Clay Tennis Court Construction
Clay tennis courts have a certain air of prestige. They're uncommon in the United States, and more frequently seen in Europe which gives them that old-world feel. They're used in the French Open as well as some other tournaments, too, and they provide a much different experience from other court types. If any of the players who frequent your facility have their eye on serious competition in the future, they'll appreciate the opportunity to play and practice on a clay court.
Clay courts today are easier to build and maintain than they were in the past, but it's still not a completely straightforward process. Like any surface, a clay court requires preparation, maintenance, and proper tools and materials.
Clay Tennis Court Tools & Supplies
To get started on your clay tennis court, you need to decide what kind of clay surface you want to use. There are a variety of clay surfacing materials available, but Tennis Court Supply recommends you go with Har-Tru, a specially-created surfacing material ideal for tennis courts. While it's considered a clay surface for the sake of categorization, Har-Tru is actually made from crushed stone with qualities that make it excellent for a tennis court. It's available in several colors and is far superior to other clay types. It also costs less and is easier to maintain than other clays.
Measuring & Preparation
You'll need to measure out and prepare the surface for clay installation. The exact installation process is going to vary depending on the type of Har-Tru you decide to use. You can find complete instructions on the Har-Tru website, or contact Tennis Court Supply for more one-on-one advice. The Har-Tru manuals also include information about installing your court's tennis net and net posts. You'll also need line tape for marking out the court.
Maintenance
Maintenance is absolutely vital for a clay tennis court — the surface needs to be properly leveled, irrigated, and smoothed. Tennis Court Supply carries a selection of clay tennis court maintenance tools to help you keep your court flattened and clear of debris.
Traction
Traction is an extremely important aspect of a clay tennis court, and the surface must be cared for to ensure the surface's quality is retained. This is a separate task from smoothing and cleaning the court. Har-Tru courts perform best when agitated on a daily basis with a tool such as the Gator Rake, which does the job perfectly. With the proper tools, clay court maintenance takes only minutes a day.
Design & Maintenance Questions
If you have any questions before building your clay tennis court, we encourage you to contact us at Tennis Court Supply. We have over 30 years of experience in tennis facility design, construction, and maintenance, and we'd be happy to help you bring the joy of a clay tennis court to your local players.