Professional tennis is played on grass, clay or a hard court. At the US Open, the game is played on hard court. At Wimbledon, the game is played on grass, and at the French Open, the game is played on clay. These surfaces offer different playing characteristics and players tend to dominate one surface or another.
Most indoor and outdoor tennis courts are hardcourt and there are several materials available for these surfaces. Choosing between them is a case of budget and who will play on the court. Professionals will demand a certain playing surface while amateur and hobby players will be fine with any sound surface.
Non-porous acrylic
Non-porous acrylic is used at the US Open. It delivers the smoothest transition and the best bounce and shock absorption. The acrylic is non-porous so it’s only suitable for indoor courts. It’s also the most expensive option.
Porous acrylic
Porous acrylic is used for professional outdoor courts. It delivers the same performance as non-porous acrylic but with a slightly harder bounce. It’s non-slip and designed to be used in wet weather. It’s a good choice for high-quality courts.
PKK (porous cushion court)
PKK is an indoor or outdoor tennis court surface. It’s more cushioned than acrylic and is considered a training surface. Children and hobbyists will be best-served by PKK but some professionals also enjoy training on it.
Asphalt
Asphalt is an outdoor tennis court surface. It offers all-weather performance and a high bounce. It is not considered a professional surface. It’s most widely found in parks and in schools because it’s affordable and long-lasting.
Which is the right tennis court surface for you?
If you are building an outdoor tennis court you have three options:
- Porous acrylic (best for semi-pro and professional use)
- PKK (best for training courts)
- Asphalt (best for parks, playgrounds and recreational use)
If you are building an indoor court, non-porous acrylic is the best choice in terms of performance. Acrylic is durable and can be finished in any colour. It requires a concrete subfloor that’s level. If your existing floor isn’t level, it will need levelling first. We provide a complete installation solution so get in touch.
For more information or to discuss a project please contact us on +44 1706 260 220 or email sales@tvs-sportssurfaces.com.
