A cancha de padel is a specialized 200-square-meter sports facility characterized by its tempered glass walls and synthetic turf surface designed for strategic racket play. As an investor, you may notice that the surging global demand for this sport currently outpaces the supply of high-quality facilities. Failing to meet these professional standards often leads to lost revenue and increased liability.
Building a sub-standard facility results in high maintenance costs and a poor player experience that ultimately drives your customers toward competitors. You cannot afford to overlook the technical blueprints required for a FIP-compliant installation. This guide provides the professional strategic considerations you need to build a profitable and durable sports venue.
What defines a professional cancha de padel?
A professional cancha de padel is defined by its adherence to strict structural standards involving a combination of steel, tempered glass, and high-performance turf. You must ensure that every component works in harmony to provide a consistent ball bounce and player safety. These facilities represent a significant evolution from traditional racket courts, incorporating modern materials that withstand high-intensity athletic use.
Structural Components
When you evaluate a professional build, several core elements must meet industry certifications. These components ensure the facility remains a viable long-term asset for your business.
- Galvanized Steel: Provides the rigid framework necessary to support heavy glass panels.
- Tempered Glass: Acts as a primary playing surface for rebounds while ensuring spectator visibility.
- Monofilament Turf: Offers the durability required for high-traffic commercial clubs.
Material Standards
Here is the bottom line:
The quality of your materials directly determines the lifespan of the facility and the safety of your members. You should never compromise on the thickness of the steel or the quality of the glass fixings.
Design Philosophy
Key Takeaway: A professional court is an engineering feat that balances aesthetic transparency with structural rigidity to maximize playability.
| Feature | Professional Standard |
|---|---|
| Framework | Hot-dip galvanized steel |
| Wall Material | 10mm or 12mm Tempered Glass |
| Playing Surface | Textured polyethylene turf |
This combination of materials ensures that your facility meets international competition standards while minimizing your yearly repair expenses.
What are the dimensions of a cancha de padel?
The standard dimensions of a cancha de padel consist of a rectangular area measuring exactly 10 meters in width by 20 meters in length. You must measure these distances from the internal faces of the walls to ensure a regulation playing field. Proper dimensional accuracy is the most critical factor in achieving FIP certification for your sports club.
Internal Area and Service Lines
The layout of the playing field is divided into two equal 10×10 meter halves by a central net. You must place the service lines precisely to ensure fair competition during every match.
- Length: 20 meters total.
- Width: 10 meters total.
- Service Lines: Located 6.95 meters from the net on each side.
Vertical Clearance Rules
But that’s not all…
The height of the facility is just as important as the floor area, especially for indoor projects. You need sufficient clearance to allow for the high lobs that characterize expert-level defensive play.
Height Requirements
Key Takeaway: Vertical space is a non-negotiable requirement for competitive play, with 8 meters being the preferred industry standard for modern clubs.
| Measurement | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 6.0 Meters |
| Recommended Height | 8.0 Meters |
| Tolerance | 0.5% of total length |
Strict adherence to these vertical limits prevents environmental interference from lights or ceiling beams during professional tournament play.
Which glass is used for a cancha de padel?
A professional cancha de padel utilizes high-impact tempered glass, typically available in 10mm or 12mm thicknesses, to ensure player safety and optimal ball rebound. You should choose the thickness based on your expected player volume and whether the court is panoramic or framed. This glass must be manufactured to withstand significant physical impact without compromising its structural integrity over time.
Glass Safety Standards
The safety of your players depends on the quality of the tempering process used during manufacturing. You must verify that your glass meets international EN 12150-1 standards for structural use.
- Tempering: Increases thermal and physical resistance significantly.
- Polished Edges: Prevents injury during installation and cleaning.
- Countersunk Holes: Allows for flush mounting of the support brackets.
Structural Performance
You might be wondering:
Why do most high-end clubs prefer 12mm glass over the standard 10mm option for their main courts? The extra thickness provides a more solid feel and superior sound dampening during intense matches.
Wall Selection
Key Takeaway: Selecting the right glass thickness is a balance between your project budget and the desired premium “feel” of the facility.
| Thickness | Best Use Case |
|---|---|
| 10mm | Standard framed courts / Indoor |
| 12mm | Panoramic courts / High traffic |
| Certification | EN 12150-1 Compliance |
Using certified 12mm glass reduces the vibration felt by players when they lean against the walls, creating a much more stable environment.
What is the best grass for a cancha de padel?
The highest quality turf for a cancha de padel is monofilament polyethylene textured grass, which offers superior resistance to fiber wear. You need a surface that provides a consistent vertical bounce while allowing players to move and pivot without risking joint injuries. Selecting a high-density turf ensures that your investment remains aesthetically pleasing and functional for years to come.
Turf Durability Factors
When you select turf, you must consider the Dtex rating and the density of the fibers per square meter. These technical specifications determine how well the grass will hold up under daily eight-hour play cycles.
- Monofilament: Offers better “memory” for fibers to stay upright.
- UV Resistance: Essential for outdoor courts to prevent color fading.
- Silica Infill: Supports the fibers and provides the necessary friction for player movement.
Player Health Benefits
Here is the bottom line:
The quality of your turf is the primary factor in preventing knee and ankle injuries among your club members. A premium surface absorbs shock much more effectively than cheaper, low-density alternatives.
Surface Analysis
Key Takeaway: Investing in monofilament textured turf significantly reduces your long-term maintenance costs while improving player retention rates.
| Property | Standard Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% Polyethylene |
| Pile Height | 10mm to 12mm |
| Sand Type | Rounded Silica Sand |
The use of rounded silica sand is mandatory to prevent the abrasive wearing of the grass fibers, extending the life of your playing surface.
How to select lighting for a cancha de padel?
Effective lighting for a cancha de padel requires a minimum of eight LED floodlights mounted on four poles to provide uniform visibility without creating glare. You must aim for lux levels of at least 500 for recreational play and over 750 lux if you intend to host televised professional tournaments. Proper lighting design ensures that players can track the ball accurately even during the fastest exchanges.
Lighting Technical Specs
Your lighting system should be energy-efficient to keep operational costs low while maintaining high color rendering. You must position the poles outside the playing area to avoid being a hazard to players exiting the court.
- LED Technology: Reduces power consumption by up to 60%.
- Instant On: Eliminates the warm-up time required by older metal halide bulbs.
- Asymmetric Lenses: Directs light onto the court while minimizing spill into neighboring areas.
Glare Prevention
Why does this matter?
Players looking up for a high lob will be temporarily blinded if your lighting isn’t angled correctly. You must ensure the floodlights are positioned at a minimum height of 6 meters to prevent this.
Illumination Standards
Key Takeaway: High-quality LED lighting with proper beam angles is essential for maximizing your court’s evening rental potential.
| Play Level | Required Lux |
|---|---|
| Recreational | 300 – 500 Lux |
| Competition | 500 – 750 Lux |
| Televised | 1000+ Lux |
Uniformity is just as important as brightness; you must ensure there are no “dark spots” on the court that could interfere with the game.
What are the net specs for a cancha de padel?
A regulation net for a cancha de padel must be 10 meters long with a central height of exactly 0.88 meters. You should ensure that the net is suspended by a steel cable with a maximum diameter of 0.01 meters, covered by a white top band. This component serves as the physical divide of the game and must withstand constant tension and impact.
Net Composition
The mesh of the net should be made of durable synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, to resist outdoor weathering. You must check that the net reaches the ground and the side posts to prevent balls from passing through gaps.
- Mesh Size: Usually 45mm to prevent balls from getting stuck.
- Top Band: 5cm to 6.3cm wide for high visibility.
- Tensioner: Internal mechanism within the post for precise height adjustment.
Regulatory Compliance
But that’s not all…
The side posts that hold the net must have rounded edges and a maximum height of 1.05 meters. You must ensure these posts are perfectly aligned with the court’s lateral openings.
Hardware Details
Key Takeaway: A high-quality net system with a hidden tensioning mechanism provides a professional look while ensuring the game remains fair.
| Component | Official Spec |
|---|---|
| Net Length | 10.0 Meters |
| Center Height | 0.88 Meters |
| Side Height | 0.92 Meters |
Your net should be taut enough to provide a clean rebound but not so tight that it risks snapping the support cable during extreme weather.
How to plan the site for a cancha de padel?
Site planning for a cancha de padel begins with a professional soil analysis and the pouring of a reinforced concrete slab. You must ensure the foundation is perfectly level, with a maximum deviation of 3mm over a 3-meter span. Proper site preparation also includes drainage planning and selecting a North-South orientation to minimize sun interference for players.
Foundation Engineering
The longevity of your court depends entirely on the stability of the concrete base. You must use high-grade concrete with a thickness of at least 15cm to prevent cracking or shifting under the weight of the steel and glass.
- Porous Concrete: Ideal for drainage in high-rainfall areas.
- Reinforced Mesh: Prevents structural cracks over time.
- Perimeter Zuncho: A reinforced ring beam that anchors the steel pillars.
Drainage Strategy
You might be wondering:
How do you prevent water from pooling on the court after a heavy storm? You should implement a 1% slope from the center outward or use a porous sub-base that allows water to pass through.
Site Orientation
Key Takeaway: Correct site orientation and drainage engineering are the two most critical factors for the operational success of an outdoor club.
| Factor | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Orientation | North – South |
| Slab Thickness | 15cm – 20cm |
| Gradient | 0.5% to 1.0% |
A North-South orientation ensures that the sun is never directly in the eyes of the players during peak morning or late afternoon hours.
What maintenance does a cancha de padel need?
Maintaining a cancha de padel involves regular glass cleaning and the weekly redistribution of silica sand across the turf. You must ensure the sand is spread evenly to prevent the grass fibers from flattening and to maintain consistent ball bounce. Regular inspections of the structural bolts and net tension are also required to ensure a safe environment for your club members.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
You should establish a strict routine for your staff to follow every week. This consistency prevents small issues from becoming expensive repairs that force you to close the court.
- Brushing: Use a specialized brush to pull sand from the edges to the center.
- Glass Cleaning: Use non-abrasive cleaners to keep the viewing panels crystal clear.
- Debris Removal: Clear leaves and dust to prevent drainage clogs.
Structural Inspections
Why does this matter?
Loose bolts on the glass panels or steel pillars can lead to catastrophic failure and serious injury. You must perform a full torque check of all structural fixings at least once every quarter.
Maintenance Schedule
Key Takeaway: Proactive maintenance doubles the lifespan of your court and keeps the playing experience at a premium level.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sand Brushing | Weekly |
| Glass Cleaning | Weekly / Daily |
| Bolt Tightening | Quarterly |
Ensuring the sand level remains consistent across the entire surface prevents “fast” and “slow” spots on the court, which players find frustrating.
How to measure ROI on a cancha de padel?
Calculating the ROI of a cancha de padel requires an analysis of court rental rates, occupancy levels, and the initial construction investment. You should expect an average ROI timeline of 18 to 24 months if your facility maintains an occupancy rate of 60% or higher. Because four players use the court at once, the revenue per square meter is significantly higher than that of a traditional tennis court.
Revenue Streams
Beyond hourly rentals, you can maximize your income through various complementary services. Diversifying your revenue helps your business stay profitable during off-peak morning or mid-afternoon hours.
- Memberships: Provides a steady, predictable monthly income.
- Academy Lessons: High-margin services for beginners and children.
- Tournament Fees: Generates bulk revenue and increases bar/pro-shop sales.
Utilization Strategies
But that’s not all…
Corporate events and networking leagues are becoming a massive part of the padel business model. You can charge a premium for hosting exclusive corporate team-building days on your courts.
Financial Outlook
Key Takeaway: Padel offers one of the highest returns on investment in the sports industry due to its social nature and high player density.
| Metric | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Players per Court | 4 People |
| Average Hourly Rate | $40 – $80 |
| Target ROI | 18 – 24 Months |
Successful clubs often see their courts fully booked during the evening hours, which are the most profitable periods for any sports facility.
Building a premium cancha de padel follows a precise five-step process that begins with ground stabilization and ends with professional turf installation. You must work with experienced contractors who understand the tolerances required for the glass and steel interplay. This meticulous approach ensures that your facility not only looks stunning but also meets all international safety and performance standards.
Construction Phases
The timeline for a professional build usually spans three to six weeks depending on site conditions. You must manage each phase carefully to avoid delays that could postpone your club’s grand opening.
- Slab Pouring: Creating the perfectly level concrete foundation.
- Steel Mounting: Anchoring the galvanized pillars to the ring beam.
- Glass Hanging: Installing the 12mm panels with high-precision gaskets.
- Turf Laying: Seaming the grass and infilling with silica sand.
- Finishing: Mounting the LED lights and the competition net.
Quality Control
Here is the bottom line:
The difference between a standard court and a premium court lies in the details of the finish and the quality of the paint. You should insist on a powder-coated finish for the steel to prevent rust.
Project Summary
Key Takeaway: A premium court build requires expert coordination between civil engineering and specialized sports equipment installation.
| Construction Stage | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Groundwork | Stability and Levelness |
| Assembly | Bolt Torque and Alignment |
| Finishing | Aesthetics and Playability |
By following this structured approach, you ensure that your facility is built to last for decades with minimal structural issues.
FAQ
Can I build a cancha de padel on an existing tennis court?
Yes, you can typically fit two padel courts into the space of one standard tennis court, maximizing your revenue per square meter.
What’s the best glass thickness for a high-traffic club?
We recommend 12mm tempered glass for high-traffic environments because it offers superior durability and better sound insulation.
Can I customize the color of the turf?
While blue and green are the most popular, you can order turf in terracotta, purple, or black to match your club’s specific branding.
What’s the best way to handle outdoor drainage?
A porous concrete sub-base combined with a 1% slope is the most effective way to ensure your courts are playable immediately after rain.
How do I know if my ceiling is high enough for a lob?
Professional standards require at least 6 meters of clearance, but 8 meters is the goal if you want to attract high-level competitive players.
Strategic Conclusion
Building a professional sports facility is a significant investment that requires expert guidance to avoid common pitfalls. We specialize in solving your construction challenges by providing FIP-compliant, high-performance courts that guarantee player satisfaction. If you are ready to transform your venue into a premier sports destination, contact us today for a comprehensive project consultation and quote.
Our vision is to empower investors by delivering the most durable and aesthetically superior padel facilities in the global market.