We have successfully installed numerous new tennis courts for both the
private and commercial market. 1st-Surface Ltd are members
of the Guild of Mastercraftsmen which ensures all installations are
completed to the highest of standards. We are able to provide a free
of charge site survey and quotation for clients in the South East of
England.
We have detailed below some useful
information which needs to be considered when constructing a new tennis
court:
Please see our Tennis Court Construction
case study
following a client in Kensington, West London.
Court dimensions - Link to tennis court diagram
Standard domestic tennis court 33.53m
(110ft) x 16.48m (54ft)*
LTA recommended size 34.75m (114ft) x 17.07m (56ft)
LTA full size 36.58m (120ft) x 18.20m (60ft).
*For domestic use, overall court
dimensions of 33.53m x 16.48m are perfectly acceptable and the normal
size of most private tennis courts.
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Site Access
Tennis courts can be built in most situations even with restricted
access. Ideally we would prefer to be able to offload materials next to
the proposed court location. Obviously in many cases this is not
practical and therefore lorries will offload as close as possible, with
materials then being taken to the court area using machinery such as
dumpers.
Restricted access will result in extra time, labour and machinery
on-site, which would have to be reflected in the overall cost.
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Ground Levels/Conditions
The type of soil may determine the overall specification for the
baseworks. Sandy soil provides a good free draining base whereas a clay
soil will retain water and may require more drainage.
With regards to ground levels, an ideal site would be a fairly level
lawned area. Should the site have a significant slope then the
earthworks would take slightly longer using either a cut and fill method
or if necessary a cut to solid. Retaining walls may be required in
certain situations. Any trees or other obstructions can be taken down
by ourselves prior to commencement. Obviously certain trees have
preservation orders placed on them which prevents their removal.
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Topsoil on or off-site?
When building a court all topsoil has to be removed from the proposed
court area to provide a sound base. Ideally all arisings would be
spread next to the court to keep costs to a minimum. Where the site
does not allow for the topsoil to be spread it can be removed off-site.
This however, will signifcantly increase costs bearing in mind landfill
charges for tipping.
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Planning Permission
Generally permission is only required for the surround fence if the
court itself is being built within a private garden. In our experience,
the fencing height does not provide an issue with most local
authorities. The court itself requires permission if it involves a
change of use of land; e.g. from agricultural.
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Services
When building a court it is important that we are sure that there are no
obstructions such as water pipes, gas, electricity in the area of
construction. If needed, some services could be re-routed around the
proposed new court location.
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Orientation
An outdoor court should preferably be positioned with its length running
as near as possible north-south. This is so that in a summers evening,
it will shine across the court and not in the face of the players.
However this need not preclude the construction of a court in another
direction if the available space leaves no alternative.
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Fence Detail
We are able to offer surround fences to numerous specifications in both
green or black. We normally supply and install our green tubular
surround fence to a standard height of 2.75m (9ft). This can also be
offered with drop sections to one/both lengths to a height of 1m which
softens the look particularly if the court is in direct view. In most
cases a standard 2.75m high fence would have one standard gate installed
whereas a fencing system with a drop section would have a small gate
installed. Additional gates can be incorporated at extra cost. The
traditional angle iron fence can also be supplied if requested.
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Length of Construction
On average the construction time for a new tennis court would be
approximately 6 – 8 weeks which allows for the curing processes.
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Disruption
All disruption will be kept to
a minimum during the contract period and the site left clean and tidy
upon completion. Clients should be aware that the installation of a new
tennis court involves fairly major construction works.