends on your budget, your climate, and preferred style of play.
For fast play in any climate with a moderate budget, a mid-range artificial grass court is a solid choice. If you like a slower bounce and a harder surface and live in a temperate climate that's not excessively windy, a clay court may be the right fit. An enclosed tennis court with an acrylic surface is a smart purchase for those who want to play year-round.
Yes, a tennis court can potentially add significant value to your home. The increase can be anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000.
Some hard surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, tolerate pressure washing well, and it can be a great way to keep them clean. However, you should avoid pressure washing clay or grass as you'll quickly destroy them.
Additionally, pressure washing can remove paint lines from any surface, so you need to be careful, and it may be best to let professionals handle the job.
Tennis courts typically last between 10 and 25 years, but the life span heavily depends on the court type and how well it’s maintained. Clay and grass courts can last indefinitely with proper maintenance. Hard courts usually last between 15 and 25 years, while artificial turf courts last 10 to 15 years. However, you need to resurface many courts every five years or so to maintain their appearance and playability.
