Are you in the market for a tennis court for your home or business? Are you unsure which type of court you want to install? Whether your goal is to have a professional court or a place to hit a few tennis balls around, it’s good to know what your options are. Here are a few types of tennis court materials, and their pros and cons.
Clay: There are actually several types of clay tennis courts in the world. Colors abound and materials vary (no, not all ‘clay’ courts are made from actual clay), but the main thing to know is the surface is like playing on a thick, packed surface of dry dirt. The benefits of playing on a clay surface are that clay is easier on the player’s body and it tends to slow the ball down. The surface also allows the player to slide into the ball instead of having to abruptly stop to hit the ball to the opponent. Many tennis pros prefer the clay courts, and most professional courts are some form of a clay surface.
Draw-backs to this type of surface are the constant upkeep of the court. The material is ‘loose’ (not a solid surface), so the court requires ‘rolling’ and constant flattening after each use. Tennis Court Contractors in Tampa are usually hired to both install and maintain the surface, but some businesses have in-house equipment to do this as well. Clay courts also have an issue of staining both clothing and shoes because the player is essentially running on loose clay.
Asphalt: This material is the easiest and most basic type of a tennis court. It is easy to install, easy to keep up, and lasts for a long time. This type of surface is also cheaper overall. While the clay courts have a cheaper initial price tag, asphalt courts have minimal upkeep, so the purchaser spends the initial amount with no residual costs involved. Asphalt courts can be painted to fit any color scheme, and most Tennis Court Contractors in Tampa install both asphalt and clay surfaces. In fact, companies such as Stewart Tennis Courts and Fencing of Tampa have experienced installers for both surfaces. Draw-backs of asphalt include impact on the body and overheated surfaces.
Whether you decide on a clay surface or asphalt, tennis courts can be a lasting, fun place for exercise and socialization. Investing in tennis courts will make your property more functional and beautiful.