Court Surfaces Explained: Acrylic, Concrete, Asphalt and Tiles

When people ask what a court is made of, the answer has two parts: the base underneath and the surface you play on. Both affect how the court plays, how long it lasts and how much maintenance it needs.

The base: concrete or asphalt

Concrete

• Strong and long-lasting when built with proper reinforcement and drainage

• Post-tensioned concrete is designed to resist cracking, which helps on the expansive clay soils common across Dallas-Fort Worth

• Higher upfront cost than asphalt in many cases

Asphalt

• Often lower upfront cost

• More flexible, but more prone to cracking over time, especially with heat and soil movement

• Usually needs crack repair and resurfacing more often

The playing surface options

Acrylic coatings

Acrylic is the most common finish for outdoor tennis and pickleball courts. It is applied in layers over concrete or asphalt and includes sand for texture and grip.

• Consistent ball bounce and reliable traction

• Wide range of colors

• Used on professional and recreational courts

• Needs periodic resurfacing, typically every 4 to 8 years

Cushioned acrylic

Some systems add rubberized cushion layers under the color coats. They feel softer underfoot, which some players prefer for joints, but they cost more.

Modular sport court tiles

Interlocking plastic tiles snap together on top of a concrete or asphalt base.

• Quick to install and easy to replace individual tiles

• Drain through the tile surface

• Different ball response and feel than acrylic, which some pickleball and tennis players notice

• Can shift or fade over time in strong sun

Bare concrete

Plain concrete works for casual basketball, but it is harder on the body, can get slick when dusty or wet, and lacks the color and markings of a finished court.

Which surface is right for you?

• Pickleball and tennis: acrylic over a well-built concrete base is the standard for consistent play.

• Basketball: acrylic or tiles both work well. Acrylic gives a cleaner look and smoother feel.

• Multi-sport courts: acrylic makes it easy to paint lines for several sports in different colors.

The Texas factor

North Texas heat, sun and shifting clay soil are hard on courts. A strong base with good drainage matters more here than almost anywhere. Lighter surface colors also stay a little cooler in summer sun.

Not sure which option fits your project? Talk to our team or learn about our pickleball, tennis and basketball courts.