Planning · Updated 19 October 2026
A padel court is a steel and glass structure that has to stand perfectly still for many years, in wind, rain and frost. The court itself is only as good as what it stands on. When you buy courts from Padel Provider, we deliver and install the court, while you arrange the site, the foundation and the permits. That makes the foundation one of the most important decisions you will make yourself.
The clearest public benchmark we know of is the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) 2025 construction guidance note for padel courts in Great Britain. Local rules differ from country to country, but the principles are the same everywhere. Below we summarise what the guidance says, and turn it into practical questions for your contractor.
What a padel court foundation consists of
An outdoor padel court normally sits on three layers of work:
- A perimeter ring beam – a reinforced concrete beam running around the court. The posts of the glass and mesh enclosure are fixed to it with base plates.
- A sub-base – a free-draining stone layer inside the ring beam, topped with asphalt.
- Drainage – so rain water leaves the court instead of sitting under the turf.
According to the LTA, a new outdoor court should have at least 150 mm of free-draining stone, with an asphalt binder course of 40 mm and a surface course of 25 mm (compacted depths). The guidance also states that a permanent outdoor court must stand on a ring beam or below-ground foundation – not a steel-plated or above-ground foundation.
Why a structural engineer should design it
The LTA is very clear that the ring beam, sub-base and drainage must be designed by a qualified structural engineer, taking into account ground conditions and the wind loads at your location. The engineer should be involved from the start, so the foundation and drainage can be included when you ask contractors for prices.
There is a practical reason too. Padel court manufacturers’ warranties usually cover the court components – for example wear and corrosion – but not structural failure caused by the ground or foundation underneath. A site-specific foundation design, backed by the engineer’s professional indemnity insurance, protects you where the court warranty does not.
How much space the base needs
The playing area is 20 x 10 metres, but the base is larger. The LTA’s minimum area for outdoor courts includes a nominal 400 mm ring beam and a 1.5 m gap between courts (but no extra out-of-court play area):
| Number of courts | Minimum area (length x width) |
|---|---|
| 1 court | 20.80 x 10.80 m |
| 2 courts | 20.80 x 22.30 m |
| 3 courts | 20.80 x 33.80 m |
| 4 courts | 20.80 x 45.30 m |
Remember to add space for access paths, lighting columns if they stand outside the court, and any out-of-court play area if you plan elite tournaments. See our guide to padel court dimensions and space.
What the groundwork typically costs
The LTA publishes indicative UK costs based on delivered projects in 2025, excluding VAT and fees. For the ring beam, court base, ducting and drainage, the figures are around £35,000 for one court, £78,000 for two, £110,000 for three and £140,000 for four. Final costs depend heavily on location and ground conditions, so treat these as a benchmark rather than a quote – prices in other countries can be very different.
Questions to ask your contractor
- Who designs the ring beam, sub-base and drainage, and does that person carry professional indemnity insurance?
- Is the design site-specific, based on our ground conditions and local wind loads?
- What is the build-up of the base – stone depth, asphalt layers and compacted thicknesses?
- How is surface water drained, and where does it discharge?
- What gradient is the base laid to, and what level tolerance do you guarantee?
- Does the ring beam match the court supplier’s post and base plate layout?
- Where will ducting for lighting cables run?
- Is there 1.2 m clear access for sports wheelchairs, as the LTA recommends?
- What warranty do you give on the foundation, and for how long?
Before the concrete is poured, share the court drawings from your court supplier with the contractor. We provide technical specifications for the courts we deliver, so your contractor can build the ring beam to the correct dimensions.
Frequently asked questions
Can a padel court be built on an existing tennis court?
Often yes, but the existing base must be checked by an engineer. The posts still need a ring beam or suitable foundation, and the old surface must be level and drain properly.
Who is responsible for the foundation when I buy courts from Padel Provider?
You are. We deliver and install the courts and supply the technical specifications. The site, foundation and permits are handled by you and your local contractor.
Can I use a steel-plated foundation instead of concrete?
For a permanent outdoor court, the LTA guidance says no: it must be a ring beam or below-ground foundation. Check the rules in your own country with your engineer.
Source: LTA, Padel Court Construction Guidance Note 2025 (lta.org.uk).
Planning padel courts?
Send us the number of courts, indoor or outdoor, and your country. We will send you a quote for courts, freight and installation.