Construction Guide
Pickleball Court Dimensions & Construction
Everything you need to know about building a regulation pickleball court — dimensions, surfaces, fencing, and lighting.
Court Dimensions
A regulation pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long — the same size for both singles and doubles play. The court is divided by a net and includes a 7-foot non-volley zone (“kitchen”) on each side. You'll need a minimum playing area of 30 × 60 feet to allow room for overrun, though 34 × 64 feet is preferred.
| Measurement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Court Length | 44 ft (13.41 m) |
| Court Width | 20 ft (6.10 m) |
| Non-Volley Zone | 7 ft (2.13 m) from net |
| Net Height (Center) | 34 in (86.36 cm) |
| Net Height (Sideline) | 36 in (91.44 cm) |
| Service Area | 10 ft × 15 ft (3.05 × 4.57 m) |
| Min. Playing Area | 30 ft × 60 ft (9.14 × 18.29 m) |
| Preferred Playing Area | 34 ft × 64 ft (10.36 × 19.51 m) |
Court Surface
Both asphalt and concrete provide an acceptable base for pickleball courts. Concrete is more durable and provides a more consistent playing surface, while asphalt is typically more affordable.
Whichever base you choose, a textured acrylic sport surface coating is applied on top. This coating provides the right amount of grip, ball bounce, and color contrast for the playing lines.
Slope & Drainage
Courts should have a consistent slope of 1% in one direction for drainage. The slope should run side-to-side or end-to-end — never diagonally. Proper drainage prevents standing water and extends the court's lifespan.
Surface Finish
The surface should be free of low spots, cracks, and rough areas. A broom finish on concrete provides good adhesion for the sport coating. Asphalt should be fine-graded for a smooth, uniform surface.
Fencing
Fencing contains the ball within the court area and defines the playing boundaries. It should be rust-proof and free of protrusions that could injure players.
Chain-link fencing is the most common and cost-effective option. It allows maximum visibility and lets light pass through. Since a pickleball is approximately 65mm (2.56 in) in diameter, fence openings should be small enough to prevent the ball from passing through.
Recommended Specs
- Height: 10 feet minimum for side fencing
- Material: Vinyl-coated chain link (rust-resistant)
- Mesh size: 2 inches or smaller to contain the ball
- Windscreens can be added for wind protection and visual backdrop
Lighting
Good lighting is essential for pickleball. The ball moves fast, and players need to react quickly — poor visibility makes the game difficult and increases injury risk.
LED lighting is the preferred choice for new court installations. LEDs last up to 100,000 hours, use less energy, require less maintenance, and can be used with dimmers for adjustable brightness.
Pole Placement
Light poles should be a minimum of 5 feet from the sideline. If poles are located inside the fenced area, padding should be added for player safety. Typical installations use 20-foot poles.
Light Levels
Recreational play requires a minimum of 30 foot-candles at court level. Tournament play requires 50+ foot-candles with uniform distribution to minimize shadows and glare.
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