tennis
In this article we will analyze how it is possible – and simple – transform a tennis court into a padel court. In our experience, we've had to carry out this type of work several times, and we can reassure you right away: it can be done—in fact, it's definitely a great idea!
We have already explained how padel is one of the best businesses in which invest in 2021The sport is constantly growing, the number of players is increasing, and profit margins are high. For anyone who owns one or more tennis courts, it could be very profitable to decide to transform one or all of them into padel courts. Let's see how.
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Tennis court: measurements vs. padel
A tennis court measures 18.27 meters of width for 36.57 meters in total length. We say "total" because if we look at the actual dimensions of the playing court, it measures 12.79 m x 23.76 m. What makes the tennis court larger are the spaces to the sides and at the back of the court, which, while not actually representing a playing surface, are essential for proper play.
On the contrary, a padel court does not need to be surrounded by large spaces at all, because the ball is free to bounce off the side and back walls. The court therefore measures 10 mx 20 m. A cut of over 8 meters in width and a full 16 in length!
It is easy to understand then how a tennis court can accommodate just under two padel courts. A nice space saving that benefits your earnings!
But how do you actually transform a tennis court into two padel courts?
Transforming a tennis court into a padel court
Let's start by saying that transform a sports facility A facility that's already built—like a tennis court—is easier than building a facility from scratch. The reason is that part of the bureaucratic process will already be over. We discussed this in our article on permits required to build a padel courtIn this case, we're talking about steps such as the geological survey, which isn't necessary in the case of a transformation, or the SCIA (Certificate of Consolidation and Planning Authority).
In any case, regarding the bureaucratic process, we recommend checking with your municipality of residence with the assistance of a surveyor. It's better to have additional advice than to find yourself with gaps in your permits when you open your home!
Speaking instead of the actual realization, at the moment of transformation we should immediately ask ourselves a question: outdoor or indoor courts?
Tennis courts are generally outdoors, and building two outdoor padel courts would be the easiest option. However, it's also true that it would be the least profitable: it would mean losing significant revenue during the winter season, precisely when padel is most in demand.
You can still opt for the path of a mobile aluminum cover, pull & play type that can be assembled and disassembled seasonally.
Once the type of court has been chosen, we can begin the actual construction. Besides size, the main differences, in terms of construction, between a tennis court and a padel court are:
- the bottom,
- the lateral structures.
Let's analyze them one by one.
Transforming the surface of a tennis court into a surface suitable for padel
The surface of a traditional tennis court is made of red clay. A surface completely unsuitable for padel!
One of the most important steps in the construction of a padel court is the laying a concrete slab. This must not have any imperfections or depressions. The risk in this case is not only compromising the game—with unpredictable bounces—but also the lifespan of the court itself due to the water pooling that would form under the mat.
There can be three types of fund:
- industrial concrete, suitable for indoor courts only;
- raw concrete – the most used;
- draining concrete – the best for durability and performance due to its ability to drain water and humidity and preserve the carpet.
The next step is precisely the choice of the carpetHere too we have several choices:
- fibrillated,
- monofilament,
- curled monofilament.
The heights of the mats vary, as do the different materials' performance in terms of ball rebound speed. State-of-the-art padel facilities increasingly feature courts with different types of mats, allowing different categories of players—experts, intermediates, and amateurs—to choose the one they find most comfortable playing on.
In any case, the product must then be distributed evenly on the carpet. sand, the true queen of the padel court floor. The correct distribution of sand will make the difference between a comfortable and high-performance playing surface and one to be avoided!
The lateral structures of the padel court
Before deciding to transform a tennis court into a padel court we must know that it will be necessary to create a fence around the entire perimeter of the new field.
The fence will consist of wire mesh areas e areas made of materials that allow for rebound regular, ideally glass but also concrete or brick. The important thing is that it is a material uniform and safe for body impacts – therefore free of sharp edges or rough surfaces.
In bottom of the field, on the two short sides, the fence must be 4 meters high and composed of:
- 3 meters of bounce-proof material, transparent or opaque;
- 1 meter of wire mesh.
In reverse, laterally, we have two permitted fence variants:
- Rebounder areas in a ladder shape starting from both ends, extending first for 3 metres in height and 2 metres in length and then in a 2 x 2 shape for the remaining part, topped along the entire length by 1 metre of wire mesh.
- The second variant differs from the first because the wire mesh overlaps the side fence along its entire length, bringing the height uniformly to 4 metres.
A project for professionals
Transforming a tennis court into a padel court—or rather, two—isn't a daunting task, but there are a number of measures to take. Especially if we want the court to be truly comfortable for the athletes!
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