How Much Is A Pickleball Court: Cost Breakdown & Tips

Building a pickleball court costs $30,000–$120,000, depending on options, location, and materials.

If you came here asking how much is a pickleball court, you want clear numbers, not fluff. I build and consult on courts for HOAs, schools, and backyards. In this guide, I break down real costs, show smart ways to save, and share lessons from the field so you get the best value without surprises.

What does a pickleball court cost today?

Most new outdoor courts land between $30,000 and $75,000 without lights. With fencing and LED lights, plan for $50,000 to $120,000. Indoor courts in a new shell can run $120,000 to $300,000 or more.

If you ask how much is a pickleball court, the answer depends on site prep, surface, and extras. Converting a tennis court can cost far less, often $5,000 to $25,000, since you reuse the base, fence, and lights.

Cost breakdown: from dirt to first serve

Here is where the money goes on a standard 30 by 60 foot footprint. That size includes safe run-off. The play lines stay 20 by 44 feet.

Site prep and drainage

Clearing and grading: $2,000 to $10,000
Base stone and compaction: $3,000 to $8,000
French drains or swales if needed: $2,000 to $12,000

Poor drainage ruins courts. Good prep saves you later.

Base and paving

Hot-mix asphalt (typical): $15,000 to $30,000
Post-tensioned concrete (premium): $35,000 to $65,000

Asphalt is common and cost friendly. Post-tensioned concrete cracks less and lasts longer.

Surface system and striping

Acrylic color coats and texture: $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot
Total for 1,800 square feet: $2,700 to $5,400
Lines and logos: $300 to $900

Choose medium texture. Your knees will thank you.

Fencing and gates

8 to 10 foot chain-link fence: $8,000 to $20,000
Windscreens and privacy mesh: $800 to $2,500

Fence height depends on space and neighbors. Windscreens calm play on breezy days.

Net and posts

Permanent center net system: $400 to $1,500
Portable net (budget or temporary): $120 to $400

Lighting

Two to four LED poles with controls: $10,000 to $30,000
Trenching and wiring: included or $2,000 to $5,000

LED saves power and cuts glare. Aim for even light.

Accessories and amenities

Benches, shade, water, and storage: $1,000 to $6,000
Scoreboards, ball holders, and first-aid kit: $200 to $800

Labor, design, and overhead

Survey, design, and permits: $1,500 to $6,000
Contractor overhead and profit: 10% to 20%

Add up your picks, then add a 10% buffer. Prices change by region and season. If you still wonder how much is a pickleball court, this section gives the bones behind the number.

Key factors that change the final price

Small choices move costs a lot. Here is what swings the budget.

Site conditions. Steep slopes and rocky soil raise costs fast.
Access. Tight sites need small gear and more hand work.
Climate. Freeze and thaw need thicker bases and better joints.
Material choice. Post-tensioned concrete costs more but lasts long.
Lighting plan. Four poles cost more but cut shadows.
Fencing layout. Corners, gates, and height add labor.
Local rules. Permits, impact fees, and inspections vary.

When you ask how much is a pickleball court, first check the dirt under your feet. The site sets the tone.

Outdoor vs indoor pickleball court costs

Both are great. They serve different needs and budgets.

Outdoor, asphalt base. $30,000 to $75,000 without lights. $50,000 to $120,000 with lights and fence.
Outdoor, post-tensioned concrete. Add $15,000 to $40,000 to the above.
Indoor, in an existing gym. Resurface and stripe for $8,000 to $25,000 per court.
Indoor, new steel building. Shell $60,000 to $120,000. Floor $25,000 to $60,000. HVAC and LED $20,000 to $80,000. Total $120,000 to $300,000+.

If your intent is year-round play, indoor pays off. If you want fast play at a fair price, outdoor wins. Either way, how much is a pickleball court ties back to use and weather.

New build vs conversion vs backyard options

There are three smart paths. Pick based on space and budget.

New build. Full control, best layout, and best drainage. Highest cost.
Tennis court conversion. Fast and cost friendly. Two to four courts per tennis court. Typical cost $5,000 to $25,000 for coatings, lines, and nets.
Backyard or driveway. Portable net, tape, and a roller. $300 to $1,500. Great for practice.

My tip from field work: if you ever plan a second court, rough in the space now. It is much cheaper than a later redo. If friends ask you how much is a pickleball court at home, share these three paths.

Permits, drainage, and ongoing costs

Do not skip the boring stuff. It protects your court and wallet.

Permits and zoning. Setbacks, height, and lights rules vary.
Stormwater plans. Many towns need a plan if you add hard surface.
Insurance. HOAs and clubs should call their carriers.
Yearly upkeep. Clean, patch, and inspect. $500 to $2,000 per court per year.
Resurfacing. Every 4 to 7 years for outdoor acrylic. $4,000 to $8,000.

Rule of thumb: budget 3% to 5% of build cost each year. That keeps play safe and smooth. If a board asks how much is a pickleball court long term, include these line items.

Step-by-step budget planner and simple calculator

You can frame a budget in 15 minutes. Use this quick flow.

Define court count and layout. One court or a pod of four.
Check site and access. Note slopes, soil, and truck paths.
Pick base. Asphalt for value. Post-tensioned concrete for life.
Pick lights and fence. Decide upfront.
Add amenities. Shade, benches, and windscreens.
Add soft costs. Permits, survey, design, and testing.
Set a 10% to 15% contingency.

Simple calculator for one outdoor asphalt court:

Base and paving: $22,000
Coatings and lines: $4,000
Fence and gates: $12,000
Lights: $18,000
Net and posts: $900
Site prep and drainage: $8,000
Design and permits: $3,000
Contingency 12%: $8,800

Estimated total: $76,700

This is a solid mid-range plan. If someone asks how much is a pickleball court for a school, this model is a safe start.

Smart ways to save without cutting quality

I have tested these on real jobs. They work.

Convert, do not build new, if you have a sound tennis base.
Skip lights now. Add conduits and bases so you can add them later.
Use two-inch fence on ends. Use shorter sides to save steel and posts.
Choose medium texture on coatings. It lasts and is kind to joints.
Bid in late fall and build in spring. You may get sharper pricing.
Group courts. Shared fence lines cut cost per court.

Share these when someone asks how much is a pickleball court on a tight budget. Small choices add up to big wins.

Timeline: how long does it take?

Plan your schedule early. Weather matters.

Design and permits. 2 to 8 weeks.
Site prep and base. 1 to 2 weeks.
Paving or concrete cure. Asphalt cure 2 to 4 weeks before coatings. Concrete cure 28 days before tension and coat.
Coatings and striping. 3 to 5 days of good weather.
Fence, lights, and extras. 1 to 2 weeks.

Total time in best cases: 6 to 12 weeks. Add buffer for rain or cold. If you are planning and ask how much is a pickleball court in time, this is your playbook.

Real-world examples and lessons learned

Here are quick snapshots from projects I helped guide.

HOA pair of courts, Southeast. Asphalt base, fence, no lights. Total cost $92,000 for two. Built in eight weeks.
School conversion, Midwest. One tennis to three pickleball with new coats and nets. Total cost $17,500. Done before fall sports.
Backyard, West Coast. Modular tiles over a leveled pad. Total cost $14,200 with a shade sail. Family plays every day.

Lessons learned:

Put money into drainage and base first.
Cheap nets feel cheap. Players notice fast.
If noise is a concern, add screens and plant hedges.

So next time someone asks how much is a pickleball court, you can answer with proof, not guesses.

Frequently Asked Questions of how much is a pickleball court

How much is a pickleball court if I already have a concrete slab?

If the slab is flat, sound, and drains well, you can add coatings and lines for $4,000 to $10,000. Fix cracks and control joints first.

How much is a pickleball court with post-tensioned concrete?

Expect $50,000 to $120,000 for one outdoor court with fence and lights. The slab alone often runs $35,000 to $65,000.

How much is a pickleball court to maintain each year?

Plan for $500 to $2,000 per court. Clean often, patch early, and budget for resurfacing every 4 to 7 years.

How much is a pickleball court indoors if I rent a gym?

Often $8,000 to $25,000 for coatings, lines, portable nets, and storage. You save by using the existing lights and HVAC.

How much is a pickleball court if I want two side by side?

Two courts share fences and lights, so cost per court drops. A fair range is $80,000 to $150,000 for two outdoors with lights.

How much is a pickleball court to convert from a tennis court?

Most conversions cost $5,000 to $25,000. You reuse the fence, base, and often the lights.

How much is a pickleball court in a backyard with tiles?

Modular tiles cost $3 to $6 per square foot plus a compacted base. Total projects often land between $10,000 and $25,000.

Conclusion

You now have a clear map from dirt to match point. The true answer to how much is a pickleball court depends on your site, surface, and extras, but smart planning keeps costs in check. Start with the base, plan for drainage, and add lights and fence when it fits your budget.

Ready to plan your court? Use the budget steps above, get two or three bids, and ask for past project photos. Want more guides like this? Subscribe, share this with your board, or drop a comment with your project goals.