How to Install a Padel Court: Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most common questions from padel club investors is: do I need to fly in a specialist team to install my courts? The answer is no. Hllye courts are engineered with a modular "plug-and-play" design specifically for the export market — any competent local civil works contractor, metal worker, or glazier can assemble them using our detailed 3D manuals and video guides. This guide walks through the four phases of installation, from unloading the container to the first serve.

Before You Start: What Your Site Needs

Make sure the site is ready before your container arrives:

• Foundation completed: reinforced concrete ring beam (typically 40cm x 40cm) around the perimeter plus a porous concrete or asphalt slab for the playing area.
• Level and drained: the slab must be level and have proper drainage to prevent water pooling.
• Access for a 40HQ container: the truck and crane need room to unload the wooden A-frames carrying the glass and steel.
• Tools and crew: standard construction tools, a forklift or crane for glass handling, and a crew of 3-6 people.

"If you lease the land and cannot dig foundations, our Portable Court with a self-supporting steel base is the best alternative — zero concrete foundation needed." — Hllye Engineering Team

Phase 1: Unloading the Container Safely

A standard 40ft High Cube (40HQ) container holds exactly 3 complete courts — glass panels, steel structure, turf, and lighting poles, all protected in customized wooden A-frames. Unload carefully:

• Inspect the container and A-frames for any damage before signing the delivery note
• Use a forklift or crane to move the heavy glass frames — never drag them
• Store glass upright on a flat, soft surface until installation
• Keep the 3D assembly manual and parts list handy and inventory everything against the packing list

Phase 2: Anchoring the Steel Structure

The hot-dip galvanized steel frame (S235JR, 80x80x3mm pillars) is the backbone of the court:

• Lay out the pillars and horizontal beams according to the numbered assembly drawings
• Anchor each pillar to the concrete ring beam using the specified foundation bolts
• Check verticality with a spirit level on every pillar before tightening fully
• Assemble the mesh frames and secure them to the structure

Phase 3: Installing the Glass Panels

The tempered glass is the most delicate part of the installation:

• Install the 10mm or 12mm CE-certified tempered glass panels (EN 12150) in the numbered sequence
• Use the anti-vibration neoprene pads between glass and steel frame to prevent breakages
• Position the 3.00m high glass at the back and corners, and 2.00m high panels at the sides
• Handle panels with suction lifters and at least two people — never rest glass on its edge

Phase 4: Turf, Sand, and Lighting

• Lay the turf: roll out the fibrillated or monofilament turf over the prepared slab, trim to fit, and seam the joins
• Apply the silica sand infill: spread evenly across the turf to the specified depth, then brush in thoroughly
• Mount the lights: install the LED floodlights (typically 4x 150W or 200W, 300-400 lux) on the steel structure and wire them to your supply
• Final checks: walk the court, check net tension, test the lights, and sweep the surface

How Long Does Installation Take?

With a competent local crew, on-site assembly typically takes 1-2 weeks for the full process — faster if multiple teams work in parallel on several courts. By contrast, flying in a specialist padel installation team from Europe costs $4,000-$6,000 per court plus travel; with Hllye's modular design and 3D manuals, a local contractor typically achieves installation for $2,000-$3,000 per court.

You're Not Alone: Remote Support Included

Every Hllye order includes the support your local team needs:

• Step-by-step 3D assembly manuals in PDF
• Foundation drawings and civil works requirements
• Video guides covering all four installation phases
• Remote engineering support via WhatsApp or video call during your installation

Ready to plan your project? Get an exact quote with our cost calculator, see the full construction & installation service page, or talk to our engineers.