What drives the cost of a padel court
The court itself (steel frame, glass, turf and net) is the predictable part: £25,000–£40,000 for a standard court and £40,000–£60,000 for panoramic, which most new UK clubs choose. Groundworks are where budgets move. Converting a tennis court with good drainage can cost as little as £5,000, while a sloping or waterlogged site can pass £30,000. Get a ground survey before signing a court supplier’s quote. The full breakdown is in our padel court build cost guide.
Outdoor, covered or indoor
Outdoor courts are cheapest but lose bookings to the British weather. A canopy keeps rain off for a big share of the indoor price, and indoor courts in an existing building offer steady, year-round revenue. That’s why most indoor padel clubs run busy winter programmes. The UK padel report shows how the mix of court types varies across the country.
Making the numbers work
Payback depends on booked hours more than anything else. Six booked hours a day at £40 is realistic in busy postcodes; in a quieter town you’ll need coaching, leagues and socials to get there. Before you build, check how many courts already serve your area and what they charge. Once you’re open, list your centre so local players can find you.