Home > Other Flooring > Tennis Court Surfaces | Intro and Basic Sport Surfacing ...

Tennis Court Surfaces | Intro and Basic Sport Surfacing ...

Author: Ingrid

Apr. 29, 2024

69 0

Tennis Court Surfaces | Intro and Basic Sport Surfacing ...

Tennis court surfaces are designed as systems, or a series of coatings that all have specific purposes.  In a nutshell, tennis court surfaces are are a type of water-based paint with enhanced characteristics for tennis, basketball, and other athletic and recreational surfaces.

Guardwe are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Unlike house paint, these coatings are designed to adhere to asphalt or concrete substrates.  They are formulated with silica sands, fibers, and aggregates to provide filling and strength under aggressive play.  Tennis court surfacing systems also have to be durable under wet conditions and still maintain a tenacious bond to the pavement.

Acrylic Resurfacer

Tennis court surfacing systems normally begin with a filler/texture coat called Acrylic Resurfacer.  This coating is 100% acrylic and is produced as a black or neutral colored product.  It is mixed with a large amount of silica sand to fill voids in asphalt or concrete pavement or bring back texture from an existing smooth and worn acrylic surface.  Acrylic Resurfacer should be mixed with an angular cut silica sand, normally in the size range of 50 to 60 mesh (afs).  This size and shape of sand is good for filling voids and keying together to provide a sandpaper-like finish.  One coat of Acrylic Resurfacer is sufficient on an existing tennis court surface in good shape.  Two or more coats may be needed on new asphalt, porous surfaces, or to help shim and hide extensive crack and low spot/puddle repairs.

One of the most frequently asked questions are, “Do I need to use Acrylic Resurfacer on an existing tennis court surface?”  After years of playing and scuffing the silica sand out of old acrylic surfaces, they can become smooth.  Since all tennis court surface coatings are applied with a soft rubber squeegee, Acrylic Resurfacer is needed to bring back a textured surface prior to application of the color coatings.  This ensures optimal and consistent application and coverage of the final coats.  If Resurfacer is not used, the color coatings can be “wiped off”.  Almost like using a window squeegee on a smooth glass window when cleaning.  This greatly lowers the application rate and longevity of the coating system.

Here is a short video showing the mixing and application process of Acrylic Resurfacer:

Tennis Court Surfaces | Color Coatings

Tennis court surface coatings come in a variety of colors and contain a very fine silica sand.  This sand is usually measured around 80 to 100 mesh (afs) and typically has a rounded shape.  The round shape helps to minimize application or tool marks, also called “streaking”.  Larger and more angular cuts of sand can be used to achieve slower speed of play and higher ball bounce.  Since color coatings are applied with a squeegee, there will always be some degree of tool marking.  Application marks can be seen clearly when looking at the court and into the sun.  When the sun is at your back, they are extremely difficult to find.  When the courts are striped and after some play and additional curing, the application marks can subside.

The tennis court color coatings require a minimum of two coats, but additional coats can be applied for extended coverage and wear of your tennis court surface.

Watch the following video on mixing and applying colored tennis court surfaces:

There are many different colors to choose from, when it comes to acrylic sport surfaces.  Here are some examples from a leading manufacturer of sport surfaces. Click on the court designer to see the available colors and play around with color combinations on the virtual court –

VersaCourt FAQs | See What Others Are Asking

We've collected our most commonly asked questions around our VersaCourt systems. Browse the questions below to see if this question has come up before. If you can't find an answer, please feel encouraged to contact a VersaCourt team member today.

How do I anchor my court?

We recommend using Tapcon screws to secure a court into place. We provide online instructions the best method of securing a game court to the ground. 

What is the lead time from purchase?

Lead times for a purchase will vary depending on the time of year. We'll usually see an increase in court purchase's between spring through summer. Right now it is 4-6 weeks - this is subject to change so please ask your VersaCourt team member for a  more accurate estimate.

What is the warranty for VersaCourt Game Court Tiles?

If the court tile provided are defective in materials or workmanship, then VersaCourt will replace the defective tile with like product at no cost for the first 5 years, provide a 50% discount off MSRP in years 6-8, and then will provide a 30% discount for life. Visit our warranty page to learn more about the details.

Will you provide a drawing before purchase?

Yes, your VersaCourt team member will provide CAD drawings with measurements and final designs for customer approval. With our Court Tracker, you'll be involved in receiving notification for approval before anything package for shipping. 


Can I have samples of VersaCourt tiles?

Yes. You can choose to receive a sample of any one of our tiles. Samples are limited to one tile style (Game, Active, Pro, etc.), per customer. Speak with a VersaCourt team member to arrange your tile sample delivery.

Can I get a custom-sized court?

Yes, VersaCourt can custom size a game court to fit your space. Keep in mind that certain game lines require specific court sizes if you want the official game court dimensions. We also offer DIY game court options in a variety of options to fit small, medium, and large spaces.

Do cracks and gaps in the concrete subsurface effect the playability on a VersaCourt game court system?

VersaCourt can be laid over structural cracks no wider than 1/2”. Sharp cracks or bird baths should be faceted or rounded so that ball bounce is consistent, and the tiles don’t catch when the floor expands and contracts. Learn more about subsurface prep.


Can I put this over gravel, grass, sand, soil?

VersaCourt game tiles cannot be placed directly on gravel, grass, sand or soil because they will sink into the surface and become uneven, leading to dead spots. However, VersaCourt has created a Foundation Panel to be an alternative to a concrete pad. These panels can be placed directly on compacted gravel to create a stable and even subsurface for the VersaCourt game tiles. Learn more about VersaCourt base options.

Can I place a court indoors?

Yes, VersaCourt game courts are designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Depending on the sport you intend to use the flooring system for, you can choose from a variety of tile types – Game, Active, Compete, Boost, and Pro.

Can the court be placed on clay/har-tru courts?

VersaCourt game court tiles cannot be placed directly on har-tru or clay courts because Har-Tru courts are created with a clay substance and overtime the VersaCourt tile will dig into the surface of the Har-Tru court. The Har-Tru court would need to be removed or could be used as the sub-surface to put a concrete surface on top of the Har-Tru court.

Are there minimum dimensions for a court?

There is no minimum size to how big or small you want your game court. Some games do require specific sizes to be regulation, but if regulation games lines are not a priority you can make your court any size you want. Check out our DIY court kits that feature a variety of game court sizes.

Can it withstand cold winters? Heavy Snow?

Yes, VersaCourt game courts can withstand cold winters and heavy snows.

For more indoor tennis court flooringinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Do VersaCourt tiles provide noise and echo reduction?

Our Compete tile is designed to reduce noise. Compete tile paired with our 2mm underlayment indoors is designed to reduce echo and noise.

How slick are the tiles when wet?

Any surface, our tiles included, can be slippery when wet. VersaCourt has designed their Game Tiles to mitigate this problem as much as possible. Although we always recommend playing in the sunshine and on dry tiles, the grid system design on our Game Tile allows for quick drainage and airflow so you can get back to the game quickly and safely. 

Can VersaCourt be installed on a wood deck?

We would not recommend placing a VersaCourt game court on a wood deck because the potential for dead spots if or when the wood warps over time due to harsh weather conditions.

Does VersaCourt ship internationally?

VersaCourt partners with international distributors all over the world. Fill out a form and note in the comment section of your location. A VersaCourt team member will pass your request along to one of our international partners.

Can a VersaCourt game court be disassembled and moved?

Yes, since a VersaCourt game court is designed as an interlocking tile system they can be disassembled and moved if necessary.

Does base choice effect ball bounce?

Yes, base choice will affect the ball bounce. VersaCourt recommends installing a completely level and hard surface like concrete or asphalt in order to keep ball bounce consistent. VersaCourt now also offers an alternative base system to concrete – our Foundation Panel.

Is there a way to lock a VersaCourt game court into place?

Yes – Court Lock locks all the tiles together so someone can’t dissemble the court. Learn more about this anti-theft devices from VersaCourt.

What are the best base options for a VersaCourt?

VersaCourt is a suspended tile court system designed to be assembled on top of a flat, hard subsurface. While many of the courts that we sell will go over existing concrete slabs, driveways or other hard surfaces, many projects require the construction of a court base. VersaCourt recommends 4 primary base options including our proprietary Foundation Panels.

What’s the best permeable surface base alternative to a concrete base?

The VersaCourt Foundation Panel is the ideal alternative to installing a concrete or asphalt pad…especially for homeowners and facility operators faced with impervious surface regulations. It is a permeable sub-base that not only allows homeowners to comply with these regulations, but it’s also safer, more durable and more environmentally friendly than concrete or asphalt. Learn more about this “No Concrete Court Base.”

How much does a court cost?

As with most construction projects, the cost to install a VersaCourt game court can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Visit this page to learn the 9 key elements to estimating the cost to build a VersaCourt.

Can it withstand hot weather? Intense sunlight?

Yes, VC outdoor tiles are made to withstand outdoor conditions including direct sunlight. Our tiles are made with a proprietary blend that helps maintain a cooler surface than concrete.

Can you drive on any of the Versacourt tile products?

  1. Yes, but only on our outdoor tiles. As long as you drive in a straight line and avoid sharp wheel turns it will be fine. We do not recommend parking on the tiles for long periods of time.
  2. Boost and Active tiles were created to be driven over and even parked on.  It is recommended that you drive in a straight line and avoid sharp turns.

Can I get replacement tiles in the future?

Replacement tiles can be requested. Simply reach out to our customer service team, dealer, or sales rep. There is an overage calculated for each order to compensate for any replacement tiles. For any additional replacements, simply reach out to our customer service team, dealer, or sales representative.

Can I paint the tiles?

VersaCourt's team of professionals will paint all tiles in a controlled environment with a special commercial paint. We recommend letting us paint any additional graphics you may have requested. You can paint the tile yourself, but we do not recommend it.

Any painting not done by a VersaCourt professional is subject to voiding warranty, please reference warranty guidelines found HERE.

Are you interested in learning more about futsol flooring? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Comments

0