Who this guide is for
- Owners balancing containment against appearance
- Clubs planning durable perimeter fencing
- People on windy or exposed sites
- Anyone comparing fencing proposals
What fencing has to do
At its core, fencing contains balls and marks the court boundary. How much containment you need depends on the surroundings — a court near a road or neighbours needs more than one in open private land. This shapes height and openness.
Fencing also affects wind, sightlines and the visual weight of the court.
Height, openness and wind
Taller, denser fencing contains more but can feel enclosing and catch more wind. Lower, more open fencing feels lighter but contains less. The right balance is site-specific and discussed with a supplier or designer.
- Containment needs based on surroundings
- Wind exposure and how fencing responds
- Openness versus a more enclosed feel
- Sightlines into and out of the court
Materials and durability
Fencing materials differ in durability, appearance and upkeep. Rather than naming a best material, weigh the options with a supplier for your climate and how the court will be used.
Appearance and integration
Fencing is the most visible part of a court, so how it looks matters. Screening, planting and material choice can help the enclosure sit comfortably in a garden or facility.
- Visual weight of the enclosure
- Screening or planting to soften fencing
- Material appearance and upkeep
- How fencing relates to the wider setting
Tennis court fencing planning checklist
- 1Have you defined how much containment your surroundings need?
- 2Have you balanced fence height and openness with a supplier?
- 3Have you considered wind exposure on your site?
- 4Have you weighed materials for durability and upkeep?
- 5Have you thought about how the fencing looks?
- 6Have you considered screening or planting?
- 7Have you confirmed enclosure dimensions with a supplier or federation?
- 8Has fencing installation been left to qualified professionals?
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing maximum height everywhere without considering feel and wind
- Ignoring how the fence looks in the landscape
- Overlooking wind loading on exposed sites
- Assuming a single best fencing material
- Treating fencing as separate from the overall court design
When to involve a professional
- Fencing specification and installation should be carried out by qualified professionals
- Containment and height choices should be discussed with a supplier or designer
- Material durability varies by climate and use and should be reviewed with a supplier
- Official enclosure dimensions should be confirmed with the relevant federation, supplier or designer
- Requirements vary by location and project and may require local review
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
How tall should court fencing be?
It depends on containment needs, which vary with the surroundings, and on wind exposure. Taller fencing contains more but feels enclosing and catches more wind, so the right height is site-specific and best discussed with a supplier or designer.
What fencing material is best?
There is no single best material; options differ in durability, appearance and upkeep. Weigh them with a supplier for your climate and how the court will be used, rather than assuming one material suits every situation.
How do I keep fencing from dominating the garden?
Balance height and openness, choose materials thoughtfully, and consider screening or planting. Because fencing is the most visible part of a court, integrating it with the surroundings keeps the court from feeling like an intrusion.
Does wind affect fencing choice?
Yes. Denser, taller fencing catches more wind, which matters on exposed sites. Wind exposure is therefore part of the conversation with a supplier when balancing containment against how the fencing performs and looks.
Keep reading