You don’t have to win the lottery to buy your tennis court. A yard of an inherited parent’s house on which you want to avoid maintaining utility or ornamental flower beds is enough.
Independence from free hours in a public, commercial sports club, complete elimination of commuting, perfect privacy for physical activities, one-time initial investment, and the most significant one, the operating costs are super low, and you will avoid the expenses for rent or membership… The private tennis court has many benefits but also pitfalls. Do you know more or less how much it costs to build it?
Artificial Grass with Cork Infill
The most popular trend is artificial turf, which does not require much maintenance or additional investments. At the same time, synthetic rubber-based coating is obsolete. It has been observed that although it is comfortable, the suspensions lead to chronic problems with the tendons of the ankles and knees. Therefore, artificial lawns with a cork infill are becoming increasingly popular.
Since the coverage of one square meter with such surface costs about 60 euros, a yard with standard dimensions, including non-cramped “enclosures,” i.e., an area of about 650 m², costs up to 40,000 euros. The price is roughly between the clay variant (25,000 euros) and the hard base. For the so-called hard surface, the most common concrete with a special acrylic varnish, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive version can be up to 15,000 euros. However, in principle, it is necessary to calculate the amount above EUR 50,000.
Concrete Provides Flexibility
The cheapest option is natural grass, but it is rarely the choice of recreational tennis players for the agility of the ball and its demanding maintenance. Did you know that the Wimbledon is cut to eight millimeters?
Clay requires sweeping, flattening, watering, and especially wintering and spring treatment. If you do not cover it for the winter, it loses its quality by alternating the state of accumulated moisture.
With a solid base, expenses are basically narrowed down to set-up expenses. Occasional renovation consists of coating the top layer. The advantage is also “adjusting” the height and speed of the ball rebound according to the type of paint and the choice of color or colors (for sidelines and stands) based on their preferences or dispositions of the surroundings. Unfortunately, it is unfriendly to the joints and spine.
Regardless of the selected surface of the court, it is also necessary to consider benches, umbrellas, nets, etc., when budgeting.
Pragmatically, i.e., not to mention the benefits of usability at any time, availability right behind the house, and pleasant undisturbedness: do not consider your private tennis court, even “only” the clay one, if you do not intend to play or rent it at least three times a week, or 5-6 hours a week.
Long-term Property
The minimum part of the construction – curbs, mesh fence, drainage – can also be done on your own, but always preferably after consultation with specialists so that something does not have to be repaired. For example, laymen can forget about the ideal north-south orientation. In the west-east, the players face rising or falling sun for a significant part of the day.
Before building your tennis court next to the property you do not plan to have forever, consider the potential future sales. Not all buyers will agree to include this investment or at least its yet unamortized part in the total price. This complicates the transaction if you are not willing to discount it significantly.
Text: Miki Kočan ml., foto: Unsplash.com
