A tennis court is less forgiving than a driveway. Players notice small dips, puddles stop play, and cracks in a playing surface are a trip hazard. A good hard court starts with an accurately levelled, well-drained asphalt base, and that is the part we specialise in. We build and resurface courts for homes, estates, schools and clubs.
What makes a good hard court
- A stable base. The court has to stay flat for many years, so the layer works must be compacted thoroughly and protected from water.
- Accurate levels. A court has a slight, even fall in one direction so water runs off without players feeling a slope. The asphalt is laid to much tighter tolerances than a driveway.
- Good perimeter drainage. Water running off the court, and onto it from the surrounding ground, has to be collected and taken away.
- The right surface finish. An acrylic sports coating provides grip, colour, consistent ball bounce and the line markings.
New court construction
- Site layout. We set out the court, run-off areas and fence line, and check the levels across the site.
- Earthworks. Topsoil is stripped and the ground shaped and compacted. On sloping sites this may involve cut and fill.
- Base layers. Imported base material is placed and compacted in layers, then trimmed to level.
- Edging and drainage. Edge beams or kerbs are installed, with channels or subsoil drains around the court where needed.
- Asphalt. The base is primed and asphalt is laid with close attention to level, then rolled.
- Curing. New asphalt must cure before the acrylic coating is applied. We give you the timeframe for your project.
- Surface coating and lines. The acrylic system and court markings are applied by a specialist sports-coating applicator, either through us or your preferred supplier.
Resurfacing an existing court
Older courts typically show cracks, faded or worn coating, low spots that hold water and, sometimes, lifted areas from tree roots. Depending on the condition, options include:
- Crack repair and recoating, where the base is still sound.
- An asphalt overlay, to correct levels and give a fresh surface for coating.
- Partial or full reconstruction, where the base has moved or drainage has failed.
We assess the court on site and explain what each option will and will not fix.
Multi-purpose courts
Many schools and estates want one surface that works for tennis, netball, basketball and five-a-side. The build is the same, with layout and markings planned for each sport. We can help you plan court sizes, fencing and run-off areas.
Other sports and play surfaces
The same careful asphalt work suits:
- Netball and basketball courts
- School play areas
- Cycle tracks and pump tracks
- Paths and walkways around sports fields
Related services
Courts often sit next to parking or access roads that need attention too. We can include parking areas, line marking or crack sealing in the same project.
Looking after a hard court
A well-built court needs simple, regular care:
- Keep it clean. Leaves, sand and moss trap moisture and make the surface slippery. Sweep or blow the court regularly, and clean it with water and a soft brush when needed.
- Keep drains clear. Blocked perimeter drains are a common cause of ponding and early damage.
- Watch for cracks. Small cracks are easy to fill; left alone, they let water reach the base.
- Trim trees and roots. Overhanging trees drop debris, and roots near the court edge can lift the surface.
- Plan a recoat. The acrylic coating wears with play and sun. Recoating every several years keeps the court looking good and playing consistently.
Fencing, lighting and access
Fencing posts, net posts and floodlight foundations are best planned before the asphalt goes down, so they do not have to be cut in later. We coordinate with your fencing and lighting contractors, or can recommend them.
Plan your court
Tell us where the court is and whether it is new or existing. We will visit the site, check levels and drainage, and send a written quote within 24 hours.