By the Home Tennis Court UK — The Complete Buyer & Build Guide Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Tennis Court Fencing Options and Costs UK — Full Buyers Guide

When you're building or renovating a tennis court at home, the choice of fencing affects safety, performance, durability and maintenance for the next 10–20 years. Four main materials dominate the UK market, each with distinct trade-offs. This guide covers what you actually get for your money and which suits different situations.

Rebound Netting

Rebound netting—also called impact netting or ball-stop netting—is a high-tensile synthetic mesh, usually HDPE or polyethylene, stretched between posts. It's designed to absorb ball impact and limit stray balls escaping the court.

Pros: Excellent for controlling serves and aggressive strokes; minimises ball loss and retrieval time; creates a cleaner aesthetic that many residential owners prefer; relatively lightweight, so post requirements are modest; good durability in sun exposure (quality nets resist UV degradation for 10+ years); easy to inspect the court from outside.

Cons: Wind can be problematic—tensioning and anchoring must be robust, especially in exposed locations; initial cost higher than basic chain link; requires professional installation for proper tensioning; occasional maintenance to check fixings and net integrity.

Cost: £80–£140 per metre of perimeter, installed. This varies with mesh thickness (2mm to 3mm common) and post spacing. A typical 23×11 metre court costs £3,700–£6,000 for netting alone.

Wind load: Quality systems are rated to withstand 80–100 mph gusts if properly tensioned and anchored. Always check post and anchor specifications for your location.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link remains the UK's most common choice for tennis courts because it's affordable, familiar and adequate for most domestic settings. Hot-dip galvanised or PVC-coated steel wire mesh creates a robust, permeable barrier.

Pros: Lowest cost option; mature, predictable material with proven longevity; good wind resistance (the open weave allows wind to pass through); easy visibility into the court; straightforward maintenance; straightforward to repair or replace sections.

Cons: Balls escape frequently, requiring constant retrieval; can rust at cut edges if galvanising is compromised; doesn't absorb impact, so balls bounce back with significant force; aesthetic appeal is basic; rust spots develop within 5–7 years if the coating is damaged.

Cost: £35–£65 per metre installed, depending on height and wire gauge. A 23×11 metre court runs £1,500–£2,800. Budget extra if you need deeper ground anchoring in sandy soil.

Wind load: 50–70 mph typical rating. The open weave design naturally sheds wind, so structural failure is rare, but loose or corroded posts are a weak point.

Welded Mesh Fencing

Welded mesh is rigid sheet panels (typically 1.25m × 2.5m) welded from galvanised or PVC-coated wire, offering a middle ground between chain link and solid barriers. It's increasingly popular for upgraded residential courts.

Pros: More rigid than chain link, so posts are typically further apart, reducing material waste; cleaner appearance than chain link; better ball control than pure chain link, though not as effective as rebound netting; rust-resistant if properly coated; easier to clean and maintain than tangled chain link.

Cons: More expensive than chain link; wind can destabilise panels if posts are poorly set; damaged panels are harder to repair in-place and often require replacement; requires skilled installation to ensure alignment and proper tensioning.

Cost: £55–£95 per metre installed. A 23×11 metre court typically costs £2,400–£4,200.

Wind load: 70–90 mph typical. Proper concrete foundation depth (at least 600mm) and post spacing (usually 2m) are critical.

Timber Fencing

Solid timber boards (usually pressure-treated pine or hardwood) create a traditional look and provide ball containment. Timber is increasingly popular in residential settings where aesthetics matter.

Pros: Visually attractive and blends into gardens; excellent ball containment; provides some privacy; warm, natural appearance; long lifespan if maintained (15–20 years with proper treatment).

Cons: Highest maintenance requirement—needs resealing or repainting every 2–3 years; costs rise significantly once maintenance is factored in; susceptible to rot, particularly at ground level; wind can catch solid surface, requiring strong post foundations; movement and warping in freeze-thaw cycles can open gaps and reduce effectiveness.

Cost: £90–£160 per metre installed, depending on board quality and thickness. A 23×11 metre court costs £3,900–£7,000. Add £400–£800 every three years for maintenance.

Wind load: 60–80 mph typical. Solid panels catch wind heavily, so deep post foundations (700–800mm) and closely spaced posts (1.5m) are essential.

Factors to Consider

Wind: UK coastal and exposed inland sites need robust systems. Rebound netting and welded mesh are generally preferred in these areas. Timber requires exceptional foundations.

Regulations: Planning permission isn't usually required for domestic court fencing under 2m height, but verify with your local authority. Building Regulations apply to permanent structures.

Maintenance budget: Chain link needs minimal intervention; timber demands commitment; rebound netting and welded mesh sit between.

Court performance: If you want the ball to stay in play and reduce retrieval, rebound netting is superior. Chain link is the worst performer on this metric.

Cost Summary

| Option | Cost per metre | Total (23×11m) | Lifespan | |--------|---|---|---| | Rebound netting | £80–£140 | £3,700–£6,000 | 10–15 years | | Chain link | £35–£65 | £1,500–£2,800 | 8–12 years | | Welded mesh | £55–£95 | £2,400–£4,200 | 12–15 years | | Timber | £90–£160 | £3,900–£7,000 | 15–20 years (plus maintenance) |

For most UK domestic courts, rebound netting and welded mesh offer the best balance of performance, durability and long-term cost. Chain link remains the budget choice if ball control isn't a priority. Timber suits gardens where aesthetics are paramount and ongoing maintenance is acceptable.