Each court project is unique and specific to the desires of each client. A project can be as simple as simply painting an existing pad, or it can be as complex as starting from an ungraded site and ending with a multi-sport or multi-court installation and accompanying surrounding landscape.
Phase 1: Initial Consultation
Every project we do begins with an initial consultation. This may be completed in a single meeting or several. It may require a site visit or not, depending on the condition of the site and availability of photographs and topographical information. A summary of and bid for the job is provided following the initial consultation.
Phase 2: Planning and Design
All court installations require planning and design activities well in advance of project start. The planning process is a collaborative effort shared by both Courtline Pickleball and the client. This process includes:
- determining dimensions and surface characteristics of the site
- designing the site layout (including court positioning and orientation, setbacks), paint design, planning acquisition of accessories (e.g., surrounding fence, nets)
- designing the surface paint (colors, logos, multi-use court design)
- planning and assigning responsibilities for all key dependencies and dates for all steps of the project, accounting for seasonal and weather considerations
- completing municipal and community approvals (e.g., permitting, HOA approvals), pre-requisite to initiating the installation activities.
- access to the site of required equipment is confirmed
Phase 3: Municipal and Community Approvals
Municipal permitting and HOA approval is typically client-managed. While not every project requires this step (e.g., painting an existing pad), for those where it is required, this is a critical stage in the overall project and is prerequisite to the later stages. Delay in this step may have consequences on schedule and cost of the overall project.
Phase 4: Court Construction
Site Prep
What are important characteristics of site (N/S orientation of court, surface grade, size of court and setbacks, etc.)
- Site Orientation: It is generally preferred to orient courts in a north-south orientation so as to avoid having the sun in the main field of view during morning and evening play.
- Site Sizing: Regulation court dimensions are 44′ x 20′. A practical pad surface is 60′ x 30′ to allow adequate space for play.
- Site Clearing and Grading: Access to site for equipment will be assumed as discussed during consulting and planning phases.
- Water Runoff: ground surface characteristics may require water management features (e.g., French drain)
Pad Installation and Prep
The installation process varies slightly for asphalt and concrete surfaces, so they are covered separately, below.
New Asphalt Court Pad
The major stages of asphalt court installation include:
- Laying and Curing Asphalt: Fresh asphalt must cure for at least three weeks before applying resurfacer.
- Surface Finishing: After curing, the surface is pressure washed, and any nicks, cracks, divots, or scratches are repaired with patch materials.
- Applying Resurfacer: Once surface finishing is complete, one to two coats of resurfacer are applied with squeegees.
- For an existing asphalt pad: Older asphalt pads may have heavy cracking of an existing seal coat, in which case we generally recommend installing a new slab.
New Concrete Court Pad
The major stages of concrete court installation include:
- Pouring:
- Curing: New concrete requires at least four weeks of curing before preparation.
- Sawing or Post-Tensioning: this step limits impact to the new surface from the damage that can occur from contraction / expansion cycles due to temperature variation.
- Note on Sealing: It is important not to seal newly poured concrete, as paint will not adhere properly and grinding may be required.
- Applying Resurfacer: Before resurfacer is applied, an adhesion promoter is necessary to ensure proper bonding. In most cases, we also acid wash the concrete for better paint adhesion.
- For an existing concrete pad: Older concrete can often be repaired or ground to achieve a smooth finish.
Phase 5: Court Surface Painting
- Painting Court Surface: After the surface is prepared and resurfaced, we apply two coats of court paint in each color specified earlier, during the design process. Each application is mixed with sand to create the correct texture and traction. Once the main areas are painted, precise line painting completes this stage of the process.
- Typical Duration: This process can take up to two weeks depending on the complexity of the design, the weather, and substrate repair. A duration of five to seven days is typical for new surfaces.
Phase 6: Final Steps
- If installation of fencing around the court area is included in the project, this is typically completed either immediately before or immediately after the court surface painting stage.
- Net installation is typically handled by the client.
- Installation of surrounding sod and landscaping is typically managed by the client.
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