Finding the right surface type for your pickleball court can be quite difficult, because of the multitude of options you have to consider. For example, asphalt and textured acrylic are very popular materials, mainly because of their reliability, effectiveness, and because they can provide very good traction. That does make you wonder, can you choose to use concrete for your pickleball court? Yes! That is a possibility, and it’s up to you to narrow down what makes it the best solution.
Benefits of Concrete for Pickleball Court
If you’re looking for a durable and very high-quality material for your pickleball court, concrete can indeed be a very good option. Unlike other materials, concrete is extremely reliable, and can provide an exceptional return. With that in mind, concrete is effective, and it also delivers amazing benefits, such as:
- A concrete pickleball court will have great longevity. Once it’s made, you will be able to keep it in great shape for many decades.
- Additionally, the gameplay is very consistent. Because concrete offers a flat and smooth play surface, it enables more precise shots, while also making it easier for players to highlight their skills. That can prove to be very effective, so keep that in mind.
- Cost-effectiveness is at the core of using concrete for pickleball courts. Why is that? Once you invest in it, a concrete court will require very few, if any repairs.
- Concrete also delivers very good weather resistance. It’s an excellent option, especially if you are serious about not dealing with any wear and tear.
- As we mentioned earlier, concrete doesn’t require any major maintenance. Instead, you do very little upkeep, which in turn will provide a more cohesive professional result.
What kind of maintenance do you need to do for a concrete pickleball court?
What’s great about pickleball courts made out of concrete is that you don’t have to maintain them often. In fact, they just need some very general, simple maintenance. That means you only have to sweep any debris that accumulates on them, and periodically, deep cleaning with cleaning agents can be good too. Such a cleaning system can help you remove dirt or grime while keeping the surface very playable. Crack repairs and the occasional drainage check can also help quite a bit.
Converting Your Concrete Slab to Pickleball Court
Before you convert the concrete slab to a pickleball court, it’s important to figure out what’s the ideal size for the court. Based on the USA Pickleball rules set, the pickleball court should be 30 by 60 feet. That means that you need a concrete slab that’s at least this size. If it’s a bit larger, you will need to ensure the play area is adequately shown and customized according to the official rules.
Once you’ve determined the ideal court size, the next step is to prepare the concrete slab properly to ensure a safe and durable playing surface:
- First, you need to prepare the surface. That’s important because you need to ensure there are no tripping hazards. You also want to assess the concrete slab and see if there are any chips or signs of cracking. Solving those problems is extremely important because you want to be certain the play area is very safe for all players.
- Sometimes, adding an overlay onto the concrete slab is necessary. That helps smooth down any imperfections.
- After that, you want to add a cushion coat. The cushion coat is important because it helps players protect their joints. If someone falls onto the pickleball court, their joints take a lot of the pressure. But with such a cushion coat, things are much easier to handle.
- Lastly, on top of that, you want to have a finish coat. The finish coat is where you want to add the lines and color. Plus, it makes the pickleball court feel more professional as well.
Why does concrete work great for pickleball courts?
For starters, it’s a less expensive option. Thinking about the low maintenance requirements, it’s also easier to customize, since you can add a few smaller protective coats onto the concrete slab. It also just looks great. It truly adds a wonderful sense of immersion while allowing everyone to play without hampering their skills. That alone is a game changing approach, especially for those people that play pickleball often.
Conclusion
As you can see, concrete is one of the best surfaces that you can choose for any pickleball court. It’s cost-effective, non-disruptive, and it truly adds a great sense of value. Plus, the quality you receive here is second to none, and you don’t have to do any more than sweep and maybe deep clean from time to time. Yet it’s easy to refurbish; it can withstand the elements, not to mention you have consistent results that will surpass any expectations. We highly recommend using concrete for pickleball courts, especially if you want a stellar play surface that stands the test of time!
