Can pickleball be played on concrete? Yes, but concrete is too rigid and inflexible to allow for proper traction. Fortunately, it is possible to play on a tennis court. Tennis courts are made for racquetball games, and they will provide adequate traction.
Here’s how to choose the right surface for pickleball. Listed below are the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Asphalt Is a Better Surface for Pickleball than Concrete
If you’re looking for a court for pickleball, you may be wondering whether asphalt is a better surface for the game.
Pickleball is an activity that requires quick reactions, and a proper surface is important for the game’s success. A concrete court is the least expensive option but can be difficult to keep clean.
Asphalt, on the other hand, can be durable, but requires more upkeep. Generally, pickleball courts are made from asphalt or concrete.
Both types of surfaces are suitable for playing pickleball, and the choice is ultimately up to the homeowner and the game’s preferences.
The best surface for a pickleball court is a rubber polyurethane or acrylic coating. If you can’t afford to spend a lot of money, a grass or clay surface can be used.
Once the court is completed, install the permanent net posts. You will need to install three 2-foot-square posts on the court.
If you’re installing the net posts on a concrete surface, use a 10-S NeverRust pickleball post set. Afterward, place the 3-inch commercial PVC pipe at the base of the posts.
After leveling the pipe, lay the concrete in the area around it and angle it away from the opposing net post. Then, pour fast-setting concrete over the pipe and cut off the excess when it dries.
Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk
Aside from being durable, jumbo sidewalk chalk is safe for both adults and children. This chalk is a specially formulated, non-toxic material that comes in seven vibrant colors.
The set comes with 52 pieces of high-quality jumbo chalk. The jumbo sidewalk chalk is designed to be durable and easy to use, and it comes in a bucket with 12 different color variations.
Its jumbo size is ideal for little kids since it is not too thick or too thin to break.
The jumbo sidewalk chalk set by Crayola is a durable, anti-rolling stick that stays in place even when walked on. They are safe for children and can be washed off with a hose or good rain.
You can also purchase one of the sets that have glitter and neon colors. There’s a color for every occasion.
If you’re looking for a unique set of pickleball chalk, choose one that includes neon colors, or opt for one that is a bit more permanent.
Toddler Crayons
Toddler crayons or sidewalk chalk are great options for non-permanent pickleball courts. Toddler crayons last a long time and won’t smear when stepped on.
But they will fade over time, so they aren’t a good choice for a permanent pickleball court. However, if your kid is resistant to crayons, you can always touch up the lines to make them more visible.
Post-Tension Concrete
The durability of a post-tensioned pickleball court is one of the main benefits of these tennis courts. They will not shift or crack and can hold up to 20 years of play.
The process starts with the installation of a steel frame around the perimeter of the court, which is partially filled with gravel. The frame provides adhesion points for the concrete.
Then, cables are installed over the gravel, creating gridwork. As the concrete dries, the cables are placed and tensioned to make the surface more durable.
Another advantage of post-tensioned concrete is that it requires far less maintenance and repair than traditional concrete courts.
In addition to being less susceptible to cracking, the steel reinforcement is embedded in the concrete at its tension zones.
Post-tensioned concrete is ideal for courts with expansive soils and poor load-bearing capacity. By adding post-tensioned reinforcing to the concrete structure, the courts will be more resistant to cracks and can last longer.