Pickleball Court Surfaces Explained: Finding The Perfect Fit For Your Game

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports, and choosing the right court surface can significantly enhance your playing experience. Whether you’re building a backyard court, upgrading a recreational facility, or creating an indoor pickleball haven, there’s a range of surfaces to suit your needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore four popular options—Sport Tiles, Traditional Acrylic Courts, CushionX, and PickleRoll—detailing their unique features, benefits, and installation requirements to help you choose the perfect fit for your game.

Sport Tiles

Sport tiles are a low-maintenance and versatile option, ideal for pickleball enthusiasts looking to build backyard courts. These tiles can be installed in as little as an hour on surfaces like concrete, asphalt, or DIY Court Canada’s base panels designed for compacted aggregate. Available in custom colors and sizes, sport tiles can be tailored to match your space and style. Best of all, they’re DIY-friendly, allowing you to set up your court with friends and family for quick recreational play.

Recommended Use: Backyards, Rooftops, Modular Spaces, Recreational Play

Traditional Acrylic Court

Traditional acrylic courts are the gold standard for professional play, commonly seen in prestigious tennis tournaments like the US Open and Miami Open. However, these surfaces require careful installation to prevent cracking, often benefiting from the addition of a fiberglass membrane for enhanced durability. While professional installation is recommended, skilled DIYers with the right tools and attention to detail can achieve a premium finish.

Recommended Use: Dedicated Facilities, Permanent Installations, Backyards, Recreational & Tournament Level Play, Outdoor Communities


Cushion Underlays

For players seeking enhanced comfort without compromising an authentic court feel, EIGHTYNINE Sports CLOUD is your go to choice. CLOUD is a force reduction 4mm cushion mat that is applied over a concrete or asphalt base, minimizing the impact on your body and joints with a traditional acrylic surface installed. Due to its specialized nature, professional installation by an experienced installer is required to achieve optimal results.

Recommended Use: Backyard Enthusiasts, Dedicated Facilities, Permanent Installations, Recreational & Tournament Level Play

By understanding the features and benefits of each surface, you can select the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you're aiming for casual backyard games or professional-level play, the right surface will ensure a fantastic pickleball experience.