Thinking about building your very own pickleball court? You’re not alone, and you’ve come to the right place.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s easy to learn, social, and a ton of fun. It’s also a great way to stay active, whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors. Best of all, it’s suitable for all ages—young kids, grandparents, and everyone in between can play together on the same court.

As public courts become increasingly crowded, more and more players are turning to private court construction to get their pickleball fix. Building a court at home has quickly become a popular and practical solution.

If you're considering creating your own backyard pickleball court, there are a few key factors to plan for. Let’s walk through the full breakdown.

Court construction costs

The average cost to build a private pickleball court ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Your biggest expenses will be site preparation, framing, and pouring the base surface (either concrete or asphalt). The more extras you add, like lighting, fencing, or premium surfacing, the higher your budget will climb.

Court surface materials: Asphalt vs. concrete

Asphalt is quicker to install and cheaper up front, but it may require more frequent maintenance. Concrete, on the other hand, is more durable and less likely to crack over time. Most professional-level courts cost around $5 per square foot for the playing surface alone.

Before installing asphalt or concrete, your contractor will need to level the ground and lay a gravel base. This part of the job can be relatively affordable if your site is flat, or significantly more expensive if your property has slopes, trees, or other obstacles.

Net options: Permanent or portable

Permanent pickleball nets start around $1,000 and offer long-term durability, especially for outdoor courts. The PPA Tour often uses semi-permanent nets from Selkirk.

Portable nets, on the other hand, are easy to assemble and disassemble, and cost as little as $100. While they aren’t as sleek, high-quality portable nets still perform well, especially for casual play or if you’re working with a tighter budget.

Fencing: Is it necessary?

If you're building an outdoor court, fencing can help keep the ball in play and add a polished look. A basic 4-foot chain-link fence runs around $5,000, while professional-style 10-foot fencing will cost more.

That said, if your court is surrounded by open grass or natural barriers, fencing may not be necessary. For safety, it's a good idea to add padding to the top of any fence you install.

Surfacing: For performance and aesthetics

Professional surfacing not only makes your court look official, it also ensures consistent ball bounce and better traction. The most common choice is acrylic hard court surfacing, which is durable and cost-effective.

The PPA Tour uses Acrytech sport surfacing, known for its vibrant color options and reliable performance. Snap-together plastic tiles are also available, but tend to be more expensive.

Plan to spend around $7,000 for surfacing, including materials and labor.

Labor Costs and Installation

While DIY court construction is possible with enough research and effort, hiring professionals will give you better results and fewer headaches. Expect to pay about  $7,000 for labor related to surfacing alone, and more if you're outsourcing the entire project.

Lighting for night play

Planning to play in the evenings? Don’t forget about lighting. Installing LED court lighting costs around $7,000, not including any extra expenses for electrical wiring or trenching. You’ll need to hire a licensed electrician for this step.

Pickleball court dimensions

A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, including boundary lines. For safety and comfort, you’ll need additional space around the court.

• Minimum recommended play area: 30 feet x 60 feet
  Tournament-ready court: 34 feet x 64 feet

These dimensions accommodate all disciplines: singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Indoor court roofing requirements

If you're building an indoor court, the ceiling should be at least 18 to 20 feet high.

This helps prevent interference from high balls or lobs during play.

Net dimensions and setup

Regulation pickleball nets measure 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center. If your net tends to sag in the middle, a center support pole will help maintain proper tension and height.

Avoid using badminton nets for official play—they’re set at 60 inches and don’t meet pickleball standards.

Court orientation matters

When building an outdoor court, orientation is key. To avoid harsh sunlight in players’ eyes, aim to position your court on a north-south axis. This reduces glare from the rising or setting sun during morning or evening matches.

Estimated costs at a glance