Converting a tennis court to padel
An underused tennis court is one of the easiest places to add padel. Here’s how many courts you can usually fit and what has to change.
A tennis court footprint can often hold two padel courts, and sometimes three when the fenced area is generous. What decides it is the full usable area inside the fence, not the painted lines. The existing base may be reusable, but it has to be checked for level, cracks and drainage before you count on it.
Why tennis courts are a natural fit
Tennis courts are already flat, fenced, drained and often lit. Converting one avoids much of the site work a new padel court needs, and it can turn one court used by two to four people at a time into multiple courts used by four players each.
How many padel courts fit
Each padel court needs roughly 21 by 11 meters for the structure. Measure the full surface inside the fence, then lay out courts with space for doors, walkways and light poles. Older or tighter tennis courts may only take two padel courts. Larger club courts with generous runoff can sometimes take three. A layout drawing settles it quickly.
What can usually be reused
- The base, if it’s level, sound and thick enough for anchoring
- Drainage around the perimeter
- Electrical service, and sometimes light poles if they’re in the right spots
- Access paths and parking
What usually has to change
- Anchoring: the padel frame bolts into the base, which may need new footings or reinforcement.
- Surface: tennis hard court or clay comes up, and padel turf goes down.
- Lighting: tennis lights are aimed for a different layout and usually need to be moved or replaced.
- Fencing: the old perimeter fence may stay or go depending on layout and access.
Is converting the right move?
For clubs, the question is usually demand. If tennis courts sit empty while members ask for padel, conversion can make sense. Some clubs convert one court and keep the rest for tennis, then add more padel as bookings grow.
Common questions
Can I convert just half a tennis court?
You can fit one padel court in part of a tennis footprint, but plan the whole area so you don’t block a second court later.
Will my tennis base hold up?
Many do, but cracks, settling or thin asphalt can mean partial or full replacement. A site assessment answers this.
Do I need a permit to convert?
Often, yes, especially if you’re adding structures, lights or changing use. Check with your town early.
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