The Complete Timeline: How Long Does It Take to Build a Tennis Court in Melbourne?
Deciding to build a tennis court at home is exciting—but it’s also a big investment. One of the first questions we’re asked at Ultra Courts is a simple and very fair one: “How long does it actually take to build a tennis court?”
The honest answer is that building a quality tennis court in Melbourne isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a staged process that involves careful planning, council approvals, expert construction, and time for materials to properly settle and cure. Rushing any step can compromise performance and longevity, which is why we take a methodical, transparent approach from start to finish.
Below is a clear, realistic breakdown of the timeline you can expect when building a tennis court with Ultra Courts.
Phase 1: Planning, Design, and Council Approvals
This first stage lays the groundwork for everything that follows—and it’s often where most of the waiting occurs.
1. Initial Consultation and Court Design
Every project begins with a detailed site visit. We assess your land, drainage requirements, access points, and orientation, then talk through how you want to use the court.From there, we help you choose the right surface—whether that’s premium synthetic grass or a high-performance porous acrylic hard court—and finalise engineering details and budget expectations.This early planning ensures there are no surprises later and that the court is designed specifically for your property.
Estimated timeframe: 1–2 weeks
2. Local Council Permits and Approvals
Before construction can begin, council approval is required. This is a non-negotiable part of building a tennis court in Melbourne.Ultra Courts takes care of the entire approval process, including submitting plans, engineering drawings, and drainage specifications to meet local regulations.Council processing times vary depending on the area and complexity of the application, and this stage is largely outside anyone’s direct control.
Estimated timeframe: 4–8 weeks (sometimes longer depending on the council)
Phase 2: Groundworks and Structural Build
Once permits are approved, the physical construction begins—and this is where progress really starts to feel tangible.
3. Site Preparation and Drainage
The site is cleared and excavated, and a professional drainage system is installed.Proper drainage is essential in Melbourne’s climate, as it protects the court from water damage and movement over time.The base is then carefully graded to exact specifications to ensure consistent play.
Estimated timeframe: 1–3 weeks
4. Base Construction
The court base is the most important structural element.Depending on the site, we construct either an engineered asphalt base or a compacted crushed rock base.This layer is laser-levelled and compacted to industry standards, then left to settle properly. Allowing adequate time here is critical to the long-term durability of the court.
Estimated timeframe: 2–4 weeks
Phase 3: Surface Installation and Final Details
This is the stage where the court really comes to life.
5. Surface Installation
For synthetic grass courts, the turf is laid, seamed, and infilled with precision.For hard courts, multiple layers of specialist acrylic coatings are applied.This work is weather-dependent, as dry conditions are essential to achieve a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
Estimated timeframe: 1–2 weeks
6. Fencing, Lighting, and Curing
While surface works are completed, fencing and lighting are installed.Hard courts then require a dedicated curing period before line marking can be applied. This step is essential—it ensures the surface bonds properly and performs as intended for years to come.
Estimated timeframe: 2–3 weeks
So, How Long Does It All Take?
From the moment construction starts on-site, most tennis courts are completed within 7 to 12 weeks.
When you include planning, design, and council approvals, the full process typically takes around 11 to 20 weeks, or roughly 3 to 5 months.
At Ultra Courts, we manage every stage of the process so you’re always informed and confident in what’s happening next. The result is a professionally built tennis court that performs beautifully, lasts for years, and adds real value to your property.
If you’re ready to take the next step, contact the Ultra Courts team today to book your initial site consultation and start planning your tennis court with confidence.