Common Pickleball Court Surfaces: Pros and Cons

Common Pickleball Court Surfaces: Pros and Cons

Each type of court surface has a direct impact on your pickleball game — from how the ball bounces to the grip your shoes get on the floor. Choosing the right surface can make the difference between smooth rallies and seeing the ball fly over the net only to drop and stay still.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of pickleball court surfaces, explore their pros and cons, and while there isn’t official data on which surfaces are most preferred, these are the common types you’ll find.


Pickleball Court Surfaces You’ll Often See

  1. Hard Court Surfaces (Outdoor & Indoor)

    1. Asphalt
    2. Concrete
    3. Wooden floorings

  2. Cushioned Court Surfaces (Outdoor & Indoor)

    1. Cushioned Acrylic
    2. Tile/Modular Surfaces
    3. Polyurethane (PU)

 

A Closer Look at Each Surface

Now that we’ve seen the most common surfaces, let’s break them down one by one. Each surface has its own pros and cons that can impact your pickleball game.

Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the most common materials used in constructing an outdoor pickleball court because of its durability and affordability.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Cost-effective
  • Consistent bounce
  • Smooth surface

Cons

  • Might crack over time
  • Required periodic maintenance
  • Absorb and retain heat


Concrete

Concrete is also one of the most common materials used in constructing an outdoor pickleball court, sometimes indoor courts with finishing.

Pros

  • High durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Consistent bounce
  • Can be aesthetically customized

Cons

  • High installation cost
  • Might crack over time
  • Hard on joints


Wooden floorings

This is one of the popular indoor court surfaces in many facilities, as it is considered a traditional gymnasium floor.

Pros

  • Soft surface
  • Consistent bounce
  • Aesthetic appeal

Cons

  • High installation cost
  • High maintenance
  • Slippery when wet, or if not cleansed properly


Cushioned Acrylic

This surface is commonly used in outdoor pickleball courts—sometimes indoor. It features a layer of rubberized cushioning beneath the acrylic topcoat. The extra layer helps reduce impact on your joints, making play more comfortable compared to standard hard courts. It’s a favorite for players who value comfort and injury prevention.

Pros

  • Joints-friendly
  • Shock absorption
  • Cushioning can be customized
  • Easy cleaning

Cons

  • High installation cost
  • High maintenance cost


Tile/Modular Surfaces

These are interlocking tiles made from durable plastic or composite materials. They’re quick to install, easy to replace, and perform well in various weather conditions. Because of the small gaps between tiles, water drains away quickly, keeping the surface playable soon after rain. This type of surface is often used for outdoor pickleball courts and sometimes for indoor courts.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Shock absorption
  • Can be customized for other sports
  • Low maintenance

Cons

  • High installation cost
  • Material deterioration
  • An unfamiliar surface results in not being recognized as a professional surface.


Polyurethane (PU)

Polyurethane, or PU in short, is commonly used for indoor flooring in various facilities and can also be utilized in outdoor courts. The durable rubber mat on top of a flat surface helps absorb shock, thereby reducing stress on joints.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Consistent bounce
  • Joints-friendly

Cons

  • High installation cost
  • Slippery when wet, or if not cleansed properly
  • Required regular maintenance

 

I Know the Surface, But It’s Not a Pickleball Court?

In that case, no worries! PickleballGoats has a solution for you. You don’t need a dedicated pickleball court to unleash the pickled demon inside you—just find a nearby flat area or an existing court. Check out our blog: Can you play pickleball on a tennis court?, for tips on how to set up your own pickleball court using the space you have (if you’re allowed to do so, of course!).


Pickled Gifts for Pickled Players

Now that you know all about pickleball surfaces and setting up your own court, it’s time to check out some fun gifts for yourself or your loved ones at PickleballGoats.com. From funny pickleball-theme t-shirts down to a Pickle and Ball bath mat, we’ve got something for every player!

Pickle and Ball Bath mat


References

Sport Court of Austin. (n.d.). Pickleball Surface Comparison Guide. https://www.sportcourtofaustin.com/pickleball-surface-comparison-guide/

DUPR. (2024). Exploring Pickleball Court Surfaces: Which is Best for Your Game?. https://www.dupr.com/post/exploring-pickleball-court-surfaces-which-is-best-for-your-game

Copo Sports. (2025). Top 5 Materials for Pickleball Court Surfaces: Pros and Cons. https://coposports.com/top-5-materials-for-pickleball-court-surfaces-pros-and-cons/

Pickleland. (2024). What Is The Best Surface For A Pickleball Court?. https://pickleland.com/the-best-surface-for-a-pickleball-court/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0VYWAwMaTFNEskJFAFg7px9DZXzBMRBGPg2Wpg66LweDTRH5q

Backyard Courts. 2024. Asphalt or Concrete – Choosing the best Pickleball Court Surfacing Options 2024. https://backyardcourts.net/2024/01/25/asphalt-or-concrete-choosing-the-best-pickleball-court-surfacing-options-2024/

Peachtree Pickleball Courts. (2024). Asphalt vs. Concrete: Choosing the Best Surface for Your Atlanta Pickleball Court. https://www.peachtreepickleballcourts.com/blog/asphalt-vs-concrete-choosing-the-best-surface-for-your-atlanta-pickleball-court 

Selkirk Sport. (2024). The differences in pickleball court surfaces and how they impact your game. https://www.selkirk.com/blogs/pickleball-education/the-differences-in-pickleball-court-surfaces-and-how-they-impact-your-game?srsltid=AfmBOoobqMyxs-HXIKusLZNg9nShTiWAkShfVsMpEQgFlug2U7aBCnn3

Home Court Advantage. (2024). The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Court Surface Coating. https://hcasports.com/blog/tips/the-ultimate-guide-to-pickleball-court-surface-coating/

Courtship Flooring. (2025). Pickleball Popularity Surge: Select Ideal Indoor Surface. https://courtshipflooring.co.uk/pickleball-popularity-surge-choosing-the-right-indoor-surface/#:~:text=PU%20floors%20are%20known%20for,essential%20for%20high%2Dtraffic%20areas.

Picklepow. (2024). Pickleball Court Surfaces Guide: Types and Pros and Cons. https://picklepow.com/different-types-pickleball-court-surfaces/#:~:text=However%2C%20polyurethane%20is%20the%20most,keep%20it%20in%20good%20condition

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