Padel tennis, one of the fastest-growing sports branches in recent years, has brought with it a significant need for facility development. However, the construction of a padel court is not just about creating a playing area; this process is subject to strict technical criteria set by international federations. At Reform Sports, with the global experience we have gained in sports facility construction since 1994, we know that a padel court must meet certain standards for both player health and official tournament approval.
Especially in corporate projects, municipal tenders, or professional club investments, the certification of the materials used and the precision of application are the fundamental elements that determine the success of the project. A court that is not correctly planned can lead to ground deformations or safety risks such as glass breakage in a short time. Therefore, it is of vital importance to master the technical regulations at the very beginning of the project.
What Standards Should Padel Courts Comply With?
The main point of reference in the construction of a padel court is the regulations published by the International Padel Federation (FIP). In order for official competitions to be held, the court must be 100% compatible with the norms specified in the official padel court standards (FIP) document. These standards include not only dimensions but also the durability of the glass used, the position of the lighting poles, and ground flexibility.
The most critical component in a court compliant with standards is the glass panels. These panels, produced with tempered glass technology, are generally required to be 10 mm or 12 mm thick. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of the court’s metal frame structure is a necessity for long-term durability, especially in outdoor courts. At Reform Sports, we protect all metal parts with electrostatic oven paint and galvanization processes, meeting international durability standards.
Padel Court Dimensions and Official Rules
Since padel is a hybrid version of tennis and squash sports, the playing area has very specific dimensions. A standard padel court is 10 meters wide and 20 meters long from the outside. A net passes through the middle of this rectangular area and divides the area into two equal squares. Service lines must be located 6.95 meters from the net, and the center line must divide the service area in two.
When detailed padel court dimensions are examined, the height of the walls surrounding the court is also clearly defined in the rulebook. While the back walls consist of 3-meter-high glass or reinforced concrete structures, the use of wire mesh is mandatory in certain parts of the side walls. These structural features directly affect the duration of the ball in the game and strategic shots. Having knowledge about padel game rules to better understand the flow of the game and the scoring system provides great convenience to architects and engineers when making the ergonomic design of the court.
Technical Criteria for Padel Court Construction
In the construction of a court in accordance with technical specifications, ground preparation is as critical as the superstructure. Padel courts are generally built on a concrete or asphalt sub-floor. However, this ground must be leveled (balanced) with zero error using laser measuring devices. Even the slightest slope error causes gaps in the assembly of glass panels or irregular bouncing of the ball.
The main criteria to be followed in the construction of a padel court are as follows:
- Surface Type: Generally, monofilament synthetic turf carpets produced specifically for padel are preferred. These carpets provide ideal ball bounce performance by being supported with sand infill.
- Lighting: Poles should be placed outside the playing area or at the junction points of the glasses so as not to obstruct the players’ view. A minimum of 400-500 lux level of homogeneous light distribution should be provided.
- Glass and Steel Harmony: Supporting the connection elements between the glass panels and the metal frame with UV-resistant and impact-resistant neoprene gaskets is the most important technical detail that prevents the glass from bursting.
At Reform Sports, with our quality understanding ongoing since 1994, we offer professional solutions to both individual investors and large-scale tenders. A facility built in accordance with standards not only adds prestige but also extends the operational life to 15-20 years.