A well-designed tennis court can be a great asset to any property. It can be a place where families and friends gather to play the game they love, as well as a way to get exercise and stay healthy. However, there are several things to consider before you decide to install a new court. There are different types of courts, materials to choose from, and even lighting options to take into account. This article discusses the steps involved in tennis court construction, and provides an overview of what to look for in a contractor.
One of the most important factors to consider is the soil composition of the area where the court will be built. A soil analysis should be done before the actual construction begins. This will help determine whether the earth has the capacity to support the extra weight of a full-sized tennis court. If the ground is not suitable for the court, the project will likely cost more and take longer to complete.
Proper drainage is also essential for a tennis court. The subgrade of the court should have a slight slope to allow water to drain away from the surface. This is accomplished by a layer of gravel or crushed rock. Then, a filter layer is laid over the top to prevent water from getting into the base of the court. Plastic drainage pipes are then placed to capture and direct the water flow.
The next step is to build the base of the court. It is recommended that a concrete layer be used for this purpose, but other material such as asphalt or gravel can be used. The material should be compacted to a level of 4 to 6 inches above the surrounding grade.
A water-based and sand-filled acrylic latex product is then applied to the surface of the tennis court. This will provide the protection and durability needed to maintain a long life for the court. The tennis court should be resurfaced every 3-7 years depending upon the use of the facility.
Fencing is an optional addition to the court and can be constructed using a wide variety of material. It serves two purposes: to create a physical boundary for the tennis court, and to provide privacy and wind protection. Some manufacturers also offer products that can fill or cover cracks in the surface of the court to act as a buffer between the continual contraction and expansion of the cracking material.
The dimensions of a full-sized tennis court are standardized, and it is recommended that you follow the specifications set by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA). This will ensure that the surface meets the necessary construction standards for smoothness, planarity, and optimal density. In addition, it is a good idea to have the court constructed in a north-south direction to avoid having the sun’s rays shining into players’ eyes for extended periods of time. This will also help to minimize the impact of strong winds that can disturb gameplay.