New Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are divided into 2 categories: hard courts or soft courts.
There are two basic construction methods for hard courts (click title for more info):
Post-tensioned concrete
This is today’s primary method of hard court construction that has proven itself over the last 30 years.
- Only permanent solution to cracking courts.
- Any cracks cannot open up over 1/8” eliminating liability or ball-bounce problems
- Increased resistance to settling or heaving
- High level of planarity
- Life expectancy of 50 years or more
Asphalt
This type of construction may offer an initial saving of approximately 20% but will incur future maintenance costs.
- Structural cracks begin to occur typically within the first 5 years
- Cracks grow in length and width
- Cracks require yearly filling
- Susceptible to settling, heaving and root damage
- Generally requires an overlay or total replacement at 10 to 15 years.
Soft courts are typically fast-dry clay courts or synthetic or natural grass (click title for more info).
Clay
These are constructed of specifically graded crushed green granite to provide a uniform and free draining surface. This type of court provides a surface and allows the player’s foot to slide and is kind to their joints.
The clay must be kept moist. This is done by two watering options:
Surface watering:
- Sprinklers mounted on fence
- Courts must be closed during and after watering
- Not used in arid regions of country
Sub-surface irrigation
- Utilize a reservoir underneath courts
- Provide a consistent moisture level
- No down time for watering
Grass
Natural grass courts are infrequently built these days due to extensive care and maintenance. There are synthetic, sand-fill turf built to play much like a grass court but with much less maintenance and more durability.
