Housing prices have risen over the last two decades, but they’re growing even faster since 2020. There is a dramatic increase in the national average selling price. So, it’s not surprising that homeowners are jumping at the chance to give themselves even more of a profit when it comes time to sell. Significant home improvements and unique features are among the most common things people are looking for when buying a house. Because they’re spending a more substantial amount of money than any previous generation of home buyers, it’s not surprising that they’re looking for something special. One of those unique features gaining ground is a backyard tennis court. So just how much does it cost to build a tennis court? Well, that depends on a few things.
Backyard tennis courts can range anywhere from 25,000 on the very low end of the spectrum all the way up to 120,000 and the higher end. The average is somewhere around 60,000. So, what makes the differences so extreme. There are quite a few factors that go into the pricing of a home tennis court. One of the important things to remember is that a tennis court isn’t just for your personal enjoyment. You should enjoy it, but it can also be an excellent investment.
Court Size and Cost
The size will be a key contributing factor in the cost of building a tennis court. Obviously, the larger the court, the more expensive it will be. For starters, you’ll be looking at more preparation of the area. Larger courts also require more supplies to create. They are often also more complex jobs. For single-match games, a regulation tennis court is 78 feet long by 27 feet wide. You’ll need to go at least 78 feet long by 27 feet wide to play doubles on a regulation court. If you are building to practice for competition in one form or another, you may want to go with the standard court size.
However, suppose you’re going for something more just for enjoyment and adding a unique feature to your home. In that case, there are smaller options available.
Making Space
One of the other substantial additives that aren’t quite as obvious when building a tennis court is what it costs to get the space ready to build. You might have what looks like a barren backyard that would be perfect for a tennis court, but there may still be some high preparation costs that need to go into getting that space ready.
During this phase, multiple things should be considered, including the drainage and if you need to put in retaining walls to ensure that things are stable. The area will also need to be graded to ensure that it will have the proper slope when the court is built.
If your backyard isn’t empty, it can increase the price as excavation can be expensive. However, one way to save here is to work with a tennis court company that does this portion of the work themselves. It can save you from hiring a separate contractor for this portion of the job.
Design
Working with a professional company that includes a designer on its team is critical in this process. Landscape designers don’t know anything about tennis courts. It would be nearly impossible for them to offer you something that would work with your new addition. However, a tennis company with a designer on staff will help you put together an entire look for your backyard and connect you with the right people for the jobs. They’ll know the dos and don’ts of landscaping around the new tennis court and help you pick an aesthetic that works and gives the whole space a cohesive and welcoming vibe.
Of course, the design process is part of what adds to the cost of the tennis court. The fancier you want the space to be, the higher the price, but remember, you’re looking at a long-term investment as a homeowner.
Materials
Tennis courts usually consist of two layers, the subsurface materials, and the surface materials. Both have options and a range of costs.
Subsurface Court
The first layer of the tennis court is called the subsurface layer. This is the area that gives the court the strength to your overall finished tennis court and can make it last longer. Concrete and asphalt are the two primary options for the subsurface level of the court. Asphalt is cheaper in the beginning, but it doesn’t stand up to time as well as concrete, so you’ll likely end up paying for repairs overall. Concrete has a higher upfront cost, but it doesn’t crack nearly as quickly.
Most outdoor tennis courts are created with some type of reinforced concrete. The longevity of this option has been one of the driving factors in its increased use over asphalt.
Surface Materials Cost
The surface layer can also change the overall cost. When you talk to your designer, be sure to discuss the different options available and ask for their opinion on the quality and life of the assorted options. They’ll be more prepared to help you choose a surface layer that will make you happy overall.
All the Bells and Whistles
Now that the construction portion is handled, there are still some cost factors to consider. Lights are probably one of the top priorities in this area. Most people who own a tennis court love the convenience of playing in the evening or starting in the early morning hours. Lighting will inevitably raise the price of your home tennis court some, but it really does make a difference in how much you’ll be able to use the space.
Fencing is necessary if you have neighbors and don’t feel like making them angry. This will help ensure that no stray ball ends up damaging your neighbors’ property. In addition, it will keep you from having to spend your valuable time chasing down rogue balls.
Overall, adding a tennis court to your home can be a spendy investment. Still, if done with an experienced professional, it can add up to 150,000 in value to your home.