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Building a Padel Court: Space Requirements and Indoor vs. Outdoor Considerations

Tags: Guidance

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, combining elements of tennis and squash in a fast-paced, social game. If you're considering building a padel court—whether for personal, commercial, or club use, it's important to understand the space requirements and whether you want to build indoors or outdoors. Here's what you need to know.

Standard Padel Court Dimensions

A standard padel court has specific dimensions regulated by the International Padel Federation (FIP):

  • Length:

    20 metres (65.6 feet)

  • Width:

    10 metres (32.8 feet)

  • Total area:

    200 square metres (2,150 square feet)

The court is enclosed by glass and metal mesh walls, and the net divides the court in half across the 10-metre width. It requires at least 6 metres (19.7 feet) of clear height for safe play, though 7 to 8 metres (23 to 26 feet) is recommended, especially for indoor courts, to accommodate lobs and improve overall gameplay.

Extra Space Requirements

In addition to the playing area, consider the following extra space:

  • Perimeter clearance:

    Ideally, allow at least 0.5-1 metre (1.6-3.3 feet) around the court for player and maintenance access.

  • Spectator or waiting area:

    If you plan to include seating or social zones, add more square footage.

  • Storage & utilities:

    Space for equipment storage, lighting control, and maintenance access.

  • Changing rooms:

    Consider an area for changing, toilets and shower facilities.

We advise a minimum of approximately 250 square metres for a single court installation, though ideally, additional space is recommended.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Padel Courts

Deciding whether to install your court indoor or outdoor can often be a challenge. Here we summarise some of the advantages and disadvantages of both options:

Outdoor Padel Courts

Pros:

  • Natural lighting and ventilation.
  • Great for seasonal or warm-weather use.

Cons:

  • Weather-dependent (rain, snow, wind), unless adding a canopy.
  • Maintenance required due to exposure to elements.
  • Lighting needed for evening play.

Considerations:

  • Ensure proper drainage and anti-slip surfacing.
  • Windbreaks or partial coverings can improve play conditions.

Indoor Padel Courts

Pros:

  • Year-round usability regardless of weather.
  • Controlled lighting and temperature.
  • Better surface longevity due to protection from the elements.
  • Lower maintenance costs.

Cons:

  • Requires a larger indoor structure (like a warehouse or custom-built hall).
  • Must meet minimum ceiling height (preferably 7-8 metres).

Considerations:

  • Adequate ventilation or HVAC system.
  • Proper lighting (LED or floodlights) to mimic daylight conditions.

Conclusion

To build a padel court, you'll need at least 250 m² of space for the court itself, and ideally more to include access and comfort zones. Whether indoor or outdoor depends on your climate, budget, and intended use.

  • If you're in a mild or warm climate: outdoor is a solid choice.
  • If you need year-round usage or want to host professional-level games: indoor is the better long-term investment.

Careful planning ensures your padel court is safe, durable, and enjoyable for years to come.

Padel Build UK can provide expert advice and support to help you choose the right type of court for your space, budget, and goals. Get in touch now at sales@padelbuilduk.com.