Padel is booming across the globe, and more and more investors, sports clubs, municipalities, and even private individuals are deciding to build their own courts. But building a padel court isn’t just about laying turf and putting up some glass walls—it takes planning, expertise, and flawless execution.
At Portico Sport, as specialists in the design, manufacture, and installation of padel courts worldwide, we’ve seen the most common mistakes people make—and we know exactly how to avoid them. If you’re looking for padel court building tips from experienced professionals, here are the key pitfalls to steer clear of.
1. Choosing the wrong location
One of the most common mistakes is placing the court in a poorly oriented spot with limited sun exposure, bad drainage, or constant wind. Accessibility and having enough space around the court are also often overlooked. A bad location can make the court uncomfortable to play on and may lead to long-term damage.
Portico Tip: We carefully study the site and advise our clients to ensure the best possible performance and durability.
2. Ignoring official regulations
Many courts fail to meet official standards due to lack of information or guidance—whether it’s incorrect dimensions, non-approved materials, or inadequate lighting. This prevents hosting official tournaments, makes the court less attractive to players, and can even result in penalties.
Portico Tip: All our padel courts are certified by the Spanish Padel Federation and comply with international standards (FIP), making them suitable for professional-level competitions.
3. Cutting costs on materials and structure
Some try to cut corners by using low-quality materials or lightweight structures. This leads to faster wear and tear, safety concerns, and unexpected maintenance or replacement costs.
Portico Tip: We use galvanized steel structures and premium materials designed to withstand heavy use and extreme weather—without compromising on design.
4. Hiring non-professional installers
Even the best court can fail if not properly installed. A poorly compacted foundation, uneven turf, or badly secured glass panels can affect gameplay and safety.
Portico Tip: Our experienced international installation team has assembled multiple courts simultaneously at top-tier events like the Hexagon Cup and A1 Padel tournaments.
5. Overlooking the player experience
A court might be technically sound, but if it doesn’t provide a great player experience, it falls short. Things like proper lighting, easy access, comfortable seating, shaded areas, or panoramic design to improve visibility can make a big difference.
Portico Tip: We design each court with the player in mind, adapting to the needs of each club or private client to elevate the overall experience.
Final Thoughts
Building a padel court is a smart investment—but only if done right from the start. To avoid construction errors that could cost you time and money, it’s essential to work with professionals who understand every detail of the process.
At Portico Sport, we’ve spent over 15 years helping clubs, municipalities, hotels, and individuals create courts that blend design, quality, and long-lasting performance.
Thinking about building your first padel court?
Let’s make sure you do it right from day one.
👉Contact our team to get started with a custom proposal.
