The Padel boom in Europe is undeniable. From Spain to France, and increasingly in the US, demand for courts is outstripping supply. However, for investors and club owners, the challenge isn't just funding—it's execution.
Choosing the cheapest supplier often leads to higher "Total Cost of Ownership" due to rust, glass breakage, or installation delays. Whether you are building an indoor club in Paris or an outdoor complex in Valencia, this guide covers how to vet manufacturers, manage installation, and choose the right canopies to maximize your ROI.
In the B2B market, visual similarity doesn't mean equal quality. When importing from China or selecting a local partner, verify these three "hidden" specifications to ensure longevity.
For the European market, "good enough" is not an option.
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CE Marking: Ensure all steel and glass components carry the CE Mark, a legal requirement for construction materials in the EU.
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FFT Standards (France): If your project is in France, the manufacturer must adhere to Fédération Française de Tennis specifications, particularly regarding safety zones and net post rigidity.
Outdoor courts face harsh weather. Standard electrostatic painting is not enough.
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The Golden Rule: Insist on Hot-dip Galvanized steel. This process creates a metallurgical bond between zinc and steel, preventing rust for decades, even in coastal areas.
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Tube Thickness: Ensure the main structural columns are at least 3mm thick to withstand wind loads.
Glass breakage is the most expensive maintenance issue.
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Thickness: Use 12mm tempered glass (compliant with EN 12150).
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Hole Design: Look for countersunk (conical) holes. This small detail allows the screw to sit flush with the glass, distributing stress evenly and preventing spontaneous breakage during play.
A perfect court on a bad foundation is a failed project. Coordinate these details with your local contractor before the containers arrive.
The #1 cause of installation failure is an uneven surface.
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Drainage: Ensure your concrete slab has a 0.5% to 1% slope. Without this, water will pool under the turf, leading to mold and uneven bounces.
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Curing: Allow the concrete to cure fully (usually 28 days) before installing heavy steel structures to prevent cracking.
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Texturized (Curly) Turf: Highly recommended for high-traffic clubs (especially in Spain/WPT style). It holds silica sand better, looks cleaner (less sand visible), and offers a consistent bounce.
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Sand Infill: Follow the manufacturer's guide strictly (e.g., 120kg-140kg per court). Too much sand makes it slippery; too little wears out the fiber.
In Northern Europe and France, rain is the enemy of revenue. In Southern Spain, it's the midday sun. Installing a cover transforms your club into a Year-Round Business, guaranteeing booking continuity.
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To comply with strict FFT standards and ensure playability, your canopy must offer a minimum clear height of 7 meters (9 meters is recommended for tournament play) to allow for defensive lobs without hitting the ceiling.
Your roof isn't just a tent; it's a building.
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Wind & Snow Load: Ensure the structure is calculated for local weather conditions (Eurocodes).
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Material: High-quality PVC membrane (usually 700-900g/m²) offers the best balance of natural light transmission and UV protection.
Saving money doesn't mean cutting corners; it means optimizing logistics.
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Container Optimization: A professional manufacturer knows how to pack efficiently. Typically, 3 to 4 complete Panoramic Courts can fit into one 40HQ container.
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Modular Design: Choose suppliers who offer modular fence structures. This reduces on-site welding and drilling, allowing a standard installation team to finish one court in 3 days instead of 5.
Building a Padel club is a significant investment. By prioritizing Hot-dip galvanized structures, 12mm safety glass, and all-weather covers, you protect that investment against the elements and ensure a premium experience for your players.
Looking for a turnkey solution that meets European Standards?
Q: What is the difference between Hot-dip Galvanized and Powder Coated courts?
A: Powder coating is just paint. Hot-dip galvanization involves dipping the steel in molten zinc, providing superior rust protection inside and out. For outdoor courts, hot-dip galvanization is essential for longevity.
Q: Does your Padel court meet FFT (French) standards?
A: Yes, we can provide courts designed specifically for the French market, meeting all FFT requirements regarding safety zones, lighting lux levels, and net post rigidity.
Q: Can you ship Padel courts to Spain or France directly?
A: Absolutely. We offer shipping solutions to major ports like Barcelona, Valencia, Le Havre, and Marseille. We can optimize loading to fit 3-4 courts in a 40HQ container to save on freight costs.
Q: What is the recommended ceiling height for an indoor Padel court?
A: For recreational play, 7 meters is the minimum. However, for competitive clubs and to meet international standards (FIP/WPT), we recommend a clear height of at least 9 meters.
