If you’re part of the pickleball craze, you’re not alone. According to USA Pickleball, membership increased by 30% in 2022 and reached 70,000 players in February of 2023. It’s no surprise because pickleball is easy to learn for people of all ages and skill levels. Did we also mention that it’s tons of fun?
You may be looking at building a pickleball court at your home, a recreation center, a school, a country club, or a senior living community. If so, you need to know what is involved in building a standard pickleball court. At North State Resurfacing, we are experienced in creating outdoor courts and can help you with all the decisions you need to make.
We have put together this guide to help you understand more about the official pickleball court dimensions as well as how much space you need, the equipment you’ll need, and other important information to build your own pickleball court.
Pickleball Court Terms
As you think about the dimensions of a pickleball court, it’s important to know about certain pickleball court terms.
- Baseline: The baseline is the line at the back of the court, parallel to the net. When playing pickleball, you serve from behind the baseline.
- Kitchen: The “kitchen” is unique to pickleball. It is the nickname for the Non-Volley Zone that extends 7 feet from the net on either side. You can’t stand in the kitchen or touch any of the boundary lines while volleying the ball.
- Center line: The center line divides the court in half and runs from the baseline to the kitchen.
- Sidelines: Sidelines run perpendicular to the net to form side boundaries.
- Service Areas: Service areas are located on either side of the center line.
What are the Dimensions of a Pickleball Court?
Pickleball courts should be 20′ x 44′ for both singles and doubles play. This is the same overall court size as badminton courts. The net is lowered from the standard badminton height to 36” on the ends and 34” in the middle. The main difference between a tennis court or badminton court and a pickleball court is that a pickleball court has a non-volley zone which is a 7 ft area that runs parallel to the net on both sides.
When laying out the court, allow adequate space outside the end and sidelines for player movement. For this reason, it is recommended that the full court, pickleball court dimensions measure at least 24′ x 54′. If space permits, a 30′ x 60′ space is considered an ideal size to allow the most athletic level of play possible.
Pickleball Court Size vs. Tennis Court Size
When you’re thinking about pickleball court size dimensions it’s a good idea to visualize the size of standard tennis courts. While certain factors tcome into play, generally, four pickleball courts can fit on one tennis court. This is as long as the tennis court is at least 60 feet wide and there is plenty of room around the perimeter for players to move.
Court Surface Materials
You’ll need to choose the court surface that is best for you to play pickleball on. Common types of court surface materials for pickleball include:
- Concrete: This type of outdoor court surface is the best in terms of both durability and value.
- Asphalt: This court surface is a good option for affordability, but it can require additional upkeep.
- Snap-Together Plastic: Snap-together court surfaces can be applied over asphalt or concrete if you don’t want to permanently alter the surface of a multi-use court.
Perimeter Pickleball Fencing
Fencing is crucial for multiple pickleball courts since it contains the ball within the playing area and provides security for players and spectators. There are a variety of different types of pickleball court fencing you can choose from. Wire fences are the most common because they allow players and spectators to see into and out of the court, and they allow light to pass through easily. A contractor like North State Resurfacing can help you choose the best fencing for your new pickleball court.
Lights
If you will be using the pickleball court as the sun goes down, you need lights. Lighting for pickleball courts follows a fairly standard format. All pickleball courts should include two 1,500-watt light poles. Each pole should be 18 to 20 feet high and mounted in the center, at least 24” back from the court.
Pickleball Net Systems
After space, surface materials, and fencing have been determined, you will need to find the pickleball net system that is best for your program. There are quite a few types of pickleball poles and systems from which to choose, and all have different characteristics.
Outdoor poles are specifically designed to withstand the elements of being outdoors. A complete outdoor pickleball net system includes:
- Two poles
- One ratchet
- One outdoor pickleball net
- Sleeves (these may or may not be required)
Setting Up the Pickleball Court
After the surface, fencing, lighting, and other materials have been selected, you can set up the pickleball court and pickleball court lines. We recommend seeking the help of a professional, especially if you are building a court for recreation centers, clubs, or schools. A professional can ensure that everything is set up to code.
Pickleball Out of Bounds Zones
As you look at your pickleball court measurements and start setting up your court, you also need to be aware of the out-of-bounds areas.
According to the USAPA rulebook, players should consider the minimum pickleball play area to be 30′ by 60′ (9.14m by 18.29m), but a 10-foot surrounding margin is ideal. This extra space gives players plenty of safe space for when the ball goes out of bounds.
For some players, the out-of-bounds space is determined by their surroundings. Whatever the case may be, you want to make sure you have enough space around you, especially if more than one pickleball game is happening side-by-side.
Pickleball Court Lines
Once you have your pickleball court established, you can draw temporary lines. You can use tape or chalk. Chalk is much easier to use because you can trace along the measuring tape and get a straight and smooth line.
All lines should 2 inches wide and be the same color, contrasting the color of the playing surface.
Best Pickleball Court Location
As you look at the dimensions of a pickleball court, you also need to think about the location. When choosing a location, think about the sun’s position and the effect shadows will have on the playing surface.
If possible, avoid having pickleball players look into the sun. Avoid putting your court in a direction that will have the sun low in the sky during the busiest or most likely time of the day that the court will be used.
FAQ
Are pickleball court dimensions the same indoors and outdoors?
Yes, the pickleball court size is the same whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors.
Do singles and doubles games have the same-sized court?
Court sizes for singles and doubles games are the same.
How expensive is it to build a pickleball court?
The size, materials, and location will all impact the cost of building a pickleball court. A pickleball court can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000. You can save money if you are converting existing courts into pickleball courts.
Can pickleball be played on a carpet?
While pickleball can certainly be played on carpet, it’s not recommended. Hard surfaces such as gym floors and pickleball courts are preferred. While carpet may be on top of one of these types of surfaces, it will make it difficult for the ball to bounce.
Contact North State Resurfacing to Build Your Pickleball Court
If you are looking to build one pickleball court or a multi-court pickleball facility, call North State Resurfacing for professional assistance. You can count on us to make sure you have the right pickleball court dimensions as well as the right net height for this popular sport. We’ve renovated and built thousands of outdoor courts across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Call us at (919) 877-6972 or complete this easy-to-use form to talk to a licensed tennis and pickleball contractor.