Building or Renovating a Court

Building and looking after Real Tennis Courts 

There are detailed reports on courts that have been built in the past 30 years or so which can be found here  

It may be useful to consider the following list of decisions relating to building, renovating and maintaining courts. These decisions can materially affect play, use and operation of a court.  A visit to the dimensions page will also give some useful information about existing courts.

Construction – critical items listed below along with considerations

  1. Floor construction 
    • Different construction methods. Finish – how does ball react and how good is the grip. Colouring – contrast to ball
  2. Playing wall construction
    • Thickness and finish are critical as is understanding of ‘trampoline’ effect. Different construction methods and necessary dimensions. Bickley method and detail compared to modern. Effect on play, both relating to ball reaction and contrast for visibility 
  3. Tambour angle 
    • Small differences matter, and it will ‘play in’ over 12 to 18 months (ball goes deeper after this time). Angle and finish variances and effect on play. C 53 degrees from the hazard line is optimal
  4. Penthouse and bandeau construction 
    • Construction options vary, but close boarded T&G timber gives best results. Contrast to the ball and ball reaction to the surface are critical
  5. Penthouse angle 
    • Effect on play, especially serves 
  6. Gallery and other opening sizes and ledge/edge details 
    • Tapered vertical edges? rounded corners? wood or stone? All can affect play and marking/scoring, though in very minor ways
  7. Gallery post detail and position 
    • Again, can affect play in minor ways, but good choices make marking/scoring easier
  8. Gallery/dedans ball trough design 
    • As with 7. 
  9.  Floor ball trough design at the net 
    • As with 7 – simpler uniform sunken designs appear to perform better 
  10. Ball collection hole design
  11. Roof design
    • 9m plus in height is optimal with no hanging obstructions. How can maximum height be maintained without adding cost or impacting on structural integrity? Planning and maintenance considerations 
  12. Window design 
    • Any windows can affect lighting but also comes under envelope design for preventing leaks. Glare issues, ventilation and operation

Renovation 

  1. Floor finish 
    • Why you might paint/seal, technical options and gloss level. How play can be affected. Grinding. New floors 
  2. Wall finish
    • Types and technical detail regarding effect on play and ball wear. Cleaning and potential pitfalls of trying to clean too much 
  3. Penthouse finish – determines grip and hence how serves react plus impacts on penthouse cleaning 
    • Natural vs painted/varnished and different grip levels. Ensure no loose boards or nails/screws protruding 
  4. Gallery/dedans netting
    • Materials, best practice and marking/scoring – Tuxedo is the high bar
  5. Net post design, position and tensioning mechanism 
    • 5 & 6 set up, measuring and best practice 
  6. Net fixing detail both ends 
  7. Marker’s box  
    • Ensure complete and safe netting even with regular traffic – this is not only important for markers, but for spectators and anyone passing by. Matting to minimise ‘dust’ on court. Construction, floor, safety and viewing
  8. Out of court line
    • If possible, have a system which aids markers/players in determining out against in. Construction and finish.
  9. Ball baskets/tubs 
    • Different shapes and styles – ease of coaching. Avoidance of balls getting damp/wet

M&E and Technology  

  1. Ventilation, heating and cooling 
    • Design parameters, locations, noise level, operation – all can affect play
  2. Lighting design 
    • Renders, positioning, glare, controls – all can assist with optimising play
  3. Light switching  
    • Automatic controls? dimming? 
  4. Gallery and dedans lighting
    • Should avoid affecting on court condition. Design, glare control, brightness
  5. Streaming/cameras
    • What needs to be built in and how can that be done without affecting play. Fixed vs temporary, design, operation, effect on play