This article covers practical considerations when planning padel courts. Costs, planning requirements and demand vary by location, so current quotes and local professional advice should always be used for a live project.
Will it help your sports or tennis club?
Padel can help a sports facility or tennis club attract more activity, but demand varies by location, audience and how the courts are operated. If you want to give a padel project the best chance of success, there are several practical considerations to work through.
Location
This is a crucial decision, both in terms of where in your club to put the courts and the direction/space it has. If you put only one padel court tucked away at the back of the club where nobody can see it, then it makes sense it is more difficult for you to get it busy. Padel is a more sociable sport than most, so the best place is within viewing distance of the café/clubhouse. Players bring their friends, families often play together and so it will benefit the club to have it in that location.
When it comes to the direction of the padel court, North-South facing is even more important than for tennis courts, owing to the fact that the back walls are glass. You could put a fabric across the back like tennis, but that completely defeats the purpose of having a glass court in the first place. We would also recommend not having it backing on to the car park. There is nothing worse than playing and trying to see the ball with hundreds of sun reflections shining at you from behind the court.
Give space around your court if you can. Competition and governing-body requirements can change, so check the current specifications that apply to the type of facility and events you intend to host.
On a side note, you can get netting to go around the top of the fence that will stop balls going out. This can be useful if you are on the perimeter of your club or next to a café or car park. The court manufacturer can usually advise on suitable options.
Environment
This plays a part in deciding whether to cover the court, the paint used, the type of grass etc. If your climate is rainy, then as you would expect a cover makes sense because the glass can be difficult to play with when wet. Canopies, covers and enclosed structures are all options, depending on the site and local requirements.
If you are near the sea, make sure appropriate corrosion protection is specified for the structure and fixings.
Planning permission and local regulations are also important. Requirements differ between countries and can vary between local areas, so obtain current advice before ordering courts or beginning groundworks.
Indoor Structure
If you’re in an environment where you require a canopy or cover, allow enough clearance around the court and consider wind-driven rain, natural light and the orientation of the site. If the court is fully enclosed, those considerations will be different.
The required height depends on the intended level of play and applicable specifications. Check the current guidance for your project rather than relying on an older standard or a generic recommendation.
In climates where weather regularly interrupts play, suitable cover can significantly increase playable court time.
Types of padel courts
There are several court designs and many manufacturers. The best option depends on the site, budget, viewing requirements and intended use.
Concrete
This is how many older courts were built, with concrete back and sides and netting along the side. It can function well, but viewing is more restricted than with modern glass courts.
Standard
A standard glass court uses structural supports between panes around the court. The exact glass and structural specification should be confirmed with the manufacturer and against current regulations.
Panoramic
Panoramic courts reduce or remove posts around key viewing areas to improve visibility. Manufacturers offer different structural and aesthetic versions, but the main benefit is clearer viewing.
Singles
Singles courts can be useful where space is very limited or for specific coaching uses, but the standard doubles format remains the core of the sport.
Padel court costs
Court costs vary significantly by manufacturer, specification, location, shipping, installation, groundworks and local charges. Get several current, itemised quotes and check exactly what is included, particularly cranes, installation, foundations, lighting, shipping and local taxes or fees.
If you are considering several courts, ask suppliers how the quantity affects shipping and installation costs. Quality, warranty and aftercare should be considered alongside the headline price.
Foundation
We cannot emphasise the importance of a proper foundation enough. Poor ground preparation can lead to problems with alignment, drainage and the playing surface. Court manufacturers will provide foundation specifications, but this is not an area to shortcut. Consult the manufacturer and an appropriately qualified contractor before ordering the courts so the base, drainage and tolerances are suitable for the chosen system.
Number of padel courts
The right number of courts depends on demand, available space, the business case and how the facility will be used. Multiple courts make it easier to combine member bookings with coaching, social sessions, leagues and tournaments without one activity consuming all available court time. Model the expected utilisation and programme before deciding how many courts to build.
Plan your launch
This might sound obvious, but it is particularly important if you are building in an area where padel is relatively new and there is not yet an established community. Think about coaching, events, booking systems, staff training and marketing before opening so the facility is ready to turn initial interest into regular play.
If you’re considering adding padel to a club or facility, explore The Padel School’s club programmes or contact the team.
