Designing Pickleball Courts for Player Comfort & Performance
When it comes to building a great pickleball court, the surface is just the beginning.
Whether you're planning a court for your backyard, your community, or a commercial facility, design decisions that prioritize comfort and player experience can turn a good court into a great one—and help ensure it gets used year-round.
At Peachtree Pickleball Courts, we’ve built courts across Georgia that don’t just look great, but play even better. Here are some often-overlooked features that can take your court from functional to exceptional.
1. Orientation: Don’t Let the Sun Win
One of the first things we consider when designing a court is orientation—where the court faces in relation to the sun. A north-south orientation is typically ideal, helping to avoid direct sunlight in players’ eyes during morning and afternoon matches.
For multi-court builds, we take care to angle layouts just right, especially if night play or league events are part of the plan.
2. Shade Structures That Actually Work
Georgia heat is no joke, and neither is sun fatigue. Whether it's for players between games or spectators cheering from the sidelines, strategic shade can make all the difference.
We might recommend:
Permanent or retractable shade sails
Steel-framed pergolas with UV-resistant covers
Integrated benches under awnings
The goal is to keep everyone cool and safe—without obstructing views or play areas.
3. Windscreens for Playability and Privacy
Even a light breeze can change the trajectory of a serve. Installing windscreens on fences not only reduces wind interference but also adds a level of privacy—especially important for courts near homes or in public parks.
Bonus: Branded windscreens with your facility name or logo can also double as low-cost marketing.
4. Court Lighting That’s Easy on the Eyes
If your court will see action after dark (or early in the morning), lighting is a must. But not all lighting is created equal.
We install LED court lighting systems that:
Minimize glare
Distribute light evenly
Are energy-efficient and meet local code requirements
Proper lighting doesn’t just extend your playable hours—it improves safety and reduces eye strain, especially for older players.
5. Player-Friendly Surface Coatings
A quality acrylic surface is standard, but the right coating system can significantly improve grip, cushion, and heat reduction.
We offer surface options that:
Provide better traction in wet or humid conditions
Reflect sunlight to reduce surface temperature
Add slight cushioning for joint relief (especially helpful for seniors)
This is a detail most players won’t notice until they step on your court—and realize how much better it feels.
6. Comfortable, Durable Seating Areas
From benches to bleachers, the right seating improves comfort and creates a welcoming vibe for guests and tournament watchers.
For residential courts, we often include:
Built-in benches or wall seating
Courtside patios or pergola lounges
For commercial builds:
Tiered bleacher systems
ADA-compliant seating options
Cool-down zones with misting fans or water fountains
It’s not just about the game—it’s about the atmosphere.
7. Smart Drainage and Surface Slope
Water pooling is a big no-no for any sport court. Our builds include:
Proper sub-base compaction
Slope gradients for quick drainage
Edge detailing to reduce splash or erosion
This ensures your court stays playable, safe, and low-maintenance—rain or shine.
Design for Comfort = Courts That Get Used
In short: when your court is designed for comfort and performance, people spend more time on it. That leads to:
Higher member retention
More events and lessons
Better ROI on your investment
We believe courts should play great, look great, and make people want to come back again and again.
Let’s Build It Right the First Time
If you’re thinking about adding or upgrading a pickleball court—whether it’s for your home, your neighborhood, or your commercial space—let’s talk. At Peachtree Pickleball Courts, we’ll help you design a space that players love, and that you’ll be proud to own.
📍Serving homeowners, HOAs, and businesses across Georgia
📞 Contact us for a free consultation today
