Building a court is an important investment and a process that requires professional expertise. Many court construction tasks are performed simultaneously and require a close collaboration between the architect, the engineers and the contractor. There are five distinct phases in a typical court construction project.
The design-bid-build method is one of the most popular methods for constructing new courts. This involves a governing body hiring an architect to plan and design the new facility, preparing construction documents that are bid on by contractors, selecting a contractor and building the courthouse. The design-bid-build approach can be modified to suit the specific needs of a particular project.
Choosing the right location for your court is the first step in a successful construction process. You want a site that is flat, well drained, and has sufficient space for the court and other activities. It is also important that the soils are suitable for the courts, which means that you may need to hire a geotechnical engineer to perform a soil analysis.
Once you have found a suitable location, the next step in court construction is to determine what type of surface you would like to use. There are four types of tennis court surfaces, including clay, hard-court, synthetic and grass. Each offers a different playing experience and affects the ball’s bounce. You can also choose to have a multi-surface court, which combines several types of surfaces.
Before the concrete is poured, it is important to lay a foundation that is strong and durable. Using asphalt as a base is ideal because of the ease of installation and maintenance. A properly installed asphalt base will also prevent cracking and provide a solid platform for the tennis court.
After the concrete is poured, it is important that it is reinforced with post-tension cables. These cables are placed within the concrete and then tightened, which gives the slab greater strength and guards against cracking. This method of reinforcement has become a standard in tennis court construction.
When constructing a tennis court, it is important to consider the orientation of the court. Ideally, the court will be oriented north-south. This will prevent players from being blinded by direct sunlight during matches. If a court cannot be built in this direction, there are other ways to prevent sun damage to the surface, such as planting trees or shrubs around the court for natural shade and providing movable panels that can be used when necessary.
When you are ready to start your court construction, be sure to find a reputable contractor who has a history of working on courts similar to yours. It is a good idea to get references from previous clients and visit completed projects before making your decision. Additionally, make sure your contractor is an active member of the American Sports Builders Association. This will help to ensure that your contractor has the specialized skills and expertise to construct your court to industry standards. A well-constructed court will last for years to come and provide you and your family with an excellent place to enjoy the game of tennis.