Pickleball vs. Padel: The Ultimate Backyard Court Guide for Modern Custom Homes in East Texas
As the demand for high-end, lifestyle-oriented homes grows in Tyler and across East Texas, homeowners are investing in private recreational features that offer wellness, entertainment, and long-term value. At the top of the list: private pickleball and padel courts.
At Mod+Co Design Build, we specialize in building modern and contemporary custom homes that elevate outdoor living with expertly integrated sport courts. This post explores everything you need to know about incorporating a pickleball or padel court into your custom home design, including comparisons, costs, and construction tips, tailored specifically for the East Texas lifestyle.
Why Pickleball and Padel Courts Are the Must-Have Amenity in 2025
Backyard sport courts have exploded in popularity among luxury homeowners—and for good reason:
Promote Health & Wellness
Encourage Family Interaction
Blend Seamlessly with Outdoor Living Spaces
Boost Property Value & Resale Appeal
Customization Options to Match Modern Architecture
Whether you’re planning your forever home in Hollytree, The Cascades, Flint, or Bullard, these amenities offer daily enjoyment while enhancing your home's identity.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with over 36 million players in 2023. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong on a court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.
Court Dimensions: 20’ x 44’ (minimum 30’ x 60’ with clearances)
Surface: Post-tension concrete + acrylic coating
Net Height: 34” in the center
Paddle: Lightweight composite paddle
Ball: Perforated plastic
Game Style: Fast-paced, accessible, ideal for all ages
Average Build Cost: $25,000 – $45,000 in East Texas
What is Padel?
Padel is a fast-growing international sport with over 25 million players worldwide. It’s always played in doubles on an enclosed court with glass and mesh walls—imagine a fusion of tennis and squash.
Court Dimensions: 20’ x 44’ (minimum 33’ x 66’ footprint)
Enclosure: 10–13 ft tempered glass and mesh fencing
Surface: Synthetic turf or textured concrete with sand infill
Net Height: 34”
Paddle: Solid, stringless paddle with holes
Ball: Pressurized tennis-like ball
Game Style: Strategic, high-energy rallies
Average Build Cost: $40,000 – $80,000+
How to Incorporate a Court into Your Custom Home
Site Planning & Orientation
North-South orientation minimizes sun glare.
Flat, well-drained area is ideal—especially important in East Texas clay soils.
Courts should be at least 10’ from the home for safety and sound control.
Lighting & Night Play
Use LED sports lighting with shielded fixtures.
Zoning your lighting allows multi-use and low-glare evening play.
Golf Cart Integration (Popular in Tyler, Texas and East Texas!)
5'–6’ concrete or paver cart paths
Parking pad with solar charging outlet
Covered storage bay with gear cabinets
Landscaping & Hardscapes
Add modern fencing, trees, or green walls for privacy and aesthetics.
Match finishes to your home’s architectural style—smooth stucco, metal, stone, etc.
Add-Ons
Shaded pergolas or lounging terraces
Paddle and ball storage cabinets
Water fountains, misting stations, and outdoor showers
Multi-sport striping for basketball or volleyball combos
Why Now is the Time in East Texas
Tyler and surrounding areas offer spacious lots, favorable zoning, and a climate that supports year-round outdoor recreation. With more homeowners looking for wellness-focused luxury living, including a sport court puts you ahead of the curve.
Conclusion: A Custom Court Built for Modern Living
Whether you’re leaning toward the approachable, social nature of pickleball or the adrenaline-pumping action of padel, adding a court to your home is an investment in lifestyle, health, and lasting value.
Ready to design a custom home in East Texas with an integrated sport court? We’d love to help.
Get Started Today
📍 Mod+Co Design Build – Modern Custom Homes in East Texas
📞 Call: (903) 363-1594
🌐 modcodevelopers.com
📍 Based in Tyler, serving all of East Texas