Site Selection & Preparation

Space Requirements

A regulation padel court requires careful planning for adequate space:

• Standard Court Dimensions: 10m × 20m for the playing area
• Minimum Total Area: 11m × 21m (231 m²) per court including perimeter clearance
• Multiple Courts: Add pathways or seating space between adjacent courts (typically 2-3m)
• Indoor Height Requirements: Minimum 8m ceiling clearance, with 10m recommended for high lobs
• Additional Space: Consider areas for spectators, equipment storage, and amenities

Single Court Considerations

While most padel is played as doubles on standard 10m × 20m courts, some facilities incorporate single courts:

• Single Court Dimensions: 6m × 20m (compared to 10m × 20m for standard doubles courts)
• Recommended Ratio: Industry standard is approximately 1 single court for every 8 double courts
• Strategic Placement: Single courts should be positioned where they can be easily monitored and accessed
• Space Efficiency: For smaller facilities with limited space, single courts can maximize player capacity

Orientation and Sunlight

Proper orientation is crucial for player comfort and optimal playing conditions:

• Optimal Orientation: North-south along the court's long axis minimizes players looking into the sun during morning or evening play
• Alternative Solutions: If north-south orientation isn't possible, consider incorporating shade structures or windbreak panels
• Wind Protection: Assess prevailing winds and provide natural windbreaks (trees, walls) or transparent screens when necessary
• Lighting Considerations: For courts with artificial lighting, position fixtures to avoid casting shadows or creating glare

Accessibility and Visibility

Location accessibility significantly impacts facility success:

• Access Points: Choose locations with convenient road access and adequate parking
• Visibility: Sites visible from main roads can help attract walk-in clients
• Amenities Space: Ensure adequate space for supporting facilities like clubhouse, restrooms, or spectator seating
• Utility Access: Confirm availability of electricity, water, and drainage infrastructure
• Public Transportation: Consider proximity to public transport options when applicable

Soil and Terrain

Ground conditions significantly affect construction complexity and costs:

• Ideal Terrain: Flat, well-draining sites require minimal earthworks
• Soil Testing: Conduct geotechnical soil tests to determine bearing capacity and water table level
• Problem Soils: Clay or peat soils might need removal or stabilization with gravel
• Rocky Terrain: Provides good support but may require costly excavation for foundations
• Flood Risk: Avoid flood-prone areas unless extensive drainage solutions are planned

Rain and Drainage

Effective drainage is essential, especially in high-rainfall regions:

• Surface Slope: Incorporate a slight slope (approximately 1%) for water runoff
• Perimeter Drainage: Install perimeter drains around courts to channel water away
• Porous Sub-base: Use free-draining materials like crushed stone beneath courts
• Drainage Capacity: Design systems to handle local maximum rainfall intensities

Heat and Sunlight

In hot climates, special considerations help mitigate excessive heat:

• Shade Structures: Consider partial roofing or canopies to reduce direct sunlight
• Material Selection: Choose surface materials with lower heat retention properties
• Ventilation: For indoor courts, ensure adequate air circulation and cooling
• Player Amenities: Include shaded waiting areas and water stations

Cold Climate Adaptations

Cold regions require specific adaptations:

• Frost Protection: Ensure foundations extend below the frost line to prevent heaving
• Snow Management: Plan for snow removal and storage areas for outdoor courts
• Indoor Options: Consider enclosed or convertible structures in regions with harsh winters
• Material Durability: Select materials rated for freeze-thaw cycles if applicable

European Regulations

European countries typically treat padel courts as permanent sports structures:

• Building Permits: Most European jurisdictions require formal building permits or planning permission
• Local Impact: High walls (3-4m) and lighting may trigger additional requirements related to neighbor impacts
• Documentation: Expect to provide detailed site plans, dimensions, and structural specifications
• Noise and Lighting: Some municipalities require noise and lighting studies to ensure compliance with local standards
• Regional Variations: Requirements can vary significantly between different regions, even within the same country

North American Permits

U.S. and Canadian regulations focus on zoning compliance and safety standards:

• Zoning Approval: Ensure land is zoned for recreational use or obtain necessary variances
• Building Codes: Comply with local building codes for structural safety (foundation, wind loads)
• Accessibility: Meet accessibility laws (e.g., ADA in the U.S. requires wheelchair access)
• Community Feedback: Some projects may require notifying neighbors or attending public hearings
• Additional Permits: Commercial facilities may need permits for electrical work, occupancy, etc.

Asian Standards

Regulations across Asia-Pacific vary widely:

• Established Markets: Regions with strong padel presence (Middle East, Japan) have specific permit requirements
• Emerging Markets: In areas where padel is newer, general building codes apply but sport-specific rules might be limited
• Urban Solutions: Densely populated cities may require innovative approaches (e.g., rooftop courts) with special structural approval
• Classification: Some countries classify unroofed padel courts as temporary structures, potentially simplifying permits
• Local Expertise: Working with local architects or consultants familiar with local regulations is highly recommended

Clearing and Leveling

Proper ground preparation creates a stable foundation:

• Vegetation Removal: Clear all vegetation, rocks, and existing structures from the court footprint
• Precision Leveling: Use laser leveling equipment to achieve a near-perfect flat surface
• Earth Moving: Utilize excavators and bulldozers to cut high spots and fill low areas
• Soil Compaction: Thoroughly compact the soil to create a stable sub-grade
• Quality Control: Even small bumps or dips can affect the final court surface quality

Marking and Excavation

Precise marking ensures proper construction:

• Court Outline: Survey and mark the exact court dimensions and foundation locations
• Foundation Trenches: Excavate trenches for concrete foundations around the perimeter
• Depth Requirements: Typical strip footings require excavation of 0.5-1m depth
• Utility Preparation: Excavate additional areas for drainage lines or electrical conduits
• Full Slab Option: For slab foundations, excavate the entire court area to the required depth

Sub-base Installation

The sub-base provides drainage and stability:

• Material Selection: Typically use crushed stone or gravel for drainage and stability
• Layer Thickness: UK guidelines recommend a 250mm layer of free-draining aggregate
• Installation Process: Truck in graded stone, spread in layers, and compact each layer firmly
• Drainage Integration: Install drain pipes (e.g., French drains) around the perimeter
• Final Grading: Grade to the desired slight slope (typically 1% or 1:100) for water flow
• Utility Integration: Lay conduits for electrical wiring or plumbing at this stage