How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tennis Court in 2025?
Building a tennis court costs an average of $15,774
Building a regulation tennis court costs an average of $15,774, but costs can range from $5,776 to $26,189.
Your tennis court's cost depends on the surface type, land preparation, features, and labor.
Popular tennis court surface materials include asphalt, post-tensioned concrete, clay, artificial grass, acrylic, and natural grass.
Building a tennis court involves complex tasks such as leveling and excavation, making it a job for a professional.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a tennis court costs an average of $15,774, with most homeowners paying between $5,776 and $26,189. Your total cost depends on factors like the type of surface material, land preparation, fencing, and labor. Professional installation means your tennis court will be built with precision and will be a high-quality asset that can enhance your property's value and provide endless hours of enjoyment.
Tennis Court Construction Cost Factors
Several factors influence the cost of installing a tennis court, including land prep, fencing, lighting, paint, and surfacing. Here’s a breakdown of the key pricing factors that will influence your total.
Land Prep
For most tennis court projects, land prep involves excavating loose dirt, using a ground leveler, paving over the area or installing concrete and then building the court over it. This process can take a few weeks to a month and requires the precision of a land grading professional.
Fencing
You’ll spend anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a tennis court fence, and perhaps half that cost if you're only installing a half court. Most homeowners opt for a vinyl-covered chain-link fence at least eight feet high for both privacy and to help stop balls from exiting the area.
Lighting
Sport court lighting costs between $2,000 and $5,000. That includes the lights, wiring, and switches, all of which are important for playing at night. Most residential tennis court lighting installations fall between $2,000 and $6,000. Regulation brightness ranges from 350 to 450 lux, but recreational (home) applications only need 250 lux.
Paint
Most contractors include painting in their labor charges when they quote you for installing your tennis court.
Cost of Building a Tennis Court by Surface
| Surface | Average Cost Range | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Clay | $60,000–$90,000 | Inexpensive but has high maintenance needs |
| Asphalt | $40,000–$80,000 | Inexpensive hardcourt with lower lifespan and higher maintenance needs |
| Grass | $20,000–$75,000 | Expensive installation and requires near-daily maintenance |
| Post-tensioned concrete | $45,000–$80,000 | More expensive hardcourt to install but with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance |
| Artificial grass | $25,000–$80,000 | Works and functions like real grass without the high maintenance needs |
| Acrylic | $65,000–$100,000 | Court surface that won’t crack or shrink, low-maintenance |
Clay
A clay tennis court costs $60,000 to $90,000 with annual maintenance fees of around $2,000. Clay needs regular brushing to ensure it stays play-ready, so while you can do that yourself for free, the extra work might be a deterrent for you.
Clay isn't the best option for some climates, especially in windy areas, as the top of clay can erode quicker in bad weather and could result in more expensive repairs.
Asphalt
You can expect to pay between $40,000 and $ 80,000 for a full-size asphalt tennis court. Asphalt costs about 20% less than post-tensioned concrete but has a shorter lifespan (15 to 20 years) and higher maintenance costs. You'll need to resurface the asphalt every couple of years, which averages between $1,000 and $2,000.
Grass
From excavation to installation, installing a new grass tennis court will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $75,000. Daily maintenance—watering, mowing, and weeding—is necessary to keep your grass tennis court in tip-top shape.
Post-Tensioned Concrete
Post-tensioned concrete is reinforced concrete that lasts for many years and holds up to all sorts of stressors on the surface, making it ideal for playing tennis. You'll pay for the luxury of this type of court, though, as it costs $45,000 to $80,000 to build.
Concrete lasts longer than all the other options on the list, particularly asphalt. However, you should anticipate maintenance—such as sealing cracks or potholes—every few years. Still, it won't cost as much to maintain as asphalt.
Artificial Grass or Turf
Artificial grass tennis courts with a sand underlayment cost $25,000 to $80,000. This type of tennis court offers the closest similarity to playing on grass without the hassles of daily maintenance, prompting many to choose this option.
Acrylic
The cost of installing a full acrylic tennis court ranges from $65,000 to $100,000. Note that $1,000 to $2,000 is required to apply a new acrylic topcoat to maintain an existing court.
Cost to Build a Tennis Court by Type
For some, playing tennis under the sun is the goal for a fun, outdoor workout. For others, being able to play year-round indoors is the dream. Here are the costs associated with indoor vs. outdoor tennis courts.
| Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Backyard | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Indoor | $70,000–$150,000 |
| Tennis bubble | $6,000–$150,000 |
Backyard Tennis Court
You can choose asphalt, concrete, clay, artificial grass, or regular grass for your backyard tennis court. Many homeowners opt for fence installation, as well as lights to play at night/early morning, which will drive the price up.
Indoor Tennis Court
More expensive upfront costs are virtually guaranteed for an indoor tennis court, especially if you're building a new structure. You may pay as much as $150,000—the top end for home tennis courts. However, you’ll never have to deal with inclement weather when you want to practice your backhand.
Tennis Bubble
Tennis bubbles cost between $6,000 and $150,000 and are a popular option for year-round play. More permanent inflatable air tents or tennis bubbles (like a sporting dome structure) can exceed $100,000.
DIY Tennis Court Construction vs. Hiring a Pro
While it's technically possible to build a tennis court yourself, it's not practical for most homeowners. Installing a tennis court is time-consuming and labor-intensive and requires precision to achieve a level and even surface. You're better off hiring a professional tennis court contractor to build your tennis court efficiently and safely.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Building a tennis court involves several key steps to create a high-quality playing surface. First, your pro will prepare and grade the land to establish a level base. Next, install a solid subbase with proper forms. Then, lay down your chosen court material, such as asphalt, concrete, clay, or artificial grass. If needed, apply a reinforced cushioned topcoat. After that, paint the official court lines. Finally, add fencing and lighting if desired. Because of the complexity, most homeowners hire professionals to handle the construction.
Yes, a tennis court can add significant value to your home—anywhere from $20,000 to $150,000. However, specialty installations like tennis courts may also narrow your pool of potential buyers if they aren't interested in having their own court. For the right buyers, a tennis court can be a major selling point that increases your home's value.
How you clean your tennis court depends on the surface type. For clay courts, use a brush and water to clean the surface. Asphalt and concrete courts can be cleaned with mild cleaners, water, or a power washer. For grass and turf courts, refer to the manufacturer's instructions, as using the wrong cleaning products or tools could cause damage. Always follow the recommended cleaning methods for your specific tennis court type to maintain its condition.
A regulation tennis court requires a dedicated area that measures 120 by 60 feet, covering the complete playing zone. This space also demands extra clearance for installing fencing, lighting, and spectator seating. Adequate room guarantees compliance with official dimensions, promotes enhanced player safety, and ultimately delivers an optimal playing experience.
A well-built tennis court can last between 10 and 25 years, depending on the materials used and how well it’s maintained. Hard courts like asphalt and concrete offer durability and require less maintenance, while clay and grass courts need continuous care to keep them in good condition. Regular resurfacing and repairs can extend your court’s lifespan, ensuring it remains a valuable asset for years to come.
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