Courts & Surrounds

Cost & Life Cycle

For a club or venue looking to add new courts or considering a change over to a different surface there are many additional considerations such as the suitability of the base, sub-base and even sub-grade for the intended final surface, resulting in a myriad of possible solutions of which the most cost-effective long-lasting base & surface may not be immediately obvious.

Desired playing characteristics should also be considered as part of the decision making process. Thus, a life-cycle cost analysis is required to adequately advise oneself.

The following table demonstrates The estimated life and related costs associated with:

  • Surface type
  • The variables of playing associated with different court surfaces
  • Ancillary items

Surface-cost-per-court

Comparison of court surface characteristics

Court surface Speed of court Height of bounce Trueness of bounce Topspin Slice Footing: sliding/firm Traction: slip/non-slip Shock absorption
Cushioned acrylic Variable Medium–high Consistent Yes Yes Firm Non-slip Medium
Non-cushioned acrylic Variable Medium–high Consistent Yes Yes Firm Non-slip Medium-hard
Clay Slow Medium–high Almost consistent Yes Yes Sliding Non-slip Soft
Natural grass Fast Low Variable Little Yes Firm with partial slide Slip Soft
Red porous Slow Medium Almost consistent Yes Yes Sliding Non-slip Soft
SFAG Medium–fast Medium Consistent Little Yes Firm with partial slide Mainly non-slip Medium
Synthetic clay Medium–fast Medium Consistent Little Yes Firm with partial slide Mainly non-slip Medium

ancillary-items