Do you have an outdoor tennis court in your home? Are you thinking about getting one installed? Here I will explain to you the differences in tennis courts, and the essential items you need for the best court.
Types of Courts
- Natural grass courses are the softest type of surface you can use. However, they are rarely seen in the United States. This is possibly due to the fact that they can be difficult to maintain. These would be a good option to consider, provided you don’t mind mowing, weeding, and fertilizing to keep it looking its best.
- Artificial Turf is an alternative to those who like the advantages and aesthetic of a grass course, but aren’t keen on all the upkeep. These courts are slip resistant, and shock absorbing, which are good things to consider when shopping for tennis court materials .
- Clay Tennis courts are quite popular, and they can be either natural or synthetic. Keep in mind that, maintenance is required with these as well. However, the aesthetic is reminiscent of the French Open, which gives an professional high class feeling to the court. Artificial courts come with less maintenance, and even permanent game lines, which saves you time and often repainting.
- Concrete tennis courts are what you will most often find in rec centers and backyards. These are durable; however, they are prone to warping and cracking than the other materials, and many insist the consistency is not as high as clay or grass. These are good if you are just getting started, or are looking for a cost-effective option to use for weekend hobby tennis.
These are just a couple of the most popular options that people use for their at home courts. The type of grounding you use in your court is a matter of personal preference. Depending on your play style, and what you want to get from your court, the option is up to you.
Tennis Court Trash Baskets?
Now, you might be squinting in confusion at that phrase, and that’s understandable. “Tennis court trash baskets? That’s such a weird thing to say!” But, think about it for a moment; what do you really need in your tennis court? If you think about the amount of water bottles consumed, power bars eaten, and other items that may need to be thrown away during a game, tennis court trash baskets doesn’t seem like such an odd item. Here’s some other things to consider:
- Drainage is important! No one wants their tennis court to turn into a swimming pool. I mean, water tennis is a thing, but I hardly think that’s what you had in mind. Having a slope allows for the water to drain from the court, as opposed to flooding. If your land has a higher water table, an underground drainage system may even be needed to help keep the water at bay.
- Fencing is something else you might want to consider, especially if you live in a wooded area. No one wants to wake up in the morning to find out a horde of racoons ravaged their tennis court trash baskets! Joking aside, this is important to stop any stray balls that might go flying farther than intended. A 10 ft fence is recommended for hard courts, i.e. concrete, but for grass or clay 8 ft fencing is admissible. Chain Link or fabric meshing fences are two popular options for court fencing.
- Shade shelters may be something to consider if the area your court is located receives a lot of direct sunlight. Usually consisting of an awning and outdoor benches, it’s a good place to cool down and rest in between matches; in addition, it can be a good place for spectators and friends to watch your game without worrying about sunburn. (Just remember to add a tennis court trash basket so your friends won’t have to worry about holding on to their empty water bottles!)
There is a lot to consider when thinking about installing or maintaining a tennis court. While we touched on key components, that is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to find out more contact a local professional near you!