The first step is a surface inspection that maps cracks, checks drainage slope, and assesses the condition of the existing acrylic coating. A tennis court with active surface cracking or drainage problems needs those issues addressed before new pickleball lines are applied, striping over a deteriorating surface means the lines will peel along with the coating. The inspection determines whether crack filling and spot recoating are sufficient, or whether a full resurfacing pass is needed before layout begins.
One standard tennis court can fit two side-by-side pickleball courts with room for run-off clearance, or up to four courts depending on the slab dimensions and orientation. The layout is planned and staked before any striping begins, so the non-volley zone, centerline, and boundary positions are confirmed on the actual surface. Color-differentiated striping keeps pickleball lines visually distinct from any remaining tennis lines, which matters for dual-use courts where both sports will continue to be played.
Net adjustment is the final step. Tennis net posts sit at a different height and center-strap position than pickleball requires, so portable net systems or permanent post sleeves are used to achieve the correct 34-inch center height. If the property wants to keep tennis viable alongside pickleball, the conversion plan accounts for both net configurations from the start. A final walkthrough confirms line accuracy, net height, and surface condition before the project is complete.
Scope of Work
What a conversion covers
The work spans surface condition, court layout, line marking, and net setup, each stage feeds the next.
Surface Crack Repair & Recoating
Cracks are filled and patched, and worn acrylic coating is reapplied where needed before any layout work begins.
Multi-Court Layout Planning
Slab dimensions and orientation determine whether one, two, or four pickleball courts fit with adequate run-off clearance.
Color-Differentiated Line Striping
Pickleball boundaries, non-volley zone, and centerline are painted in a color distinct from any remaining tennis markings.
Net System Adjustment
Post sleeves or portable net systems set the center height to the regulation 34 inches required for pickleball play.
Dual-Use Court Design
When tennis needs to stay viable, the layout and net setup are planned from the start to support both sports.
Drainage Inspection
Slope and runoff checked before layout is planned.
Asphalt & Concrete Prep
Base condition assessed for both surface types.
Shared-Use Striping
Tennis and pickleball lines kept visually separate.
Final Walkthrough
Lines, net height, and surface verified at completion.
Why Choose Us
Why our partners for your Raleigh conversion?
Accountability at every stage, from the first site visit to the final walkthrough, so the finished court plays the way it should.
On-Site Evaluation Before Any Scope
Surface condition and drainage are assessed in person before a single line item is written, so the estimate reflects the actual job.
Itemised Written Estimate
Crack repair, recoating, striping, and net setup are priced as separate line items, no bundled totals that hide what you’re paying for.
Signed Off With a Final Walkthrough
Line accuracy, net height, and surface condition are all verified on-site before the project is considered complete.
Backyard to HOA Facility Experience
Our partners handle residential courts, HOA facilities, and commercial properties across Raleigh and the surrounding area.
Raleigh & Triangle Area Coverage
Work is arranged across Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest, one point of contact for the whole region.
Can I convert my tennis court to pickleball, or do I need a full rebuild?
Most tennis courts can be converted without a full rebuild, provided the base is structurally sound and drainage is working. An on-site evaluation checks both before any work is scoped. Courts with severe base failure or standing-water problems may need base repairs first, but that is still less involved than starting from scratch.
How much does it cost to convert a tennis court to pickleball?
Most conversions come in at $600-$1,200, depending on surface condition, number of pickleball courts being marked, and whether net posts need to be added or relocated. An itemised written estimate is provided after the on-site evaluation so you know exactly what each element costs before work begins.
Will my existing court size fit one pickleball court or more than one?
A standard tennis court (78 by 36 feet) fits up to four pickleball courts side by side, each measuring 44 by 20 feet. Two courts with comfortable buffer zones is the most common layout. The on-site evaluation maps the exact footprint and recommends the layout that makes best use of your space.
What does a tennis to pickleball conversion usually include?
A typical conversion covers surface preparation, crack repair if needed, repainting or overlaying the playing surface, marking pickleball lines, and installing net posts at the correct 34-inch center height. Fencing adjustments and lighting changes can be added. Every job ends with a final walkthrough before sign-off.
Will the court still work for tennis after the conversion?
Yes, if the tennis lines are retained alongside the new pickleball lines. A dual-line layout uses contrasting colors so each set of lines reads clearly during play. The surface itself is unchanged, so bounce and pace stay the same for both sports. Net height is the only thing you swap between games.
Should I use temporary lines, a conversion kit, or a full court conversion?
Temporary tape or a portable kit works for occasional use but lifts, shifts, and creates a trip hazard over time. A full painted conversion gives permanent, regulation-accurate lines that hold up to daily play and UV exposure. If you play pickleball more than a few times a month, the painted conversion pays for itself in convenience.
Do I need to fix cracks or uneven spots before the court can be converted?
Yes. Cracks wider than a hairline and uneven spots will telegraph through any new surface coating and worsen over time if left untreated. The on-site evaluation identifies which repairs are needed before the conversion is scoped, so crack filling and leveling are included in the itemised estimate when required.
How much downtime should I expect while the court is being converted?
A straightforward line-and-net conversion typically takes two to four days, including cure time before the surface can be used. Courts that need crack repair or resurfacing before the conversion add time. The written estimate outlines the work sequence so you can plan around the closure.