If you're looking for an alternative to a permanent court for your home or facility, you might have come across VersaCourt. This portable court system comes in large tiles, ready to be assembled either by you or the VersaCourt team.
It's easy to set up and take apart, but how does it compare to a permanent court? After testing a VersaCourt myself, I'm here to share my honest opinion on whether this is worth it for anyone wanting their own pickleball court.
What is VersaCourt?
VersaCourt makes modular, high-performance tile systems that are used to create courts for a variety of sports. As well as pickleball, they cater for tennis, basketball, volleyball, hockey, and more.
Watch my first thoughts here:
Loading...
VersaCourt offers customizable court solutions, making them one of the leading manufacturers in the industry. You can tell a lot of thought went into their designs.
They're also just a great company to work with. Their customer service and warranties are both excellent, and they will make sure you get exactly what you're looking for.
Today's best deals
Is the VersaCourt worth it?
After testing the system and speaking with the VersaCourt team, here are my top reasons to consider (or avoid) installing VersaCourt in your space:
Pros of VersaCourt
- Portability: the whole court can be moved, which is handy if you want to take it to a vacation house, set it up elsewhere on your property, or you move houses.
- Easier on joints/knees: the material is flexible and absorbs shocks better than your typical hard court. I played on a VersaCourt at the home of a retired couple and they value this feature big time. It lets them play every morning to stay active. I can definitely validate this. It's easier on the joints and I had no soreness the next day.
- Longevity: according to Jesse (the VersaCourt rep), these courts last 10-15 years, with the coloring on the tiles lasting a good 5-7 years. Painted or acrylic courts tend to need maintenance or a repaint every 2-3 years or less.
- Suitable for more than just pickleball: the same tile system can be used for other sports like basketball or tennis.
- Better bounce than some competitors: I played with a similar tile system before at the Disco Court at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood. This was more of a novelty pop-up summer court, but the ball was erratic and barely bounced. You couldn't play a competitive game like you can with the VersaCourt.
Watch me hit a test serve using the VersaCourt:
Loading...
Cons of VersaCourt
- May still need concrete: Jesse told me that they almost always pour a layer of concrete below the court system before installing. So, while this is a portable system, it may still require the cost and effort of a concrete surface to perform to its highest level.
- Inconsistent bounce: while the bounce is better than its competitors, it's still different from a standard hard court. This can make for inconsistencies in:
- Bounce: I had some unexpected bounces that sent the ball in a direction I wasn't expecting.
- Speed: I noticed this most when I put a lot of spin on the ball. Heavy topspin especially seemed to skip off the surface faster than a standard surface. It caught me out a few times! Backspin seemed to have the opposite effect—it slowed the ball down off the bounce.
Watch my test of the bounce height:
Loading...
What does VersaCourt provide?
Here's what you get with VersaCourt:
Interactive court designer
One of the coolest things about VersaCourt is its court designer tool. It's free online and allows you to visualize your dream court before committing to anything. You can select dimensions, pick your favorite colors, add game lines, and even upload your own logo.
Pickleball-specific tiles
There are six tile types to choose from, including their pickleball performance tiles, that aim to deliver a high-performance bounce like a permanent court.
While it's not quite the same as a hard court, it's still really impressive for a temporary setup. The bounce is more reliable than others I've tested—enough to play a competitive game.
Shipping
The tiles are easily shipped to you, with straightforward installation instructions. However, VersaCourt also offers professional installation if you'd rather have someone else put it together.
Return policy/warranty
I was pretty impressed with Versacourt's return policy and warranty—particularly their 30-day money-back guarantee. A lot of companies try to sneak in some fine print, but VersaCourt is upfront about the limitations.
The material and workmanship warranty breaks down like this:
- 100% discount for years 0-5
- 50% discount for years 6-8
- 30% discount for life
They also have great initiatives like an unlimited "refer a friend" scheme for a free $100 gift card each time. Plus, their "you care, we care" initiative means they'll pay you to ship the tiles back to them at the end of their life. This saves the material from the landfill as VersaCourt will repurpose it.
Pricing
I was surprised to learn that the cost of the VersaCourt system is 15-30% higher than the cost of installing a standard hard court surface. While it might seem like a lot, a permanent court will cost you more in the long term with maintenance costs.
Remember: a VersaCourt lasts 10-15 years, whereas a standard acrylic/painted court will need maintenance every 2-3 years.
Since the courts are customized, VersaCourt prices vary. However, the company suggests a range of $6,200 to $19,000 for a multi-sport court installation process.
VersaCourt does offer a Price Match Guarantee, and they are confident they can meet any competitor's quote.
Who should consider VersaCourt?
Lots of pickleball players and sports facilities can benefit from VersaCourt:
- You want the ease of a backyard pickleball court: this is an easier way to realize your dream compared to installing a permanent court.
- You're injury-prone or older: the retired couple whose court I used love how shock-absorbent it is as it allows them to play every day.
- Senior living communities: since it's easier on the joints, VersaCourt could make pickleball even more accessible for senior citizens.
- Multi-sports facilities, schools, and rec centers: the multi-sport customization is perfectly suited for sporting events—especially for schools and community centers that need to maximize their limited space.
- Hotels and resorts: lay down a court for peak season or special events, then store it away to make room for other activities.
- Event planners: companies that rent out sports equipment for tournaments, fairs, or temporary events could add a high-quality pickleball surface to virtually any location.
How to create your own pickleball court using VersaCourt
Creating your own pickleball court is one of the most rewarding projects you'll ever complete. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to consider:
- Measure your space: the dimensions of a pickleball court are 20" x 44" but you'll want a 40" x 64" play area so you can move around. You can always build a mini court if space is limited.
- Surface: choose a pickleball-specific VersaCourt tile or one for multi-use depending on what else you'll be playing (e.g. basketball).
- Extra setup: while VersaCourt provides the lines, you still need a portable pickleball net. Also, consider fencing to capture loose balls and lights if you want to use the court at night.
Before you measure your area, remember that there are several different options, and VersaCourt isn't going to be the best for everyone. An asphalt court might suit a more competitive player, or a permanent net installation can help if you live in a windy area.
Bottom line
VersaCourt brings a lot of experience, offering surfaces across a huge range of sports. I like how much attention they're giving to pickleball, with their very own pickleball performance tile.
It won't be for everyone, though. Some players might not like the different feel and bounce.
However, if you don't want to invest in a permanent court, or you want a court that's a little bit softer, portable, easier to maintain, and versatile, it's a great solution for your home or venue. The homeowners I visited were VERY happy with their investment.
Try VersaCourt today
See for yourself why it's one of the best temporary courts in pickleball.
FAQs
