Are you planning to build a tennis court for recreational or professional gaming? Apart from the size and the costs involved, there is one more critical factor to consider: Do you have the space? You want to check that you have the room for it on your property and that it adheres to International Tennis Federation (ITF) standards. Here’s a guide to help you with your tennis court sizing.
How Much Space Do You Need For a Tennis Court?
According to the ITF, a standard rectangular tennis court should be 78 feet long (23.77 meters) and 36 feet (10.97 meters) wide. This means the play area is approximately 2,808 square feet (260.87 square meters). However, the singles court is generally narrower, measuring 78 feet long and 27 feet wide, totaling 2,106 square feet.
Note that these are only the dimensions for the area inside the painted lines or the play area. When accounting for how much space you need to build a tennis court, you should also factor in the runoff, which is the space for the players to move around the court. The ITF also recommends that in a covered space, there should be at least 30 feet of space overhead so that the tennis ball doesn’t hit the roof during play.
Factors Determining the Spacing of a Tennis Court
Here are other factors affecting the size of your tennis court:
Purpose and Skill Level
The dimensions you choose for your tennis court usually depend on what you will use it for. If it is for casual playing, you can use your smaller space, but for professional reasons, it is crucial to observe the ITF rules. You will need to enlarge it to serve all players. Additionally, if the court is for tournaments, it must meet the ITF’s regulations, while the size can be adjusted for beginners or casual players.
Budget
One of the first considerations is whether your budget allows you to build the standard court size. The larger the court, the more time, materials, and labor it will need, meaning the total construction cost might be higher. If on a tight budget, you can always install a smaller court.
Prevailing Conditions
The environment and the climate also determine the court’s dimensions. Wind, sunlight, and terrain type can influence the layout and dimensions. Similarly, you must consider the weather. For instance, if you live in a humid area, you may need more space for shading and reducing glare.
Seek Expert Opinion for Perfect Tennis Court Sizing
Are you looking for a contractor to handle your tennis court construction in Hilton Head? If so, our professionals at Talbot Tennis are here to help. We will advise you on the best court type and dimensions to fully maximize the available space.