Answers to Common Tennis Court Repair Questions

Photo Courtesy: Robert Couse-Baker, Flickr

How long can I expect the repairs on a hard court to last?

The repairs on a hard or Deco-Turf court will last largely depend on the condition of court itself. An older court requiring a lot of more intensive repairs such as cracks, post footing and puddling issues might might last a season.

However, courts in better condition might only require a simple patch and paint can still expect some cracking in the first winter season.

How often should tennis courts be resurfaced?

Clay or Har-Tru tennis courts require annual installations. The process involves not only scarifying the surface, but also leveling the base, applying calcium chloride and laying down the top layer of clay before a final sweep.

Hard or DecoTurf tennis courts should be resurfaced every four to six years based on court condition and personal preference.

How often should tennis courts be repaired?

This also depends on the court surface. Clay tennis courts, or Har-Tru courts, often require fewer repairs, but need to be installed annually.

Hard courts, or DecoTurf courts typically require bi-annual crack repairs. Annual check-ups or consults are recommended to help facility managers or tennis directors plan and prepare for any necessary repairs for the upcoming year.

What is required to properly maintain a tennis court?

Clay or Har-Tru courts require more on-going maintenance with more use. This includes:

• Regular watering to prevent over-drying
• Additional clay to level out inconsistencies associated with the amount of clay dispersed across the playing area due to regular play, wind or water drainage
• Sweeping of the lines and court surface
• Application of calcium chloride

Hard or DecoTurf tennis court maintenance includes the following:

• Sweeping or removal of leaves, pine needles and other debris
• Power washing to remove dirt, sap or other substances from the surface
• Crack repairs as necessary
• Painting as necessary to ensure consistent bounce and aesthetic

Does it matter what color paint is applied to a hard court?

No, there’s no difference in how the court plays with respect to the paint color. However the court surface temperatures will vary for outdoors as darker colors will absorb more sunlight than lighter colors.

What impacts the speed of a hard tennis court?

The speed of the court is determined by the amount, shape and size of sand mixed in with the top paint coats. The more sand, the grittier or more textured the surface, which “grabs” the tennis ball a bit more on impact, and therefore slows the ball down. Less sand in the top coat will provide a smoother surface and a faster bounce.

When installing or repainting an outdoor tennis court, facility managers or tennis directors should consider the impact of hash weather conditions such as wind, rain, snow, sleet etc. Wind coupled with precipitation will slowly remove texture from the surface of the court, resulting in a faster court overtime.

Alternatively, the speed of the court can also be impacted by the inclusion of a cushioning system. Cushioning layers below the painted coat will allow for more absorption of the ball on impact, therefore slowing the rebound off the court surface.