Padel Court Guide: Dimensions, Surfaces & Types Explained

Padel rackets and balls arranged on blue court

Padel Court Guide: Dimensions, Surfaces & Types Explained

Whether you're a curious newcomer, a club manager planning a facility, or a player who simply wants to understand the court you're standing on, this guide covers everything about padel court design — dimensions, surfaces, wall types, and what makes a great court.

Padel Court Dimensions

A standard padel court measures 20 metres long by 10 metres wide. These dimensions are set by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and are consistent worldwide. Here's the full breakdown:

Total length: 20m
Total width: 10m
Service line: 6.95m from the back wall
Centre service line: Divides each service box equally down the middle
Net height (centre): 88cm
Net height (sides): 92cm
Net length: 10m (the full width of the court)

The court is divided into two halves by the net, with each half containing two service boxes. The service boxes are formed by the service line (running parallel to the net at 6.95m from the back wall) and the centre service line (running perpendicular from the net to the service line). There is no doubles alley in padel — the full 10m width is always in play.

Wall Specifications

The walls are what make padel unique. They're not just boundaries — they're part of the playing surface. Understanding the wall layout helps you read the game better.

Back Walls

The back walls are 3 metres high and are typically made of tempered glass (10mm or 12mm thick). Glass allows spectators to watch from behind the court and gives the court an open, modern feel. Above the 3m glass, there is usually 1 metre of metallic mesh fencing, bringing the total back wall height to 4 metres.

Side Walls

The side walls have a stepped structure. The first section nearest to the back wall is solid (glass or concrete) at 3m high, then steps down. The remaining side sections use metallic mesh fencing. The total side enclosure height is 4m at the back, stepping down to 3m in the middle section. The area closest to the net on each side has metallic mesh from ground level up to 4m, with openings for court access.

Metallic Mesh

The mesh fencing used above the glass and on the upper portions of the side walls has a specific gauge and pattern. The ball can rebound off the mesh, but the bounce is less predictable than off glass — which adds a tactical element to the game.

Court Surface Types

The playing surface is crucial to how the game feels and plays. There are several options:

Artificial Grass with Sand Infill

This is the most common surface worldwide and the standard in Ireland. Short-pile artificial grass (typically 12–15mm) is laid over a prepared base and infilled with fine silica sand. This surface provides excellent grip, allows controlled sliding, and is kind to joints. It requires regular brushing and occasional sand top-ups to maintain performance. Most professional tournaments use this surface.

Concrete

Some older or budget facilities use painted concrete. It's durable and low-maintenance but harder on the body and offers a very different playing experience. The ball bounces higher and faster, and there's no ability to slide. Not recommended for regular play and increasingly rare in new builds.

Carpet / Synthetic Surface

Textile carpet surfaces are occasionally used, particularly in temporary or indoor setups. They provide a consistent bounce but can wear unevenly and don't offer the same playing experience as artificial grass. These are uncommon in Ireland.

Indoor vs Outdoor Courts in Ireland

Given Ireland's climate — let's be honest about the rain — the majority of padel courts in Ireland are indoor or covered. This is actually an advantage for the sport's growth, as it means padel can be played year-round regardless of weather.

Indoor courts are typically housed in purpose-built facilities, converted warehouses, or sports complexes. They require good artificial lighting (LED floodlights are standard, positioned to avoid glare) and adequate ceiling height (minimum 7m, ideally 8m or more).

Outdoor courts do exist in Ireland, particularly at tennis clubs that have added padel facilities. These work well during the summer months but see reduced usage in winter. Some outdoor courts have retractable roofs or semi-permanent canopy structures as a compromise.

How Many Padel Courts Fit on a Tennis Court?

This is a question that every tennis club committee in Ireland has asked. The answer: one standard tennis court can accommodate roughly two padel courts.

A tennis court (including run-offs) is approximately 36m x 18m. A padel court is 20m x 10m. With appropriate spacing and safety margins, you can fit two padel courts side by side in the footprint of one tennis court with surrounding areas. This has made padel an attractive proposition for tennis clubs looking to diversify — you're effectively doubling your court capacity while adding a new sport.

Panoramic Courts vs Standard Courts

Standard courts use a combination of solid walls (glass or concrete) and mesh. The back walls and lower side walls near the corners are solid, with mesh above and along the rest of the sides.

Panoramic courts maximise the use of glass, replacing concrete side sections with glass panels. This creates a more open, visually striking court that's better for spectators and TV coverage. Panoramic courts are increasingly popular in new Irish facilities and are the standard for professional tournaments.

From a playing perspective, there's a subtle difference: glass gives a more consistent, predictable rebound than concrete. Panoramic courts therefore play slightly differently in the corners and along the side walls.

Cost to Build a Padel Court in Ireland

Building a padel court in Ireland involves several cost factors. As a rough guide:

Single outdoor court: €40,000–€60,000 (including surface, glass, mesh, lighting)
Single indoor court: €60,000–€80,000+ (add structural covering costs)
Multi-court facility (4+ courts): Economies of scale bring the per-court cost down

These figures are rough estimates and vary significantly depending on location, ground conditions, specification of materials, and whether you're converting an existing space or building from scratch. Planning permission, site preparation, drainage, and changing facilities add to the overall project cost.

What Makes a Good Court Facility

Beyond the court itself, the best padel facilities in Ireland share several features:

Quality lighting: Even, shadow-free LED lighting at appropriate lux levels
Social area: A clubhouse, cafe, or seating area where players can gather before and after matches — padel is inherently social
Online booking system: Easy-to-use court booking via app or website (Playtomic is the most common platform in Ireland)
Coaching availability: Access to qualified coaches for lessons and group sessions
Changing facilities: Showers, lockers, and somewhere to change
Pro shop or equipment hire: Racket rental for newcomers and accessories for regulars
Good ventilation: Essential for indoor courts, especially during peak hours