Padel Court vs Tennis Court: Complete Size Comparison Guide

Padel courts are much smaller than tennis courts, with standard dimensions of 10m wide by 20m long. This is significantly less than a tennis court which measures 23.77m long and 10.97m wide.

The size difference is one of the most noticeable variations between these two popular racquet sports. Padel also features glass walls and mesh fencing that surround the court, unlike the open design of tennis courts.

The Basic Differences Between Padel and Tennis Courts

The most obvious difference between padel and tennis courts is their size. Padel courts are much smaller, requiring less space while offering more playing opportunities per square metre.

Padel courts measure exactly 10 metres wide and 20 metres long for the internal playing area. This compact size helps create the fast-paced, dynamic nature of the game.

Tennis courts are significantly larger at 23.77 metres long and 10.97 metres wide for doubles matches. Singles tennis uses the same length but a narrower width of 8.23 metres.

Another key difference is the structure. Padel courts are completely enclosed with glass walls and mesh fencing that players can use during play. Tennis courts have no walls and are open on all sides.

The enclosed nature of padel courts creates a unique playing experience. Players can bounce the ball off the walls, adding an exciting strategic element not found in tennis.

Space Efficiency: A Major Advantage

One of the most significant benefits of padel courts is their space efficiency. You can fit three padel courts in the same area needed for one tennis court.

This space advantage makes padel an excellent option for clubs or venues with limited available land. More courts in the same space means more players can enjoy the sport simultaneously.

For property owners and sports facility managers, this space efficiency translates directly to better potential returns on investment. More courts mean more bookings and increased revenue potential.

The growing popularity of padel makes this space advantage even more valuable. As demand for padel continues to rise across the UK, having multiple courts available becomes increasingly beneficial.

Court Structure and Design Elements

Padel courts have a distinctive design that includes glass walls and mesh fencing. The walls are typically 3-4 metres high and form an integral part of the gameplay.

According to International Padel Federation (FIP) regulations, there are specific requirements for these structures. The walls at the ends of the court must be 3 metres high, with 1 metre of mesh fencing above.

The side walls have a stepped design, with the first 2 metres from each end being 3 metres high, and the next 2 metres being 2 metres high. The remaining 12 metres in the middle has only mesh fencing.

These walls must be constructed from materials that provide consistent ball bounce. Most commonly, toughened glass is used for the walls, with steel mesh for the fencing sections.

Tennis courts, in contrast, have a much simpler open design. They require only court markings, a net, and sufficient space around the playing area for players to move safely.

Construction Considerations for Padel Courts

At Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists, we offer both permanent and temporary padel court options. Each has specific construction requirements and benefits.

Permanent padel courts require proper foundations. They can be built using either a concrete slab or a concrete ring beam, depending on the specific site conditions.

Temporary courts offer more flexibility. They can be installed without extensive groundworks, making them suitable for various locations, including existing tennis courts or other flat surfaces.

All padel courts need a playing surface of synthetic grass or artificial turf specifically designed for padel. This provides the right level of grip and ball bounce for optimal play.

Proper drainage is essential for outdoor courts in the UK climate. Our expert team ensures all courts are built with appropriate drainage systems to prevent water pooling.

Planning permission is typically required for padel court construction, especially for permanent structures. This applies whether building on a new site or converting an existing tennis court.

The Investment Case for Padel Courts

While padel courts generally have a higher initial construction cost than tennis courts (typically £50,000+), several factors make them an attractive investment.

The space efficiency mentioned earlier is a key financial advantage. Three padel courts in the space of one tennis court means triple the booking potential and revenue opportunity.

Padel’s status as the fastest-growing racquet sport in the world makes it a forward-thinking investment. The sport continues to gain popularity across all age groups in the UK.

Padel is also more accessible to beginners than tennis. The enclosed court keeps the ball in play longer, and the game is easier to learn, attracting more casual players.

Maintenance costs for padel courts are generally lower than for traditional tennis courts. The synthetic turf surface requires less upkeep than clay or grass tennis courts.

Some sports facilities may be eligible for funding support for padel court construction through organisations like the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), potentially offsetting some of the initial investment.

Converting Tennis Courts to Padel Courts

Converting existing tennis courts into padel courts is becoming an increasingly popular option. One standard tennis court can be transformed into three padel courts, maximising the use of your space.

This conversion can be done using either permanent or temporary padel court installations. Temporary courts are particularly useful if you want to test demand before making a permanent change.

When considering conversion, a detailed assessment of the existing tennis court is necessary. Factors like surface condition, drainage, and surrounding space all affect the conversion process.

The padel courts can be built on top of the existing tennis court surface in many cases. This reduces groundwork costs and minimises disruption to the surrounding area.

Our team at Lofthouse specialises in these conversions, handling everything from initial assessment to final installation. We ensure the new padel courts meet all official regulations.

Essential Padel Court Features and Accessories

A complete padel court installation includes several key features beyond just the walls and playing surface. The net system is crucial, with specific height requirements of 88cm in the centre and 92cm at the posts.

Proper lighting is essential for evening play. Energy-efficient LED lighting systems can extend playing hours and increase court usage.

Access points are required on both sides of the court. These can be single or double doors, but must meet specific size requirements according to FIP regulations.

Many courts also include seating areas for spectators and players. This enhances the social aspect of padel, which is one of its most appealing features.

Scoreboards and storage facilities for equipment are additional features that improve the overall user experience. These details help create a professional, well-designed facility.

Planning Your Padel Court Project

When planning how to build a padel court, several factors need careful consideration. The orientation of the court is important, ideally positioned north-south to minimise sun glare for players.

Location planning should account for noise levels. While padel is generally less noisy than tennis, the enclosed structure can amplify sound, so positioning away from residential areas is advisable.

The minimum height clearance above a padel court should be 6 metres, with 8 metres recommended for new facilities. This ensures there’s adequate space for high lobs during play.

Access for construction vehicles and equipment needs to be factored into your planning. This is particularly important for sites with limited entry points.

Planning permission requirements vary by location. Our team can provide guidance on the necessary applications and help navigate the planning process.

Why Choose Lofthouse for Your Padel Court Construction

At Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists, we bring extensive experience in padel court construction. Our team understands the specific requirements and regulations for building competition-standard courts.

We offer both permanent and temporary court options, giving you flexibility based on your specific needs and site conditions. Each solution is tailored to your exact requirements.

Our approach includes thorough site assessment and planning. We evaluate factors like sunlight exposure, wind direction, and accessibility to ensure optimal court positioning.

We use only the highest quality materials in our constructions. This includes professional-grade synthetic turf, toughened glass walls, and durable steel structures.

Our comprehensive service covers every aspect of the project, from initial design through planning applications to final installation and finishing touches.

Padel Court Maintenance and Longevity

Proper maintenance ensures your padel court remains in excellent condition for years. The synthetic turf covered in sand requires regular brushing to maintain its performance characteristics.

The glass walls need occasional cleaning to maintain visibility. This is particularly important for facilities that host competitions or have spectator areas.

The sand infill in the artificial turf should be checked and topped up periodically. This sand is crucial for proper ball bounce and player movement.

With proper care, a well-constructed padel court can last 8-12 years before requiring major refurbishment. This makes it a durable, long-term investment.

Our team can provide advice on maintenance schedules and best practices to maximise the lifespan of your court installation.

Understanding Padel Rules and Court Usage

For those new to padel, understanding the basic rules helps appreciate how the court design influences gameplay. Padel is primarily played as doubles, with the enclosed court allowing for more dynamic rallies.

The scoring system in padel is similar to tennis, making it familiar to tennis players transitioning to the sport. This accessibility helps attract new players.

The court design allows for walls to be used in gameplay, adding a strategic element not found in tennis. Players can bounce the ball off walls during rallies.

The smaller court size makes padel less physically demanding than tennis in terms of ground coverage. This makes it accessible to a wider range of age groups and fitness levels.

A typical padel match lasts about 90 minutes, allowing for efficient court scheduling and maximising usage throughout the day.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Facility

The decision between padel and tennis courts ultimately depends on your specific goals and circumstances. Padel offers significant advantages in terms of space efficiency, accessibility, and growing popularity.

Tennis remains a classic sport with an established player base. However, the trend towards padel continues to strengthen, making it an increasingly attractive investment option.

Many facilities are now choosing to offer both sports, converting some tennis courts to padel while maintaining others for traditional tennis play. This diversification appeals to a broader audience.

For those with limited space or looking to maximise return on investment, padel courts present a compelling case. Three courts in the space of one tennis court means more simultaneous players and increased revenue potential.

If you’re considering adding padel courts to your facility or converting existing tennis courts, contact our expert team at Lofthouse Padel Court Specialists. We can provide a personalised assessment and proposal tailored to your specific needs.