How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tennis Court?

Cost of Building a Tennis Court by Surface

Asphalt

Asphalt tennis courts cost anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000. For a regulation tennis court, you'll likely pay around $65,000 on average. 

Asphalt costs about 20% less than post-tensioned concrete but has a shorter lifespan (15 to 20 years) and higher maintenance costs. These costs include resurfacing the asphalt every couple years, averaging between $1,000 and $2,000.

Post-Tensioned Concrete 

Post-tensioned concrete is reinforced concrete that lasts for many years and holds up to all sorts of stressors on the surface, making it ideal for playing tennis. You'll pay for the luxury of this type of court, though, as they cost $60,000 to $120,000 to build.

Concrete lasts longer than all the other options on the list, particularly asphalt. However, anticipate maintenance—such as sealing cracks or potholes—every few years. Still, it won't cost as much as asphalt.

Clay

A clay tennis court costs $30,000 to $75,000 with annual maintenance fees of around $2,000. Clay needs regular brushing to ensure it stays play-ready, so while you can do that yourself for free, the extra work might be a deterrent.

Clay isn't the best option for some climates, especially in windy areas, as the top of clay can erode quicker in bad weather and could result in more expensive repairs.

Tennis court repairs cost between $1,947 and $10,061 on average.

Artificial Grass or Astroturf 

Artificial grass courts with a sand underlayment cost $75,000 to $100,000. This type of tennis court offers the closest similarity to playing on grass without the hassles of daily maintenance, prompting many to choose this option.

Grass

From excavation to installation, installing a new grass tennis court will cost anywhere from $50,000 to $150,000. Daily maintenance—watering, mowing, and weeding—is necessary to keep your court in tip-top shape.

Lawn care and mowing costs average $48 to $207 per job, and you'll need this done a lot if you play tennis regularly. While a grass court might seem like it should be the cheapest option, it requires extensive, routine maintenance to ensure a perfectly level and evenly distributed grass tennis court.

Cost to Build a Tennis Court by Type

For some, playing tennis under the sun is the goal for a fun, outdoor workout. For others, being able to play year-round is the dream. However, except to pay a premium for an indoor court.

Backyard Tennis Court 

You can choose asphalt, concrete, clay, artificial grass, or regular grass for your backyard tennis court. Many homeowners opt for fence installation, as well as lights to play at night/early morning, which will drive the price up. 

Still, a high-end asphalt or clay court will save lots of money compared to an indoor structure. From a materials standpoint, these prices mirror other project costs, such as the cost to build an asphalt driveway (starting at $3,109) versus using other materials.

Indoor Tennis Court

More expensive upfront costs are virtually guaranteed for an indoor tennis court, especially if you're building a new structure. You may pay as much as $150,000—the top end for home tennis courts. However, you’ll never have to deal with inclement weather when you want to practice your backhand.

Tennis Court Construction Cost Breakdown

Several factors influence the cost to install a tennis court, including land prep, fencing, lighting, paint, surfacing, and the optional addition of a tennis bubble. 

Land Prep

Around $25,000 to $50,000 of tennis court installation comes from labor and land prep. For most projects, land prep involves excavating loose dirt, using a ground leveler, paving over the area or installing concrete, and then building the court over it. This process can take a few weeks to a month. 

For example, a concrete slab costs $3,600 to $7,200, on average.

Fencing

You’ll spend anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a tennis court fence, and perhaps half that cost if you're only installing a half court. Most homeowners opt for a vinyl-covered chain-link fence at least 8 feet high for both privacy and to help stop balls from exiting the area. Chain-link fencing costs $5 to $20 per foot.

Lighting

Sport court lighting costs between $2,000 and $15,000. That includes the lights, wiring, and switches, all of which are important for playing at night. Most residential installations fall between $2,000 and $6,000. Commercial courts tend to exceed $10,000. Regulation brightness ranges from 350 to 450 lux but recreational (home) applications only need 250 lux.

Paint

Repainting the lines costs $350 to $600 per court. Most contractors will include painting as part of their labor charges when they quote you.

Acrylic Surface

Acrylic surfacing costs $4,000 to $10,000. A professional will also typically include this in the initial project fees, but ask to be sure. 

It’s essentially the same process as resurfacing, but without costly or time-consuming repairs since it happens on a new build. The final step in most hardcourt builds is applying an acrylic sealant surface over the top of the asphalt or concrete. 

Tennis Bubble 

Tennis bubbles cost anywhere from $6,000 to $150,000 and are a popular option for year-round play. More permanent inflatable air tents or tennis bubbles (like a sporting dome structure) can exceed $100,000.

DIY Tennis Court Construction vs. Hire a Pro

While it’s possible to DIY a tennis court, the project's scope means it’ll still cost thousands and take weeks—if not months—to complete. It also takes an expert to get a perfect level and even surface. At the very least, you should strongly consider having a company do the leveling to set you off on the right foot; it'll be worth the investment.

The easiest DIY installation type is grass, but you’ll need to maintain it daily. Professionals use laser-leveling techniques to get a perfectly level playing surface. They’ll guarantee their work and finish the job in a fraction of the time it’ll take a DIYer. Hire a tennis court installer to help with your project. They’ll know the best methods and materials to use for your area.

FAQs

What type of tennis court is the best?

The best type of tennis court varies between players, budgets, and locations. For recreational players and homeowners, the most installed tennis court type is a hardcourt—asphalt or concrete. But you can choose from turf, grass, clay, asphalt, or post-tensioned concrete courts.

How do you build a tennis court?

Building a tennis court is a rather strenuous process that involves lots of planning and excavation before building the court. Steps include: 

1. Land preparation. Grading and clearing the land of trees.

2. Subbase installation. Digging and laying the subbase of dirt and gravel, which your concrete, asphalt, grass, or clay sit on. Setting up forms for concrete.

3. Court installation. Installing the court material: grass, asphalt, concrete, or clay. Clay and grass also need irrigation systems.

4. Adding a cushioned surface. You'll often see an acrylic topcoat for hardcourts (concrete and asphalt), usually with rubberized polymers added for a cushioned effect. Clay and grass do not need this.

5. Painting. Painting the lines. Sometimes, painting refers to “painting” on the acrylic topcoat.

6. Fencing and Lighting. Installation of all fencing and outdoor lighting options if available.

Does a tennis court add value to your home?

A tennis court can, at least in theory, add anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000 to your home’s value. That said, specialty installations like tennis courts can also make it harder to resell your home if prospective buyers aren't interested in having their own tennis court. The right buyers will pay more for one, though.

How much does tennis court resurfacing cost?

Repairing your tennis court costs $4,000 to $10,000, which includes resurfacing, an important step that helps seal cracks and maintain the structural strength of your court. You’ll always want to repair any cracks or low spots before resurfacing, which your pro should include in the quote.

How should you clean a tennis court?

Clay surfaces get cleaned simply with a brush and water. Asphalt and concrete can be cleaned with mild cleaners, water, or even a power washer. Grass and turf may have specific directions as using the wrong type of cleaning products or tools could damage the court.

The surface of your court will determine how you clean it, so you may need to research your specific type of tennis court.

How much space do you need for a tennis court?

You'll need a 120-by-60-foot space to install your new tennis court, which covers the whole court, plus some additional room to set up a fence. Without adequate space, many homeowners don’t see the benefit in installing a court that doesn’t meet the standard dimensions.