Hard court is one made of asphalt or concrete, usually covered with an acrylic coating. The coating  protects the court from the elements, enhances its appearance, and affects the playing characteristics of the court. Generally, a hard court yields what is known as a 'fast' game, meaning that a tennis ball bounces off the court surface at a low angle. The speed and angle of the tennis ball coming off a bounce are determined  by the power and spin of the hit and are relatively unaffected by the surface of the court. This speed,  however, can be adjusted depending on the amount, type and size of sand used in the color coating.  "Slow" playing, textured surfaces are available. Properly installed, hard courts are generally considered to be durable and to require relatively low maintenance. Installation costs range from $18,000 - $40,000, depending upon the specific construction.

When a resilient layer (or layers) of cushioning material is applied over an asphalt or concrete court, a cushioned court results. Cushioned courts usually have excellent playing characteristics and an all-weather surface for year round play. These attributes make them popular with players but such courts are considerably more expensive than hard courts; cushioning adds $5,000 - $25,000 to the cost of the court, over and above the cost of the asphalt or concrete base.

Tennis Court Specifications:

Playing Lines:
The outside dimensions of the playing lines should be as follows:
Doubles 36' x 78' (10.97m x 23.77m)
Singles 27' x 78' (8.23m x 23.77m)
All lines should be not less than 1" (2.54 cm) nor more than 2" (5 cm) in width, except the base line which  may be up to 4" (10 cm) in width and the center line which should be 2" (5 cm) in width.
Clearance Between Courts
Where courts are constructed within the confines of a common enclosure, the distance between side lines should be not less than 12' (3.658m). Where space permits, it is desirable to provide additional space between side lines to enhance play; 24' (7.315m) is recommended.
Tennis Court Orientation:
A tennis court should be laid out to minimize players looking into the sun when serving or when following  the flight of a ball. A tennis court also should be laid out to avoid distracting shadow lines and patterns on the court surface.

Theoretically, the best possible layout would be to orient the longitudinal axis of the court perpendicular to the azimuth of the sun -- the angular measurement of the horizontal location of the sun in relation to true north. Since the azimuth of the sun constantly shifts according to the time of day, the season of the year and the latitude in which it is observed, it is difficult to generalize about an ideal orientation.
NOTE: It is important to remember that the orientation of the court should be in relation to true  north, not to magnetic north. The angular difference between true north and magnetic north is  referred to as the "deviation of magnetic north." This deviation changes according to the  geographic location. Information relating to the deviation of magnetic north from true north can be easily obtained from a local surveyor or airport facility.

Contact us for free advice and design services to ensure you are aware of all the cost savings available when designing and constructing a new tennis court.

Layout: (Standard Size Tennis Court: 60' x 120')

TENNIS COURT CONSTRUCTION BASICS 
If you are considering a new tennis court, here are some basic requirements to consider.
• SIZE AND SPACE - A standard size tennis court for doubles play measures 60’ x 120’ from fence to fence. For batteries of two or more courts, a minimum of 48’ additional width is allowed for each extra court. For example, two courts measure 108’ x 120’, three courts measure 156’ x 120’, etc.
Total cleared space, however varies depending upon site topography, perimeter drainage needs, landscaping and so on. You’ll need a minimum of 5’ around the entire court perimeter. A steeply sloped site requires more clearing to allow for natural sloping around the court. Additional space provisions are needed for special drains, elaborate landscaping or patios.
Courts can be smaller than these dimensions, but since the playing lines for doubles are always 36’ x 78’, undersizing compromises safety and quality of play.
• ORIENTATION - If possible, a tennis court is situated in a true north-south direction.
•PERIMETER SLOPING & DRAINAGE - A court built into the side of a hill requires different perimeter sloping and drainage than one built on a flat, open area. To divert surface water from washing onto or under a court, a variety of techniques are used, ranging from natural swales, to elaborate underground systems. Sometimes retaining walls are required with drainage provisions behind the walls. This all affects size and space requirements.
• FENCING - Lots of options here. A standard fence is 10’ high, but 8’ or 12’ may be appropriate at times. The court can be fully enclosed with a high fence or sides can be left open or enclosed with a lower 3’ or 4’ fence. Corners can be a traditional 90 degrees or cut off diagonally. Support systems include wood (round cedar or pressure treated pine) or steel posts (galvanized or vinyl-bonded). The fabric can be vinyl-bonded chain link, netting or chicken wire.
• PERMITS - Local bylaws and rules regarding tennis court construction vary. The following issues must be addressed.
1. Building Permits and Fees - Check with your local building department.
2. Conservation Restrictions - Check with your local conservation department.
3. Utilities - Prior to groundbreaking, a common agency (DigSafe in Massachusetts) is notified to spot and mark all underground lines for gas, electricity, water and sewer. 

A well-drained area should be chosen, after which all trees and growth, including root systems should be removed. Remove the topsoil and other unsuitable soils down to the clay or hardpan base. When grading the area, allow at least three feet beyond the fence lines and grade in one plane with a slope of one inch in twenty-four feet, the slope to be in the direction of the most advantageous drainage.