Clay Vs Artificial Grass surfacing for your tennis court
Clay vs artificial grass: choosing the best surface for your tennis court is an important factor in how your game plays out.
If you’re looking for a hard or soft surface, more bounce or less, deciding on clay vs artificial grass tennis courts can be determined by a myriad of factors.
If you don’t know much about clay vs artificial grass, Ultra Courts is here to break down the pros and cons of each. While each have their advantages, artificial grass comes out as top ace. Let’s do hit-for-hit on the two tennis court surfaces.
The breakdown on clay courts
A clay court is generally seen as a slower court to play on. Made from crushed stone, brick or shale components, a clay court has the ability to create a surface that gives off a higher, slower bounce during play, resulting in more and longer rallies. A slower game can also lead to a longer game for players.
Why clay courts aren’t so good
Clay courts may require a higher amount of maintenance. They need to be cleared of debris more frequently and also require watering on a regular basis. Without daily upkeep, the clay material dries out, wears down and becomes difficult for safe, appropriately paced tennis matches. Clay courts can also generate fine dust, which can stick to clothing, shoes and nearby surfaces, creating mess and inconvenience. The need for regular maintenance comes at a cost, particularly in the long run if the court needs to be repaired or replaced at a higher rate than an artificial court.
What you’ll love about artificial grass tennis courts
The lower maintenance choice, artificial grass doesn’t require water, regular brushing or the replacement of surface materials like it’s clay counterpart. This surface is also highly durable and can be played on shortly after rain. This is the type of surface you want long term as they are built to last with minimal upkeep required. Not to mention, they look good with their nice green colour!
Unlike clay, which can develop uneven patches over time, artificial grass offers a consistent playing experience. This predictability benefits players of all skill levels. If speed is a big part of your game, you’ll enjoy moving around on grass.
Why you may not like an artificial grass court
The downside of artificial grass can be present before you even have the court installed. The upfront installation cost for artificial grass can be higher than clay. But this is offset by the reduction in maintenance related costs over the life of the court.
While you can get significant speed on a grass court, the biggest drawback is a lower bounce. Artificial grass also restricts some sliding movements that you can do better on clay. While this can be a downside for some, it can be a positive outlook for those who like their faster game.
Artificial grass courts certainly excel where clay courts fall short. Now you’re ready to hit the court, contact Ultra Courts to get the ball rolling.
