Articles /
If you are serious about building a padel court that performs properly and lasts for decades, the most important decision you will make is not the court model, the glass, or the turf. It is the groundworks and foundations beneath the court.
This is where most padel projects succeed or fail, and where true expertise makes all the difference.
A padel court is a precision structure. Glass panels, steel frames, turf systems, and lighting all rely on a perfectly stable and accurate base.
Once groundworks are complete, they cannot be easily corrected. Superstructures can be adjusted. Turf can be replaced. Lighting can be upgraded. Foundations cannot.
Poor groundworks lead to:
This is why experienced contractors treat groundworks as the most important phase of the entire project.
The UK presents a wide range of ground conditions that directly affect padel court foundations. Ignoring these conditions is one of the most common causes of failure.
Common across large parts of southern England. Clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry. Without proper design, this movement causes cracking and slab distortion.
Often provide good drainage, but can include voids and variable bearing capacity. Slab design must account for uneven support.
Common on former industrial or commercial sites. This ground is unpredictable and requires thorough investigation before construction.
Introduce corrosion risks and higher moisture exposure. Protective detailing and material selection are critical.
Lofthouse employs advanced geotechnical assessment techniques to thoroughly evaluate soil conditions before finalising slab design. This ensures the foundation is engineered for the specific site, not a generic assumption, guaranteeing optimal performance and longevity.
A padel court slab is not a standard concrete base. It is a precision-engineered structural element.
Key considerations include:
At Lofthouse, our structural engineers meticulously design each concrete slab to support both static loads and dynamic forces created by player movement and ball impact. Incorrect slab design is one of the most expensive mistakes in padel court construction, often requiring the full court to be removed for repair.
Padel demands tighter tolerances than many other sports courts.
Small deviations in level can affect:
Indoor padel court construction is even more sensitive, as there is no gradient to disguise imperfections.
Lofthouse’s groundworks team, comprised of highly experienced professionals, adheres to the industry’s most stringent level tolerances, aiming for minimal deviation across the entire court footprint. This level of accuracy requires experienced groundworkers and careful quality control, which are hallmarks of our service.
Drainage is often underestimated. Poor water management leads to surface degradation, algae growth, and reduced playing quality.
Require controlled falls and perimeter drainage to efficiently remove surface water.
Still require efficient moisture control. Ground moisture, condensation, and humidity can affect slab integrity and turf performance.
Effective drainage design considers:
This is not a one-size solution. Lofthouse’s drainage experts develop bespoke solutions, ensuring each site receives a tailored approach for optimal water management.
Indoor padel court groundworks differ significantly from outdoor projects.
Key differences include:
Indoor slabs must remain stable over time, as any movement is immediately visible and disruptive. This is especially important in warehouse conversions and multi-court facilities, where Lofthouse’s expertise in complex structural solutions is invaluable.
Padel generates impact energy. In enclosed environments, this energy travels through the structure if not properly controlled.
Groundworks influence:
Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists are pioneers in integrating advanced vibration isolation techniques at the foundation level, significantly reducing vibration transfer. This improves player comfort and reduces complaints from neighbouring spaces, a major differentiator in professional installations that few builders address at ground level.
Most remedial work stems from the same issues.
Common failures include:
These issues often appear months or years after installation, when repair is most disruptive and costly.
Correcting groundworks failures is rarely simple.
Typical remediation may involve:
This is expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to operations.
Investing properly in groundworks from the outset is always more cost-effective.
Not all builders understand padel. Groundworks for padel courts require both sports construction knowledge and traditional construction expertise.
Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists stands apart by integrating full construction engineering expertise with deep padel-specific knowledge. Our in-house groundworks teams are not merely installers; they are structural professionals who offer:
Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists brings full construction experience to every project. Groundworks are delivered by professionals who understand long-term performance, not just installation speed.
Every great padel court starts below ground.
If you want a court that plays consistently, protects your investment, and avoids costly future problems, groundworks must be engineered correctly from day one.
Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists deliver complete padel court construction, from initial ground assessment through to final commissioning. Our team understands how foundations affect every aspect of performance and longevity.
As part of the esteemed Lofthouse Construction Group, Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists bring a legacy of robust construction engineering to every project. Our approach is rooted in decades of experience, ensuring your padel court foundation is not just built, but engineered for excellence. Here’s why clients choose us for their critical groundworks:
If you want a padel court that stays level, plays consistently, and avoids expensive remedial work, speak to our team before groundworks begin. Early decisions here protect your entire investment.
Don’t leave your investment to chance. Partner with the UK’s leading padel court groundworks specialists.
If you are planning a padel court project, contact our team today. A single conversation at this stage can save years of frustration and unnecessary cost.
Build it right. Build it once. Build with Lofthouse.
Looking to bring padel to your home, school, or sports facility?
At Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists, we design and build premium courts tailored to your space, goals, and budget. From planning permission to professional installation, we handle everything with expertise and care.
Get in touch today to start your padel court project with trusted UK specialists.
We provide our clients with comprehensive turnkey solutions, managing everything from initial planning applications and groundworks to full construction and finishing touches - so you can stay focused on the game.
Registered in England & Wales | Company No. 11269888 | VAT No. GB 30 1554 934 | Privacy Policy
Powered by Construct Virtual website design and hosting
With over 20 years of experience in the construction and housebuilding industry, Richard has led Technical, Planning, and Design teams for construction and PLC housebuilders. Having assisted in the delivery of key developments such as Kew Riverside and Grosvenor Dock in Chelsea, and managing projects ranging from 50 to 750 homes, complete with schools, sports facilities, and retail units.
His experience spans bespoke high-end homes, retail and commercial schemes. He has also contributed to innovative projects like the Northstowe new town near Cambridge and is a strong advocate for modern construction methods.
With over 25 years of experience in finance and office management across sectors including healthcare, logistics, and construction services, Carole has overseen full finance functions for organisations ranging from SMEs to multi-site charities. She has managed payroll for over 130 employees, implemented credit control procedures, and prepared management accounts through to trial balance.
Her experience spans both strategic financial oversight and hands-on administration, including bank reconciliations, pension submissions, budget management, and diary coordination. A proficient user of payroll and accounting software, she has also liaised with external accountants to ensure smooth year-end processes and compliance with tax regulations.
Carole is a highly adaptable professional, with a strong background in credit control, payroll, and office operations, and is valued for her attention to detail, reliability, and ability to streamline processes in fast-paced environments.
With over 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Kevin is a seasoned Contracts Manager specialising in RC concrete frames and groundworks. Starting his career on-site and progressing through roles in both construction and contracts management, he brings a deep understanding of every phase of project delivery.
Notable high-profile projects that he has worked on include Battersea Power Station and the O2 Arena, where he played a key role as a construction manager. In addition to commercial landmarks, Kevin has also contributed extensively to residential construction, overseeing the groundworks and installation of superstructures for private bespoke homes.
His dedication to quality, safety, and efficiency continues to drive excellence across all aspects of his work.
James Bourke brings 30+ years of experience in the construction industry, managing groundworks projects exceeding £100 million. As London Regional Director at O’Keefe Construction, he scaled the business unit from £12 million to £60 million in turnover. At Deep Contractors, he launched a business unit generating £20 million in profit.
His portfolio includes prestigious developments such as:
James’s leadership has been instrumental in driving growth for clients such as Vastint, Barratt, and Berkeley Homes.
After graduating from Cardiff University, Ryan joined Walsh Associates as a structural design engineer, focusing on high-rise reinforced concrete structures in London.
He later became a project engineer, managing key developments like Lombard Square (1,750 units) for Berkeley Homes and Ballymore. His role involved liaising with contractors, ensuring design information met project deadlines.
Now transitioning to the contractor side, Ryan aims to leverage his consultancy experience to bring a fresh perspective and enhance efficiency in the fast-paced construction industry.
Jayne brings extensive business expertise to Lofthouse Construction Group, having successfully founded, expanded, sold, and integrated businesses in her role as Chief Operating Officer.
She led key functions—including Finance, IT, Marketing, HR, Legal, Administration, and Project Management—driving innovation and operational excellence.
At Lofthouse Construction Group, she is focused on implementing structured processes, systems, and disciplined approaches to support the company’s rapid growth and exceptional team.
Steve brings 35+ years of experience in the construction industry, specialising in grounds, basements, and concrete frames of up to 14 stories.
He has successfully managed numerous multimillion-pound projects for leading companies such as Balfour Beatty, Kier, Wates and Taylor Wimpey, overseeing teams with 110 personnel.
He has 35+ years in property development, specialising in bespoke projects like luxury apartments.
His roles at Antler Homes and Millgate Developments have refined his expertise in procuring high-end materials.
As Procurement Manager, he ensures superior quality and value across all projects, enhancing client satisfaction.
Eva is a skilled Finance Manager with 10+ years in accounting and financial management in the residential sector.
With a degree in International Economics, she combines financial expertise with a passion for property.
Having specialised in diplomacy during her university studies, Eva’s analytical skills support sustainable growth and drive financial performance.
Sharp, with an inquiring mind and prodigious attention to detail, Ann's successful career started in the world of banking, with roles in financial advice and management.
This expertise was put to excellent use, enabling a move into high-level finance and accounting recruitment for investment behemoths such as Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch and technology giant NTL.
After taking a career break, she played a significant role in developing two bespoke, accessible homes while raising two beautiful children.
Ann's focus is now on talent acquisition, retention, and systems management in the demanding Lofthouse Residences HR & Operations Manager role.
He has 30+ years of experience in construction.
As Commercial Director (QS), he oversees project stages from acquisition to completion.
Previously, he was Senior QS at Millgate Homes and Partner at Quantum Merit Associates.
His expertise drives profitability and operational efficiency for sustainable growth.
Paul Beaney has 30+ years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career at Berkeley Homes before becoming Managing Director at Millgate Homes.
During his tenure, he contributed to the rapid growth of the company, overseeing the construction of over 1,200 homes, which ultimately led to Millgate Homes' acquisition by Countryside.
Currently, as Strategic Director at Lofthouse Residences, Paul leverages his extensive network of suppliers, subcontractors, architects, and land agents to shape the company’s long-term vision.
His strategic insights and industry expertise are vital for driving continued success and ensuring robust growth in a competitive market.
David Lofthouse brings 20+ years of investment banking experience to the construction industry, seamlessly transitioning his financial expertise into luxury property development.
After successfully creating two bespoke luxury homes, he founded Lofthouse Residences, driven by a vision to transform the sector.
David leverages his strategic insight to establish a business that offers concierge-level service, setting new benchmarks for innovation, creativity, cost-efficiency, and quality.
His commitment to excellence and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes position Lofthouse Residences as a leader in the luxury market, ensuring sustained growth and exceptional value for stakeholders.
