Padel Court Flooring: Concrete Base, Artificial Turf and Sand Infill

Ball bounce, player grip and court life depend largely on the floor. The right concrete base, the right turf and the right sand infill are the three key decisions that determine a padel court's performance.

The glass and steel structure of a padel court catches the eye first, but the floor is what shapes the playing experience most. Consistent bounce, controlled sliding on turns and how fast the court is playable after rain all depend on the surface.

1. Concrete base

Padel courts are usually built on a reinforced concrete slab. The slab is both the base for the turf and the structural element into which the steel frame is anchored.

• Size: the playing area is 20 x 10 m. The slab is designed slightly larger, with perimeter beams on which the structure sits.
• Thickness and reinforcement: set by the soil survey; typically a 10–15 cm slab with steel mesh.
• Evenness: the concrete must be power-floated with no dips or bumps. An uneven base can be felt through the turf and affects the bounce.
• Slope: outdoor courts get a slight fall (about 0.5–1%) to shed water. Indoor courts need no slope.
• Joints: control joints are planned and cut to manage shrinkage cracks.

Outdoors, permeable concrete is another option; it lets rain drain through the slab but needs a suitable drainage layer beneath.

2. Padel artificial turf

Padel turf is very different from football turf. The pile is short and works together with sand infill.

• Pile height: usually 10–15 mm. A short pile gives a regular bounce.
• Fibre type: fibrillated fibres are economical and hold sand well. Monofilament and texturised fibres give a more uniform bounce and longer life and are favoured for professional courts.
• Backing: latex or polyurethane coating. Outdoors the backing must be perforated for drainage.
• Colour: blue, green and terracotta are the most common. Lines are usually white, 5 cm wide, tufted in at the factory or glued in afterwards.

3. Sand infill

Sand infill keeps the fibres upright, allows controlled sliding and balances the bounce.

• Sand type: rounded, washed and graded silica (quartz) sand. Angular sand cuts fibres and grazes skin.
• Quantity: set by the manufacturer according to turf type and pile height. Too much sand makes the surface slippery and slow; too little leaves the fibres flat and the surface hard.
• Spreading: sand is spread in stages by a sand spreader or by hand and brushed into the fibres.

Installation sequence

1. Pouring and curing the concrete slab.
2. Erecting the steel structure and glass panels.
3. Laying turf rolls, bonding seams with joint tape and checking lines.
4. Spreading and brushing in the sand infill.
5. Final checks of net, lighting and doors.

Surface maintenance

Padel turf life depends on regular brushing. Weekly brushing keeps the sand evenly distributed; in the most used service areas sand thins over time and needs topping up. Leaves and dust should be cleared and sand that collects at the foot of the glass redistributed.

SFS Engineering carries out all flooring works, from concrete base to turf and sand, in its padel court construction projects. Read more in our padel court construction process guide and our article on padel court dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pile height should padel turf have?

Padel turf usually has a pile height of 10–15 mm. The short pile, together with sand infill, gives a regular bounce.

What sand is used on a padel court?

Rounded, washed and graded silica sand. Angular sand damages the fibres and the player's skin.

Can a padel court be built on existing concrete?

Yes, if the concrete is load-bearing, even and suitable for the frame anchors. Cracks, level differences or insufficient thickness must be corrected first.

How often is padel turf replaced?

It depends on use and maintenance. Regular brushing and sand top-ups extend turf life significantly.

Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.