Do NOT put in a pickleball court until you’ve watched this…

Summary

This video offers comprehensive advice for installing a pickleball court, emphasizing the importance of proper sizing, with a recommended 30x60 ft area instead of the standard 20x44 ft. It discusses the high costs involved, estimating $15,300-$40,000 for materials, labor, and extras like fencing and custom paint. The host shares insights on weather considerations, the curing process for concrete, and the inevitability of touch-ups. Tips include choosing stain-resistant colors, considering court location to minimize maintenance, and the option to save on fencing and nets. The video concludes with a product recommendation for high-quality pickleball paddles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper sizing is crucial: A regulation pickleball court is 20x44 ft, but a recommended size for actual play is 30x60 ft to accommodate the space needed.
• 💸 Cost considerations: Beyond concrete, consider the costs of paint, labor, fencing, and potential lawsuits if the court is not properly sized for safety.
• 🏗️ Concrete volume: For a 30x60 ft court, expect to use approximately 1,800 sq ft of concrete at a cost of $8 to $9 per sq ft.
• 🎨 Specialized paint: Pickleball courts require acrylic paint specially formulated for the game, which can be expensive and prone to staining if not chosen carefully.
• 🔨 Labor and materials: The total cost for a professionally installed pickleball court can range from $25,000 to $40,000, not including potential DIY savings.
• 🌧️ Weather impact: Proper grading is essential to prevent water pooling and staining. Weather conditions can significantly affect the timeline and success of the project.
• 🏞️ Fencing considerations: For privacy and to contain the ball, consider taller fencing, especially if neighbors are close. The standard 4ft may not be sufficient.
• 🎨 Custom colors: Custom court colors can be achieved but require special mixing and may increase labor costs and the potential for color mismatch during touch-ups.
• 🧹 Ongoing maintenance: Regular upkeep is necessary to prevent leaves and debris from affecting play and to maintain the court's appearance.
• ⏱️ Curing time: Concrete requires a curing period of 30 days or more before painting, which can delay the project timeline significantly.
• 🛠️ DIY vs. Professional: While DIY might save money, it could increase time and stress. Hiring a professional contractor can ensure a smoother process but at a higher cost.

Q & A

What is the recommended size for a pickleball court according to the video?

The video suggests that while a regulation pickleball court is 20x44 feet, the actual size should be 30x60 feet to accommodate for safety and playing space.

Why did the video creator decide to expand the court size beyond the regulation dimensions?

The video creator wanted extra space to play and avoid stepping off the court, so they added 2 feet on each side and 5 feet on the front and back, resulting in a 24x54 feet court.

What was the cost of concrete for the pickleball court as mentioned in the video?

The cost of concrete for the pickleball court was calculated to be $8 to $9 per square foot, totaling approximately $15,300 for the concrete alone.

What additional costs were considered in the video for a pickleball court installation?

Additional costs included paint, labor, fencing, net installation, and concrete formwork, which could raise the total cost to between $25,000 and $40,000.

What is the importance of proper grading on a pickleball court as discussed in the video?

Proper grading is crucial to prevent water pooling and staining, which can damage the court surface, especially in areas with occasional rainfall.

Why might higher fencing be necessary for a pickleball court, and what height was recommended in the video?

Higher fencing is necessary to prevent balls from flying over and annoying neighbors. The video recommended considering 10-ft fencing instead of the 8-ft used.

What challenges did the video creator face with custom paint colors for the pickleball court?

Custom paint colors were difficult to mix correctly, leading to increased labor costs and the potential for color mismatches during touch-ups.

What maintenance tools did the video suggest for upkeep of a pickleball court?

The video suggested keeping a push broom and a battery-operated leaf blower on hand for regular court maintenance.

How does weather impact the installation timeline of a pickleball court according to the video?

Weather impacts the timeline by affecting the curing process of the concrete and the painting conditions, potentially delaying the project by weeks or months.

What is the curing period for concrete in a pickleball court as mentioned in the video?

The video states that the concrete needs to cure for a total of 30 days or more before painting can commence.

What is the video creator's advice on whether to DIY or hire a professional for pickleball court installation?

The video creator advises against doing it yourself due to the complexity and potential for mistakes, recommending hiring a professional contractor.

What alternatives did the video suggest to reduce costs for pickleball court installation?

The video suggested using a netting system instead of a high-end fence, purchasing a net from Amazon, and investing in good quality paddles for cost-effectiveness.