Courts and surfaces

Support for Queensland clubs planning, building or upgrading tennis courts — with guidance on surface selection, construction standards and long‑term infrastructure priorities.


Plan with confidence

Low down view of a row of clay courts

Tennis Queensland supports clubs, councils and facility owners across the state to deliver quality venues that meet community needs and national standards. Whether you're resurfacing a single court or planning a new facility, we can help you: 

  • Select the right surface for your site and usage 
  • Understand drainage, lighting and fencing requirements 
  • Access technical specifications and planning tools 
  • Align with long-term infrastructure priorities across Queensland.

Racquet Ready Queensland

Racquet Ready Queensland is designed to guide the future of tennis and racquet sport infrastructure across the state.

Racquet Ready builds on the foundations of the Queensland Tennis Facilities Plan and provides a framework to prioritise investment, enhance accessibility and support emerging participation trends.

Backed by research, stakeholder input, and policy alignment, the plan outlines clear priorities for upgrading and expanding tennis facilities across Queensland.


Surface types and planning resources

Choosing the right court surface depends on usage, climate, maintenance capacity and long-term budget. Consider: 

Usage — coaching, competitions, casual play, school access. 

Climate — rainfall, drainage, UV exposure. 

Maintenance — grooming, resurfacing, lifecycle costs. 

Budget — upfront and long-term investment. 

Community needs — accessibility, safety, multi-use potential. 

Tennis Queensland can help assess your site and recommend surface options that suit your goals.


Surface comparison

Surface type  Suitability  Maintenance level 
Hard court High-traffic, tournaments  Low
Synthetic grass  Clubs, schools Medium
Clay Specialist venues High
Natural grass Elite venues Very high

Planning resources

Technical Manual (QLD)

Covers all aspects of tennis court construction and site planning, including: 

  • Court construction methods and materials 
  • Surface types and base preparation 
  • Lighting, fencing, drainage and landscaping 
  • Site selection, budgeting and project management 

National Tennis Facility Planning & Development Guide

Step-by-step support for planning and delivering tennis venues. Topics include: 

  • Project scoping and feasibility 
  • Site assessment and concept planning 
  • Funding models and lifecycle budgeting 
  • Case studies and checklists 

Court Tech – Expert Advice & Project Management

Tennis Queensland’s Court Tech service provides expert advice on all aspects of tennis and multipurpose sports courts, as well as associated facilities. From inspections and planning advice through to complete project management, our team supports clubs, schools and organisations at every stage. 


Frequently asked questions

Hard courts typically offer the lowest lifecycle cost due to minimal maintenance and long durability. Synthetic grass may have lower upfront costs but requires regular grooming and sand replenishment.

Yes — many clubs use a mix of hard courts and synthetic grass to balance competition needs with community access. Tennis Queensland can advise on layout planning and surface zoning.

Start with a site assessment and usage audit. Consider who will use the court, how often, and what surface suits your climate and budget. Then refer to the Technical Manual and Planning Guide for design and delivery steps.

Yes — our team can provide guidance on lighting standards, fencing types and integration with existing infrastructure. You can get started by submitting a request through the Contact Us form.