How to Plan and Design a Padel Court
A padel court is mostly assembled on site, so the quality of the finished court depends heavily on what is underneath and around it. These are the things we ask about first on every project.
Start with the base
The court needs a flat, firm base, usually a concrete or asphalt slab. Flatness matters because turf, glass and the frame all sit on it, and a base that is off will show in play and in how the glass lines up. Water should drain away, so plan a gentle slope of up to about 1% and keep the court from collecting runoff from nearby paving. Soil and frost conditions can change the base design, which is why the same court costs different amounts in Miami and in Minneapolis.
Leave room around it
The playing area is 65.6 x 32.8 ft (20 x 10 m). Add 5 ft (1.5 m) of clearance on every side and the footprint becomes about 75.5 x 42.7 ft (23 x 13 m), or roughly 3,200 sq ft. In a multi-court layout, how courts sit next to each other affects access, lighting and noise, so share the site plan with us before you fix the lot lines. Our dimensions guide has the numbers.
Think about the sun
For outdoor courts, the long axis is commonly set roughly north to south so that low morning and evening sun does not shine straight into players' eyes down the court. It is not always possible, but check it before you finalize the location.
Plan power and lighting early
Our Standard court comes with four light posts and either four or eight linear LED floodlights, while the Panoramic and Full Panoramic courts use eight. Posts are 19.7 ft (6 m) tall. A recreational court typically needs about 300 lux, and a competitive one 500 lux or more. Bring an electrician in at the planning stage so the conduit and panel capacity are ready when the courts are.
Design for your weather
- Wind. Glass and mesh catch wind. Coastal sites in Florida and the Gulf need stronger engineering and anchoring.
- Snow. In the Northeast and Midwest, the structure and any cover must be designed for snow loads.
- Seismic. California projects need anchoring that meets local seismic rules.
- Heat and sun. In Arizona, Texas and Florida, shade makes more hours playable.
If a cover is part of the plan, tell us at the start. Covers need clear height of at least 26 ft (8 m) over the court and their own foundations. Read more about fixed and retractable covers.
Access, doors and accessibility
Doors sit on both sides of the court, and double doors are available on request. Plan a firm, level path to the court so wheelchair users and equipment carts can reach it, and check what your local accessibility rules ask for.
Leave room for upgrades
Many clubs add scoreboards, cameras or a ball-collection system later. Our Standard court structure ships with cable routing and anchor points, so these can be added without drilling into the frame. If you want them, run conduit to the court during the first build.
A planning checklist
- Site plan with the 75.5 x 42.7 ft footprint marked
- Base design and drainage
- Electrical service and light layout
- Wind, snow and seismic requirements for your location
- Door and path locations
- Cover plans, if any
- Permit route with your city or county
Compare court models on the specifications page, or see what drives price in our cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of base does a padel court need?
A flat, firm base such as a concrete or asphalt slab with drainage. Soil and frost conditions affect the design.
Which direction should a padel court face?
Outdoor courts are commonly set with the long axis roughly north to south so low sun is not in players' eyes. It is not always possible, so check your site.
How much lighting does a padel court need?
About 300 lux for recreational play and 500 lux or more for competitive play, with four to eight LED floodlights on 19.7 ft (6 m) poles.
Can I add a cover later?
Often yes, but a cover needs its own foundations and engineering, and enough clear height over the court. Tell us early if you may want one.
Keep reading
- Padel court dimensions and U.S. regulations
- Court specifications
- Court covers
- What turnkey padel court installation includes
Planning a court?
Share your site and we will help you plan it.