One of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, padel is taking the UK by storm. When it comes to the logistics, you might be wondering, ‘How big is a padel court?’ If you’re considering building a padel court, this is essential to understand so that you can ensure a proper setup.
Luckily for you, here at A&S Landscape, we offer padel court canopies that are specifically designed for the UK weather and will last you for years to come. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about the dimensions and space needed for a practical and functional padel court.
Ready to learn more about padel court size? Let’s get into it…
What is a padel court canopy… & why do you need one?
First things first, it might be beneficial for you to understand what a padel court canopy is and why you might need one. A padel court canopy is a structure that is installed above padel courts to protect and shield them from harsh weather conditions, making the game more accessible throughout the year. Padel is becoming more and more popular, and a canopy is a great way to maximise court usage.
As a senior school, you might want to incorporate padel into the curriculum and install your own padel court canopy so that pupils can play, no matter the weather!
As a sports facility, you’re probably already aware of the game and its popularity, and a padel court is a steady investment to utilise your space for keen players during even those colder months.
Standard padel court sizes
Now that you’re more aware of why you might want a padel court canopy, it’s time to take a look at the dimensions. After all, ensuring you have the right space available is key! A standard padel court follows international guidelines, which are set by the International Padel Federation. These dimensions are:
- Length: 20 metres (65.6 feet)
- Width: 10 metres (32.8 feet)
- Total playing area: 200 square metres (2,152 square feet)
- Glass wall height: Typically 3 metres (9.8 feet)
These measurements apply to singles and doubles courts, as most padel courts are designed for doubles play. The playing area is usually covered by walls, with glass and mesh fencing being some of the most common materials used.
Additional space requirements
Beyond the actual court and playing area, you’ll need some additional space to ensure you have spectator areas and safe movement around the court. Here are some other things to be aware of:
- Perimeter clearance – It’s important to have at least 1-2 metres of extra space on each side of the court. This will allow for maintenance access and safe entry and exit for players.
- Ceiling height – For indoor courts, or covered outdoor courts, the minimum ceiling height should be 6-8 metres to allow for high lobs and an unobstructed player experience.
- Spectator and walkway space – If you’re serious about padel, then you might want to accommodate spectators. For this, you’ll need an additional 3-5 metres around the court, which can be particularly beneficial for seating and walkways.
What building considerations are there?
As a school or sports facility, you’re probably keen to get your padel court canopy underway. However, there are some factors you need to be aware of before construction starts:
- Ground preparation – A flat and stable surface is required, typically with a concrete or asphalt base.
- Drainage – Outdoor courts need proper drainage to prevent water accumulation
- Lighting – If you plan to use the court in the evening, you’ll need some form of light to help with vision. Here at A&S Landscape, our padel canopies come with the option of added LED lighting, so that you can spend more time playing.
- Permissions and regulations – Make sure you check with local authorities regarding planning permissions and zoning laws before installation.
So, what is the total space needed for a padel court canopy?
Taking all of the above into consideration, we’ve made it easy to calculate how much space you actually need for a padel court. Including clearances and optional spectator areas, you should consider:
The minimum outdoor space – Around 11 x 21 metres (36.1 x 68.9 feet)
The recommended outdoor space – At least 13 metres x 23 metres (42.6 x 75.5 feet)
Indoor space requirement – A minimum of 13 metres x 23 metres (42.6 x 75.5 feet), with a ceiling height of at least 6 metres (19.7 feet)
Worried you don’t have enough space? Consider a bespoke canopy
We’ve figured out how much space you need and why a padel canopy is a great way to provide social spaces to schools and sports facilities. However, if you’re still concerned about specific measurements or design options, we’ve got just the solution.
At A&S Landscape, we offer a bespoke canopy service. This means that you can have complete control over the design of your padel court canopy. Whether you have a single court or multiple courts, your canopy can be designed to match your court’s exact dimensions and ensure ultimate protection throughout the year!
Just get in touch with our team for more information.
Need help choosing a padel court canopy? You’re in safe hands with A&S Landscape
Hopefully, this blog has answered your burning question: ‘How big is a padel court?’ Once you know this, you can then choose the right padel court canopy for you! Ensuring that you have enough space for your padel court is essential for player comfort, safety, and, more importantly, their playing experience.
Here at A&S Landscape, we’d be more than happy to be your trusted canopy partner. With nearly 50 years of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of schools and sports facilities upgrade their space.
Ready to invest in a padel court canopy? Then please get in touch with our team, who can provide you with more information.
