With growing interest in community sports infrastructure in Mumbai, many builders, societies, and clubs are evaluating whether to install a pickleball court or a tennis court. While both offer fantastic physical activity and community engagement, they differ significantly in terms of space, cost, construction complexity, and audience appeal.
If you’re planning to construct a sports court and wondering which is better for your location, timeline, and investment, this blog will help you make the right decision.
Understanding the Basics
What Is a Tennis Court?
A tennis court is a full-sized court measuring 78 ft x 36 ft (doubles) and requires a buffer area around the court, bringing the total to 120 ft x 60 ft. It’s a standard option for sports complexes, schools, and larger housing societies.
What Is a Pickleball Court?
A pickleball court is much smaller, just 44 ft x 20 ft, with a recommended total area of 60 ft x 30 ft, including buffer space. The sport uses a wiffle ball and paddle, and it appeals to all age groups due to its easy learning curve and low-impact nature.
Space Requirements Comparison
| Feature | Pickleball Court | Tennis Court |
|---|---|---|
| Play Area (ft) | 44 x 20 | 78 x 36 (doubles) |
| Total Area Needed | ~1,800 sq. ft. | ~7,200 sq. ft. |
| Space Efficiency | ✅ High (compact) | ❌ Needs larger land |
| Best Suited For | Rooftops, small societies, clubs | Large plots, schools, public parks |
💡 Tip: You can fit *four pickleball courts in the space of one tennis court, making it an ideal option for space-constrained projects in urban Mumbai.
Budget & Construction Cost Comparison
| Aspect | Pickleball Court (avg.) | Tennis Court (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation & Base Work | ₹60–80 per sq. ft | ₹60–80 per sq. ft |
| Surfacing (Acrylic/Concrete) | ₹120–180 per sq. ft | ₹180–240 per sq. ft |
| Net System | ₹15,000–₹25,000 | ₹40,000–₹60,000 |
| Lighting & Fencing | ₹1.5–2.5 lakh | ₹3–5 lakh |
| Total Estimate | ₹4–6 lakh | ₹12–18 lakh |
🔍 Insight: If you’re on a mid-level budget and want a fast ROI, pickleball offers quicker completion and more usage per square foot.
Construction Timeline
| Activity | Pickleball Court | Tennis Court |
|---|---|---|
| Site Preparation & Base Laying | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
| Surfacing & Coating | 7–10 days | 10–14 days |
| Accessories Installation | 2–3 days | 2–3 days |
| Total Time | 3 weeks max | 4–5 weeks |
📍 Real-world example:
A premium society in Thane hired a Mumbai-based contractor to build two rooftop pickleball courts. The entire setup, including lighting, fencing, and line markings, was completed in just 16 days—boosting resident engagement instantly.
Popularity & Audience Appeal
| Criteria | Pickleball | Tennis |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Easy – All age groups | Moderate to Difficult |
| Equipment Cost | ₹2,000–₹4,000 per player | ₹5,000–₹12,000 per player |
| Age Inclusivity | ✅ Seniors, Kids, Adults | ❌ Mostly Youth & Adults |
| Community Engagement | ✅ High (doubles-friendly) | Moderate |
👪 Pickleball wins big on inclusivity—ideal for mixed-age societies or commercial projects promoting recreation.
Infrastructure Considerations in Mumbai
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Drainage: Choose slightly sloped concrete or asphalt to handle monsoon water
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Lighting: LED floodlights help extend usage hours
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Fencing: Chain-link (10–12 ft high) for both courts to prevent ball loss
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Surface Material: Use acrylic surfacing with anti-skid coating for both court types
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Rooftop Setup: Pickleball is more viable for rooftops due to lower load-bearing requirements
Why Choose a Road Contractor for Court Construction?
Experienced road contractors in Mumbai like EV & CO already specialize in:
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Earthwork and sub-base preparation
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Concrete/asphalt surfacing
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Drainage and slope handling
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Compliance with local norms (BMC/MMRDA)
Their equipment and experience with civil projects give them a significant edge in court construction for housing societies, clubs, schools, and institutions.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Build?
| Your Situation | Recommended Court |
|---|---|
| Limited space, limited budget | ✅ Pickleball |
| Rooftop or compact society project | ✅ Pickleball |
| High-end club or public sports park | ✅ Tennis |
| Want fast completion & high usage | ✅ Pickleball |
Ready To Build a Court That Residents Will Love?
EV & CO has over 70 years of experience building sports and road infrastructure in Mumbai. Whether you’re planning a tennis court or a modern pickleball facility, we handle it from concept to completion—with speed, quality, and compliance.
👉 Free site evaluation. On-time delivery. Transparent pricing.
