Wall Specifications and Construction Requirements
Detailed requirements for padel court walls, including heights, materials, construction methods, and safety standards.
Wall Heights
Back Wall Requirements
The back walls of a padel court must maintain a consistent height of 4 meters along their entire length. This height is crucial for gameplay and must be measured from the playing surface to the top edge of the wall.
Back Wall Specifications
- Height: 4.00m (±0.05m)
- Width: Full court width (10m)
- Surface: Must be uniform and smooth
- Material: Tempered glass or similar transparent material
Side Wall Specifications
All padel courts share some common side wall characteristics, with two possible design variations for the main length of the side walls:
Common Structure (First 2 meters from back wall)
- Total Height: 4 meters
- Composition:
- Solid wall section: 3 meters
- Upper section: 1 meter of metallic mesh (matching back wall top section)
- Length: First 2 meters from back wall
After these first 2 meters, the court can follow one of two designs:
Design Option 1: Standard Height
- Total Height: 3 meters
- Composition:
- Solid wall section only: 3 meters
- Length: Remaining length to net
Design Option 2: Extended Height
- Total Height: 4 meters
- Composition:
- Solid wall section: 3 meters
- Upper section: 1 meter of metallic mesh (matching back wall top section)
- Length: Remaining length to net
In both designs, the metallic mesh used for the upper sections must match exactly the same specifications as the mesh used in the top section of the back wall. This ensures consistency in gameplay characteristics and maintains proper ventilation throughout the court.
Material Transitions
The transition between different materials (glass to mesh or all glass) must meet these requirements:
- Secure fixing between materials
- Weather-tight seals
- No sharp edges or exposed fixings
- Proper structural support at transition points
Material Requirements
Glass Specifications
Tempered safety glass used in padel courts must meet strict specifications:
- Thickness: 12mm (±0.5mm)
- Tempered to EN 12150-1 standard
- Impact resistance: 30kN/m²
- Optical clarity: Minimum 88% light transmission
- Edge treatment: All edges must be polished
Metal Mesh Standards
Metal mesh sections must comply with the following standards:
- Material: Galvanized steel or equivalent
- Wire diameter: 3mm minimum
- Mesh size: 45-50mm square openings
- Anti-corrosion treatment required
- Tension capacity: 1.5kN/m minimum
Support Structure
The structural framework supporting the walls must meet these requirements:
- Steel profiles: Minimum 80x80mm section
- Hot-dip galvanized finish
- Structural calculations according to local codes
- Wind load resistance as per location requirements
Construction Details
Foundation Requirements
Foundation specifications for padel court walls include:
- Concrete strength: Minimum C25/30
- Foundation depth: Based on local soil conditions
- Frost protection where required
- Waterproofing and drainage provisions
Assembly Methods
Wall assembly must follow these guidelines:
- Sequential installation process
- Proper alignment and leveling
- Torque specifications for connections
- Weather conditions during installation
Joints and Fixings
Joint specifications and fixing requirements:
- Glass-to-post connections: EPDM gaskets
- Expansion joints every 8 meters
- Stainless steel fixings: Grade A4
- Silicone sealant specifications
Safety Features
Impact Resistance
Impact resistance requirements include:
- Glass panels: 30kN/m² minimum
- Mesh panels: 1.5kN/m² minimum
- Regular testing requirements
- Documentation and certification
Edge Protection
Edge protection requirements include:
- Rounded edges on all exposed surfaces
- Protective caps on posts
- Anti-trap design features
- Regular inspection points
Emergency Access
Emergency access features must include:
- Quick-release mechanisms on doors
- Clear signage and markings
- Minimum clearance requirements
- Emergency response protocols