Pickleball is a fast-growing sport enjoyed by 8.9 million players in the United States. Although the game — a cross between ping-pong, badminton and tennis — is easy to learn, it still provides quite the challenge and workout, making it popular among people of all ages.
Even though more than half of all regular players are 55 or older, kids as young as six years old are playing, too. Pickleball is a social, low-impact sport that keeps your mind active and gives you something to get better at. This sport's increased popularity among hobbyists, athletic clubs and professional athletes alike creates a demand for quality pickleball courts.
We put together a comprehensive guide on how much it costs to build a pickleball court, as well as the equipment, materials and accessories you'll need.
Whether you want to build a court for serious pickleball athletes or curious first-time players, make sure you add the necessary supplies to the budget. A court with no equipment is just a court!
Nets are a requirement for every game and can vary in cost depending on your setup. If you plan to have a dedicated pickleball court, we recommend installing permanent net posts that go into the ground. The best solution is having net post sleeves set into concrete footers. The posts will be solid, but the nets will be removable so they are more convenient to replace down the road. These tournament-grade post and net systems fall at the high end of the cost range.
If you already have a court or prefer a more cost-effective option, a portable pickleball net is the way to go. You can easily set up and play pickleball anywhere with a flat surface and space to play.
Portable Rhino Pickleball nets are excellent investments for those serious about improving their game as they are:
Court markers and tape can help transform any court into one suited for a quick pickleball game. Court marker sets include bright-colored L-shaped and T-shaped flexible markers that “stick” on all surfaces and are easy to wipe, clean and transport.
Balls and paddles are available separately or in sets, and they will vary in cost depending on material and quality. Pickleball paddles are the most important aspect of the sport and are available in different weights, compositions and sizes to help everyone play their best game. Wood paddles fall on the lower end of the price range, while materials like graphite and fiberglass come with higher price tags.
For beginners, wood paddles are a good choice so you can get a feel for what you like without investing too much. Experienced players should invest in a higher-quality paddle that is lightweight and durable.
Most of our Rhino Pickleball paddles and ball sets are USA Pickleball-approved. Keep your court in mind when buying pickleballs. Indoor pickleballs are normally softer, quieter, and bouncier than outdoor pickleballs. Since we sell pickleballs in sets, it's easy to replace them in bulk.
Unless you're okay with playing rock paper scissors to nominate the person who will collect the balls on the court, investing in a pickleball tube is a good idea. The Rhino Pickleball Retriever and Storage Tube is ideal for picking up and storing up to 12 pickleballs. Enjoy the game without putting extra strain on your back and knees.
Pickleball may be a low-impact sport, but you still need to exercise your body to lower the chance of injury. Ensure you warm up and try different exercises to become a better pickleball player. You can also try different types of fitness gear to help prepare your upper body, lower body and core muscles.
Whether for your home, school or club, as long as you have the right space and the right size, setting up a pickleball court can be a rewarding experience. You can choose the do-it-yourself (DIY) route or call the help of professional court installation services. Both choices have pros and cons to consider.
If you plan to build one on your own you'll have:
The downside to DIY pickleball projects is that they require significant time and effort, and you're solely responsible for any accidents or injuries during the court construction. There's also the potential for mistakes that may cause long-term costs. On the other hand, when you hire a professional, you'll have higher upfront costs and less involvement in the project.
The upside to hiring professional court construction service providers are:
Deciding which route to follow will depend on your budget, timeline, DIY skills and knowledge of pickleball courts.
The cost of court construction will depend on the quality, whether you're building from scratch, the local construction costs and any extra amenities.
Generally, there are three types of pickleball construction projects:
Regardless of whether you're hiring contractors or tackling the construction process yourself, it's a good idea to consult a professional person early in your planning process. They will help you identify what you'll need to prepare for the pickleball court in any situation.
This process includes clearing, leveling and grading the area, as well as any necessary soil testing, drainage and stabilization necessary. You also need to consider the materials and labor for the base foundation and surfacing, including painting. The dimensions for a pickleball court are 20 feet wide by 44 feet long. However, the USA Pickleball Association recommends providing extra space surrounding the court for playing and maneuvering.
Converting an existing tennis, basketball or badminton court is a cost-effective alternative that gives you some foundational pieces needed for pickleball. However, pay attention to the condition of the court — you may need to invest in court resurfacing to provide a safe playing environment.
For community pickleball courts, you'll need to consider adding fences, installing lighting for day and night play and other structures such as benches and shading. Fencing keeps balls from bouncing away, thereby providing players with a safe space in which to play. Since many players are hobbyists, lighting will give them the opportunity to meet for their games at a time that best suits their schedule, even if it's during the evening.
Since there is a long list of potential things to consider and budget for when planning the construction of a pickleball court, it's best to find the help of an expert to provide you with an accurate cost estimate early on in the process. Find and select contractors with experience building pickleball courts and dependable track records.
Multiple factors affect the costs of pickleball courts, from constructing one from scratch to the different equipment and accessories you want to add. At Rhino Pickleball, we're experts in the game — and everything you need to play it! Check out our pickleball tips and tricks to master your serve or understand kitchen rules.
When you're ready to play, shop with Rhino Pickleball to bundle up a few accessories and save while getting everything you need.
