Astroturf tennis courts have become a popular choice across UK schools, clubs, and private homes – offering the traditional look of grass with the durability and consistency of synthetic turf. But how much does an artificial grass tennis court actually cost to install in 2026?
On average, a full-size Astroturf tennis court costs between £45,000 and £85,000 in the UK. This price includes groundworks, drainage, turf installation, and line marking. Optional extras such as fencing, floodlighting, and seating can increase the total to over £100,000 for a fully equipped facility.
In this guide, we’ll break down what influences the cost, how Astroturf compares to other tennis surfaces, and what you can expect to pay for ongoing maintenance.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- A standard Astroturf tennis court costs £45,000–£85,000 depending on site prep and features.
- Sand-dressed artificial turf is the most popular surface for tennis due to its realistic bounce and low upkeep.
- Schools, clubs, and private homes all benefit from year-round play and reduced maintenance costs.
- Annual maintenance typically costs £1,000–£1,500 – far lower than natural grass or clay courts.
🧭 Jump to:
| 💷 Typical Tennis Court Costs | 🎾 Surface Cost Comparison |
| 🏗 Cost Breakdown | 🧠 Benefits of Astroturf Courts |
| ❓ FAQs |
💷 Typical Astroturf Tennis Court Costs (UK 2026)
Here’s an overview of what different types of tennis facilities can expect to pay for artificial grass installation:
| Facility Type | Example Size | Estimated Installed Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Home Court | 24m x 11m (Standard) | £45,000–£60,000 | Compact installation with minimal extras. |
| School or College Court | Full-size | £55,000–£75,000 | Includes fencing and basic line markings. |
| Sports Club or Leisure Centre | Full-size + features | £70,000–£100,000 | Includes shock pad, floodlights, and multi-sport lines. |
For comparison, you can view our broader Artificial Sports Pitch Cost Guide covering football, rugby, hockey and MUGA surfaces.
🎾 Tennis Court Surface Cost Comparison (UK)
If you’re weighing up different tennis court surfaces, cost is only part of the decision. Maintenance requirements, year-round usability, comfort underfoot, and long-term durability all play a major role in overall value.
The table below compares the most common tennis court surfaces used in the UK – including upfront installation costs and ongoing upkeep.
| Surface Type | Typical Installed Cost (UK) | Maintenance Level | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macadam / Acrylic (Hard Court) | £35,000–£55,000 | Medium | Lowest upfront cost, but harder underfoot and more prone to cracking over time. |
| Artificial Grass (Astroturf) | £45,000–£85,000 | Low | Excellent drainage, all-weather play, softer feel, and strong multi-sport flexibility. |
| Clay Court | £60,000–£100,000+ | High | Classic playing surface, but requires frequent rolling, watering, and specialist upkeep. |
| Natural Grass | £50,000–£90,000 | Very High | Traditional look, but limited playability and significant maintenance demands. |
| En-Tout-Cas | £70,000–£110,000 | Medium | Common at clubs and schools; durable but higher install cost than artificial grass. |
While macadam courts are often the cheapest to install, many schools, clubs, and private facilities opt for
Astroturf tennis courts due to their balance of comfort, drainage, and year-round usability.
When maintenance costs and lost playing time are factored in, artificial grass often delivers better long-term value – especially in UK weather conditions.
🏗 Cost Breakdown by Component
Each element of a tennis court installation affects the final price. Here’s a closer look at where your budget goes:
- Groundworks & Drainage (£10,000–£20,000): Excavation, levelling, and installation of a porous sub-base to ensure all-weather play.
- Artificial Turf & Sand Infill (£12,000–£20,000): Short-pile, sand-dressed turf provides natural bounce and grip.
- Shock Pad Layer (£3,000–£5,000): Optional, improves comfort and compliance with LTA standards.
- Perimeter Fencing (£8,000–£12,000): 3–4m high mesh fencing to contain balls and protect the surface.
- Floodlighting (£10,000–£15,000): Extends playtime and increases facility value.
- Line Markings & Multi-Sport Options (£1,500–£3,000): Add versatility for netball or mini-football use.
As with any project, access and site conditions can influence overall pricing. Request a free site survey for an accurate quote.
🧠 Benefits of Artificial Grass Tennis Courts
Favoured by schools, clubs, and private homeowners alike, artificial grass tennis courts deliver reliable play and lower upkeep costs. Below are the key advantages that make synthetic turf the go-to choice for all-weather tennis in the UK.
- All-Weather Use: No waterlogging or muddy surfaces.
- Low Maintenance: No mowing, watering, or pesticides required.
- Consistent Play: Reliable bounce and grip for training and matches.
- Durable & Long-Lasting: 10–15 year lifespan with proper care.
- Multi-Sport Flexibility: Add lines for 5-a-side or netball to maximise use.
For long-term performance, schedule annual cleaning and brushing. Learn more in our Artificial Grass Maintenance Cost Guide.
❓ FAQs: Astroturf Tennis Courts
We’ve installed and maintained countless synthetic sports surfaces across the UK. Here are straight answers to the most common questions about Astroturf tennis court pricing, care, and performance.
How much does it cost to astroturf a tennis court?
Expect to pay between £45,000 and £85,000 depending on the court type, groundworks, and features such as lighting and fencing.
Do you need planning permission for a tennis court?
Most private or school courts don’t require planning permission unless adding floodlights or tall fencing. Always check local regulations first.
What is the lifespan of an artificial grass tennis court?
Typically 10–15 years with proper maintenance, though resurfacing may be required after 8–10 years in high-use facilities.
Is artificial grass better than clay for tennis?
Yes for maintenance and weather resistance – Astroturf courts allow year-round play and require no watering or rolling.
What’s the cheapest type of tennis court?
Macadam (hard courts) are usually the cheapest, starting around £35,000, but they’re less forgiving underfoot and more prone to cracking.
Get a Free Tennis Court Quote
From Astroturf tennis courts to full MUGA installations, our team designs and installs all-weather sports surfaces across the UK. Request a free consultation or speak to our team on 0161 207 3007.
