Clay Court Construction

Clay covers a wide variety of products when it comes to tennis courts. We in Australia use red clay tennis court construction, which is a fine clay brick dust that is generically known as en tout cas. This has a pavement made up of several layers of descending sized scoria, (a volcanic rock locally sourced), compacted and bonded to gain a free draining natural court. The final playing surface is a very finely crushed vitrified clay dust.

A more advanced ‘clay’ surface has recently been installed in Australia using a fine crushed granite subbase which is topped with imported green America crushed basalt. This product, known as Har Tru, is irrigated by a series of subterranean water fees pipes which allow the surface to retain moisture due to the osmosis effect of the introduced water through the crushed granite.

A S Lodge were asked to construct a series of the Har Tru courts at the most prestigious Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne. The excitement and pleasure of all who play on the courts is palpable. The water usage on the new Har Tru courts compared to the old en tout cas has dropped by approximately 35%. The exact clay court construction specifications can be achieved by speaking to A.S.Lodge.

Clay court construction is particularly meticulous and requires experience to achieve the desired playing qualities whilst maintain suitable drainage. As the gradient on all clay courts is minimal, then the attention to fine tolerances is critical. We at A.S.Lodge employ the latest technology to be able to present these world class tennis courts. This technology along with the high level of expertise and manual labour input results in the cost of clay court construction match or exceeding the cost of many other court surfaces.

There are a number of synthetic clay products available. Some of these products use a synthetic polymer binder to maintain a solid and stable base on which a fine red clay product is broadcast to achieve a European clay like court. The porosity is maintained through the ‘popcorn’ profile of the base. A S Lodge installed 12 of these courts at the Mornington Tennis Club for a delighted club. The courts are particularly weatherproof due to the advanced drainage.

There are many methods employed when it comes to clay tennis court resurfacing. It is generally not possible to merely top the surface up when the base has been worn and damaged. Our experienced team would need to assess the requirements for a rebuild or partial rebuild and then provide the full gamut of options to more forward. Many customers find it easier to reconstruct their old court and convert to either Plexipave or synthetic grass.

A S Lodge can not only assist with the construction of clay tennis courts but are also provide advice on all aspects of tennis court lighting using the latest designs in LED low wattage lighting. A.S.Lodge work closely with designers to achieve a world class facility for the use of all members or discerning private clients.

Find out everything you need to know

The A.S. Lodge Tennis Court Buyer's Guide is a must read for anyone wanting to avoid the pitfalls involved in having a tennis court built.

Client reviews

Still not convinced? Then listen to our satisfied customers...

I feel that the resultant court is superbly constructed and know that it is superb to play on.

K. Strible, Traralgon

I was very impressed with the speed with which you dealt with the minor hiccups throughout the project.

C. Webb, Mt. Martha

I just played tennis on the courts at Yarra Glen Tennis Club, and want to thank you for doing such a wonderful job.

Tennis Player, Yarra Glen

Everyone at AS Lodge were always helpful and willing to assist with any concerns we may have had. 

P. Kounnas, Doncaster

Your integrity and control of yesterday's situation was most reassuring that I had made the correct decision in choosing your company.

J. Pokinhorne, Mill Park

A S Lodge carried out a full resurfacing of our 28 year old tennis court with a new concrete base and synthetic grass. From the initial discussions with Richard and innovative approach to the final sign off with Sandy the complete experience was one of minimal inconvenience and complete satisfaction.

The concrete team and then the grass laying team were efficient and extremely fast in their execution of their tasks.

The finished result is what looks like a brand new court.

We are extremely satisfied in our choice of A S Lodge, and would recommend them to anyone in the future.

Once again thanks for a great project.

Graeme A – Mornington Peninsular

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