Top Factors to Consider before Installing a Tennis Court Surface
If your child shows an interest in playing tennis, then it might be time to install a tennis court to help them practice. Such a facility will go a long way in assisting the children to hone sporting skills very early in life. That said, it is critical to choose the right tennis surface for your home. Most importantly, consider the factors highlighted herein before installing a tennis court surface.
Maintenance Capability — Different tennis surfaces have varying maintenance requirements. Therefore, whichever surface you choose must match your maintenance capabilities. For instance, clay courts are considered high maintenance because the surfaces need constant watering to keep the surface moist, playable and structurally sound. Putting this into consideration, you must have sufficient supply of water, failure of which you will struggle to keep the clay court in playable conditions. On the other hand, concrete surfaces are the easiest to maintain, hence the best if you are looking for a low-maintenance tennis court surface.
Performance Level — Another factor that most people forget when choosing a tennis surface is the performance level of the people that will be using the facility. The reason is that tennis balls behave differently on different surfaces, and this can affect a child's progress. For example, clay surfaces are the slowest and arguably the safest, which makes them the best for amateur athletes that are still learning the basics. Since amateurs are not fast, the slow movement of the ball gives them a chance to reach it in time. Additionally, the cushioning effect of clay helps to absorb stresses on amateurs' legs, thereby reducing the chances of injuries. However, if players already know the basics and want to better their speed from one end of the baseline, then a soft surface such as grass is suitable. There is less friction, hence the ball glides on the surface of the lawn. A synthetic court will suffice for recreational play where speed and safety are equally important.
Climatic Conditions — The weather affects court surfaces in unique ways. Therefore, make sure that the surface you select matches well with a particular region's climate. For example, concrete tennis courts tend to develop surface cracks in areas that experience high temperatures during the day. The sudden drop in temperatures during the night causes concrete to contract and expand, thus leading to fissures and eventual cracks. Therefore, concrete tennis court surfaces appropriate for low-temperature climate zones. Clay courts also do well in wet conditions because they quickly absorb rainwater, thus ensuring the desired moistness. Grass courts, on the other hand, have are best suited to hot climates because they rely on artificial watering techniques. For an all-round surface, go with a synthetic tennis surface.
