Pickleball vs. Tennis Court: Which Is a Better Fit for Your Home?

A standard pickleball court is less than half the size of a tennis court, making it easier to fit into smaller spaces and requiring less maintenance. However, tennis courts have a larger playing area and more customization options. You can also potentially add a pickleball court to an existing tennis court by painting on some additional lines. Use this guide to learn all about the differences between these two popular court types.

Pickleball vs. Tennis Court: Key Differences

Standard pickleball courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts, measuring 44 feet long by 20 feet wide, compared to tennis courts which are 78 feet long by 36 feet wide. The smaller dimensions make pickleball more accessible and fast-paced, requiring less movement. The net is also lower in pickleball, at 34 inches in the center compared to tennis’s 36 inches.

What Is a Pickleball Court?

A pickleball court is a compact playing surface designed for, well, playing pickleball, which is a paddle-based game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The court is 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, and it includes a non-volley zone, dubbed the “kitchen”, which extends seven feet from the net on both sides. The net height is 34 inches in the center, which is slightly lower than a tennis net. Pickleball courts can be standalone or converted from existing tennis or badminton courts with adjusted lines.

Best for: Players of all ages and skill levels looking for a social, lower-impact alternative to tennis.

Pros of Pickleball Courts

One of the biggest perks of pickleball courts is that they can be built right on top of existing tennis or badminton courts with just a few adjustments. Many places just repaint or add the lines, which makes it easy to add pickleball without taking away other sports. This is a big reason why the game has exploded in popularity—chances are, there’s already a court nearby.

The smaller court size also makes the game less physically demanding than tennis. There’s less running, less impact on your joints, and an overall lower barrier to entry, which makes it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. You still get a solid workout but without the intense sprinting and long rallies that tennis requires. 

Another plus is that pickleball courts require way less maintenance than full-sized tennis courts. A smaller surface means fewer cracks and resurfacing issues, and since the game is played with a lightweight paddle and plastic ball, there’s not nearly as much wear and tear as you’d get from heavy-duty tennis play. Once a court is set up, it’s relatively low-effort to keep it in good shape.

Cons of Pickleball Courts

For players used to the wide-open space of a tennis court, a pickleball court can feel a little cramped. There’s also a specific rule that prevents players from volleying in the non-volley zone, which can take some getting used to if you’re coming from a tennis background.

Then there’s the noise factor. Pickleball paddles and plastic balls create a distinct pop with every hit, which can get pretty loud, potentially leading to noise complaints. And while pickleball courts are easier to maintain than tennis courts, they’re not as widely available. Dedicated pickleball courts are still catching up to demand, and in some places, you might have to rely on shared or makeshift courts.

What Is a Tennis Court?

A tennis court is a large playing surface designed for—you guessed it—playing tennis. A standard regulation tennis court measures 78 feet long and either 27 feet wide for singles matches or 36 feet wide for doubles. The net height is 36 inches at the center, which is slightly higher than a pickleball net. Tennis courts can be made of various surfaces, including hard courts, clay, and grass, each affecting ball speed and play style.

Best for: Players who enjoy a challenging, high-endurance sport with a strong competitive and recreational community.

Pros of Tennis Courts

The larger size of tennis courts allows for a wider variety of shots than pickleball courts, especially since tennis courts don’t have a no-valley zone like pickleball courts. This makes tennis a more dynamic game that appeals to players who prioritize a physical and mental challenge.

Tennis courts are also widely available. Since tennis has been a staple sport for decades, courts can be found in most cities, parks, and recreation centers. This makes it easier to find a place to play compared to pickleball, which, despite its growing popularity, still has fewer dedicated courts. 

Another major benefit is the variety of court surfaces. Unlike pickleball, which is almost always played on a hard court, tennis courts can be made of clay, grass, or synthetic materials, each of which affects ball speed and bounce. This variety keeps the game fresh and allows players to develop different skills depending on the surface they prefer.

Cons of Tennis Courts

The physical demands of tennis can be a drawback, especially for players who prefer a less intense sport. The larger court size requires significantly more running, which can be tough on the body. The constant stopping, starting, and lateral movement can put stress on the joints, like knees, ankles, and hips, so injuries are more common than they are in pickleball.

Tennis courts also require more maintenance. Hard courts develop cracks over time, while clay courts need regular watering and resurfacing. Because of this, some public courts may not be in great condition, and private courts can be expensive to maintain.

Another challenge is that tennis has a steeper learning curve. Compared to pickleball, where the paddle and plastic ball makes for easier control, tennis requires a more precise technique to hit consistent shots. 

Pickleball Court vs. Tennis Court

Pickleball and tennis courts each have their advantages, so the right choice depends on your priorities. Tennis courts offer more customization options and prestige, while pickleball courts are more affordable, easier to maintain, and take up less space.

Appearance​: Tie

Both pickleball and tennis courts have a clean, attractive look. Tennis courts are larger and have a more traditional aesthetic. Pickleball courts are smaller and can blend into multi-use spaces or be painted onto existing tennis courts. While neither court is inherently more attractive, tennis courts tend to have a grander presence, whereas pickleball courts can be more subtle and space-efficient.

Options and Customizations​​: Tennis Courts

Tennis courts offer more customization options in terms of surface type, allowing you to choose from hard courts, clay, or grass. Pickleball courts are almost always played on hard surfaces, which limits their variety. Additionally, tennis courts often feature dedicated lighting, fencing, and seating areas, while pickleball courts are typically more minimalist. If customization is a priority, tennis courts are the best option. 

Durability​​: Pickleball Courts

Pickleball courts are generally more durable than tennis courts because the game itself is a lower impact. Tennis courts endure heavy racket swings, high-speed serves, and fast, forceful movements across the surface, which leads to quicker wear and tear. Pickleball, on the other hand, uses a lightweight paddle and plastic ball, significantly reducing stress on the court surface. The smaller court size also means fewer cracks and resurfacing issues over time. 

Price​: Pickleball Courts

Pickleball courts are usually cheaper to install than full-sized tennis courts. The cost to build a pickleball court ranges from $20,000 to $50,000, while the cost to build a tennis court from asphalt ranges from $40,000 to $80,000. Additionally, pickleball courts can often be “built” on tennis courts simply by adding some pickleball lines, which can significantly reduce the cost of installing one. 

Ease of Installation/DIYability​: Pickleball Courts

Both formal pickleball and tennis courts require professional installation, but pickleball courts are easier to install because they require less space, materials, and preparation. However, many people don’t opt for a formal pickleball court since it’s generally considered a more casual game, so some DIYers can build a casual court on existing hard surfaces with simple line painting and a net system.

Maintenance​: Pickleball Courts

Pickleball courts require less maintenance than tennis courts thanks to their smaller size and lower impact gameplay. Plus, tennis courts can be made of many different types of materials, like clay and grass, which require specialized care. Pickleball courts, typically made of asphalt or concrete, endure less wear and tear, which reduces the need for frequent repairs. 

Length of Life​: Pickleball Courts

Pickleball courts tend to last longer than tennis courts because they experience less stress from gameplay. The smaller surface area means fewer opportunities for cracks, while the lightweight ball and paddle cause much less strain on the court than the heavy rackets and fast-moving balls on tennis courts. A well-maintained pickleball court can last decades with minimal repairs, making it a more durable long-term investment.

Resale Value​: Tennis Courts

Tennis courts can offer a higher ROI and resale value than pickleball courts. A well-maintained tennis court can be a significant selling point for a home, especially in communities with tennis enthusiasts. While pickleball is growing in popularity, tennis courts appeal to more buyers and can easily be converted into pickleball courts with simple line adjustments. Additionally, properties with full-sized tennis courts are often seen as more luxurious, contributing to a higher perceived property value.