Planning a New Tennis Court? 7 Things to Consider Before Construction

Before you build a tennis court, settle seven things: who will play on it, where it will sit, how big it needs to be, which surface you want, how the base and drainage will work, what extras you need, and who will build it. If you are leaning toward artificial tennis turf, these choices matter even more, because the surface is only as good as what lies under it.

Most people start by asking about price. The better questions are the ones below. Will the court get waterlogged in the monsoon? Will the ball bounce the way players expect? Will it still look good after five summers? Let’s go through them in the order you will actually face them.

Who Will Play Here, and How Often?

Start with the people, not the product. A court for a family that plays on weekends has different needs than a court for an academy running six batches a day.

Think about these points before you talk to any builder:

• Beginners, club players or coaching students

• Number of playing hours per day

• Whether you want to play only in daylight or also at night

• Whether the court will be private, shared in a society, or open to paying members

A busy academy needs a tougher surface and a stronger base. A home court can go simpler. Telling your builder this early saves you from paying for a court that is either too weak or more than you need.

Where Should the Court Go, and Which Way Should It Face?

Pick the flattest, most open spot you have. A naturally level site means less earthwork, and less earthwork means lower cost.

Direction matters more than most owners expect. Courts are usually laid with the long side running north to south. That way, players are not staring straight into a low morning or evening sun while serving. In Delhi, where the winter sun sits low, this makes a real difference to how enjoyable the game is.

Stay away from spots under big trees. Falling leaves, sap and roots will keep causing trouble. Also check where water currently flows on your land. If rain already collects there, fix that first, or choose another spot.

How Big Does the Court Really Need to Be?

The playing area is smaller than the space you must set aside. A standard doubles court is about 23.77 m long and 10.97 m wide. But players need room to run past the lines and reach wide shots.

Here is a simple way to plan the space:

1. Mark out the playing court (23.77 m by 10.97 m).

2. Add free space behind each baseline and beside each sideline.

3. Allow for fencing, a gate and a spot for benches.

4. Confirm the final plot size with your builder, since the proper run-off depends on the level of play.

Many people measure only the lines and then find the plot too tight. A cramped court means players hit fences, and that is how ankles get hurt.

Is Artificial Tennis Turf Better Than Acrylic, Clay or Natural Grass?

It depends on how you want to play and how much upkeep you can handle. There is no single winner, so here is an honest look at each.

Acrylic hard courts are common and fast. They give a true, consistent bounce, but they are hard on knees and ankles, and the paint wears and needs recoating over time. Clay is gentle on the body and loved by many players, but it needs daily watering, rolling and brushing. Unless you have a full-time ground staff, it quickly becomes a chore. Natural grass is beautiful and hard to keep. It needs constant mowing and care, and it gets muddy and slippery after rain.

Artificial tennis turf sits in the middle. It is softer underfoot than a hard court, needs far less work than clay or grass, and can be used soon after rain once the water drains. The honest limits: the surface can feel warm under harsh summer sun, the ball plays a little slower than on acrylic, and the sand infill needs occasional brushing and topping up. If you want a low-fuss court that suits many ages and skill levels, it is a strong choice.

Quality also varies a lot between products. When you compare options, ask about fibre type, UV protection and the infill used, because a cheap turf can fade and flatten quickly.

What Goes Under the Surface, and Why Does It Matter More Than the Turf?

The base decides how long your court lasts. A beautiful turf laid on a poorly prepared base will develop dips, puddles and uneven bounce, and no brand can fix that.

A properly built court usually involves:

1. Clearing and levelling the site

2. Compacting the soil so it does not sink later

3. Laying layers of stone or a firm base on top

4. Building a gentle slope so water runs off to the sides

5. Fitting drains where needed

6. Installing the turf and filling it evenly with infill

Drainage deserves special attention in India, where heavy monsoon rain can test any court. Ask your builder exactly how water will leave the court, not just whether it will. A good answer is specific. A vague one is a warning sign.

What About Lights, Fencing and the Small Extras?

These get left to the end, then rushed. Plan them from day one, because it is much cheaper to lay cables and foundations while the ground is already open.

Use this checklist when you plan:

• Fencing: Tall enough behind the baselines to stop balls from flying out

• Lighting: Even light across the whole court, without glare in players’ eyes

• Entry: A proper gate so you are not climbing over fences with a racket bag

• Seating and shade: Somewhere for players to rest between sets

• Storage: A spot for nets, brushes and spare balls

• Court markings: Clear, correct lines that suit your level of play

Floodlights are the item people regret skipping. In summer, many players prefer to play after sunset, so a lit court can double how often it gets used.

How Do You Choose a Tennis Turf Construction Company You Can Trust?

Look for a company that handles the whole job, not just the grass. Tennis turf construction in India involves earth work, base, drainage, surface, fencing and lighting. When these are split between too many hands, nobody takes responsibility when something goes wrong.

A reliable tennis turf manufacturer or construction company should be able to:

• Show completed courts you can visit or see photos of

• Explain the base and drainage plan in plain language

• Tell you what the turf is made of and how long it is expected to last

• Give a clear written quote that lists what is and is not included

• Explain the maintenance routine and the support you get after handover

Be careful with quotes that are far lower than the rest. Cost is often saved by thinning the base or using weaker material, and you only find out after the first rainy season.

Ready to Start Planning Your Court?

Once you have answers to these seven questions, talking to a builder gets much easier. You will know your plot, your players, your surface and your budget limits. That is how you end up with a court built for how you actually play.

If you are exploring artificial tennis turf for your home, club or academy, you can see how OSMS Turf approaches tennis turf construction on the tennis turf page and ask for guidance on your plot.