Best pickleball court surface coating

Ever wondered why some pickleball courts feel great under your feet while others just don’t? It’s not luck, it’s about what’s on (and under) the surface.

If you’re considering resurfacing your school’s pickleball courts this summer, you probably have a lot of questions. I know I did when we first got started with court coatings at Ideal Coatings. I’ve been in the floor coating world for years, but coatings for sports courts are their own unique world.

Let’s break down what actually matters when choosing a pickleball court surface so you can make the right call for your school.

What’s the best surface for a pickleball court?

Acrylic coatings is what we use at Ideal Coatings for pickleball courts. This is what you’ll find on professional courts and for good reason. The factory-blended aggregates create the right grip and texture, which translates to:

• Safe traction for players of all ages
• Consistent ball bounce
• A durable, long-lasting surface

Common mistakes to avoid

I see people try to cut corners in two ways:

• Skimping on site prep (like not repairing cracks or not cleaning)
• Using fewer coats than recommended to save a bit on materials

Both will cost you more in the long run, either in repairs or a shorter lifespan for your courts. It always pays to follow proper prep and apply the number of coats the manufacturer recommends.

What’s involved in resurfacing or installing a pickleball court?

Here’s the process we follow, whether we’re coating brand-new concrete or refreshing an old court.

For asphalt courts:

1. Power wash to clean thoroughly
2. If the asphalt is new or very porous, two primer coats get applied
3. Two or three color coats; third coat adds extra durability and is often focused in the main play area
4. Line striping for boundaries and kitchen

For concrete courts:

1. Shot blasting (or similar prep) to ensure bonding
2. Primer coat (adhesion coat)
3. Base coat
4. Two or three color coats (same as above)
5. Line striping

Important note: For concrete courts, there are always at least four coats involved. Asphalt sometimes requires one less (depending on condition and porosity).

Cushion or no cushion?

Cushion coatings are a premium upgrade. They add more layers (including a cushioning aggregate) that make the surface softer underfoot.

Pros:

• Great for player comfort and longer matches
• Less impact on joints

Trade-offs:

• Noticeably higher price (up to 3x the cost)
• Ball bounce isn’t as crisp
• Requires an upgraded primer for handling concrete moisture

Most school courts will be just fine with a standard acrylic system. If your main concern is keeping teachers and students comfortable for long open play days, then it’s worth considering a quote for a cushioned surface.

How long will a court coating last?

It depends on usage and exposure:

• Heavy-use courts: Plan for a refresh every 3-5 years
• Indoor/sheltered courts: These last longer

One trick: Consider an extra (third) color coat in the play area. It bumps up the cost a bit but adds both longevity and richer color where you need it most.

How does pricing shake out?

These are ballpark numbers (since every job and site will have small differences):

• New acrylic over asphalt: ~$4.50 per square foot
• New acrylic over concrete: ~$5.50 per square foot
• Cushioned acrylic over asphalt: ~$10 per square foot
• Cushioned acrylic over concrete: ~$14 per square foot
• If you want a court that can stand up to vehicle traffic, specialty coatings start around $6.75-7.50 per square foot.

Remember, these aren’t installed for driving unless you choose the special “drivable” option!

What really makes a court great?

Flatness of the base (the concrete or asphalt underneath) is far more important than the coating itself. The coatings can help fill minor low spots but can’t fix a wavy or poorly poured base. Don’t go cheap on the substrate especially for schools with lots of use.

If you’re pouring new concrete, post-tension concrete is the way to go. For asphalt, make sure to ask for a high-end grade; the quality makes a big difference in performance and lifespan.

Do you need to demo the old court?

Not always! If the existing coating is sound and bonded to the base, we can resurface right over the top. You don’t need brand-new concrete to get a great result.

Can you customize the look?

Absolutely. Most manufacturers offer a solid range of standard colors, and you can go a step further with:

• Different colors for play areas vs. kitchen
• Custom school logos or designs (added with stencils)
• Texture adjustments for more/less grip

Be warned: Custom colors or specialty aggregates come with minimum orders and up-charges.

What about the weather?

These acrylic coatings are made for extreme heat, cold, sun, and rain as many generations of outdoor tennis and pickleball courts can testify. Still, a covered or indoor court will always last longer before needing refreshed.

How does Ideal Coatings stack up especially versus “one day garage floors”?

True sport court acrylic coatings provide pro-level grip and a matte, low-glare finish perfect for competitive play. “One day” garage epoxy, on the other hand, is shiny, rippled, and frankly not designed for the kind of abrupt footwork and bounce that pickleball demands.

What else should a customer know?

• Clean courts last longer; regular maintenance is the simplest way to protect your investment.
• Most courts aren’t designed for cars; think twice before converting a space that doubles as a driveway unless you use a specialty drivable system.
• Some acrylic coatings can be formulated to stay cooler in the sun (seriously handy for summer PE or tournaments). Ask about “cool coat” acrylics if heat is a concern.

Public examples and getting a quote

Want to see some of our work? Check out H2 Pickleball in Mishawaka or the public courts in Vandalia, Michigan and Shipshewana, Indiana; you can visit and see the coating up close.

If you’d like a quote or want to discuss your court project, call our office at 574-358-0182 or submit a request through our website.

In closing

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure your installer uses a true sport court acrylic not “garage paint” or shortcuts. Your students (and your budget) will thank you for years to come.