Pickleball Courts Are the New Man Caves, Zillow Reports — and Listings are Up 25%

Zillow's 2026 Home Trends Report captures the next hot trend in home design. Now more than ever, pickleball courts are in.

Move over, man caves; there’s a new hot housing accessory taking the country by storm.

According to Zillow’s 2026 Home Trends Report, prospective homeowners are seeing a 25% spike in listings that mention a pickleball court, right on par with those that feature golf simulators.

Basement dwellers aren’t so lucky, though. The prevalence of “man caves” is down 10% from this time last year. Honestly, we’re kind of shocked that’s even still a thing.

"Real estate agents have a front-row seat to what today's buyers want most, and that's reflected in the way they describe homes online," said Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert.

The pickleball court appeal seems fairly straightforward:

• The sport is fun, social, and good for your overall health
• Courts take up less space than a basketball or tennis court
• They can be used for other sports and activities

But before you go busting out the bulldozer, know this:

• You still need a large, level, and drainable surface
• Distance from neighbors matters; noise complaints are inevitable
• Proper lighting, both natural and artificial, is critical

Oh, and then there’s the price: a properly installed, pro-level pickleball court will run you anywhere from $30,000 to well over $100,000.

How much does a pickleball court really cost?

If you enjoy playing pickleball at a local park, chances are you've spent a lot of time waiting on the sidelines dreaming about building your own private court in your backyard.

No more paddle racks. No more wait times. Just hours and hours of dinking.

But what goes into building a court, and how much does it cost?

Well, that's hard to say for sure as there are so many variables, but we'll do our best to give you a general overview.

Step 1: Grading the Land

A smooth, level, and large surface is essential for proper gameplay. Any hills or bumps will need to be flattened and graded. Typically, you will need a base layer of stone with a 1° slope to allow rain to run off the court.

Step 2: Laying A Slab

The surface of your pickleball court must be durable and smooth. Typically, game courts use post-tension concrete to create a sturdy foundation. No matter which you choose, make sure to add a vapor barrier to prevent water from moisture getting into the concrete.

Step 3: Painting and Sealing

Pickleball courts use a special acrylic coating to paint the court, not your standard paint that's at your local hardware store. Standard colors include green or blue for the playing area and white for the lines.

Step 4: Picking a Net System

The net is a crucial part of a pickleball court. The cheapest and simplest method is to buy a temporary net which is easily set up and can be moved if you want to use the space for other activities. Permanent nets are more expensive but have better tension to prevent the ball from passing through the tape.

• Net Height: 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
• Posts: Use sturdy posts to hold the net taut.
• Adjustability: Ensure the net can be easily tightened or adjusted.

Step 5: Add Fencing and Lighting

It's tough to estimate how much you'll spend on fencing and lighting as there are a lot of aesthetic considerations. Nevertheless, here are some guidelines no matter what materials you decide to use:

• Fencing: Install a fence around the court, typically 10-12 feet high, to prevent balls from going out of bounds.
• Lighting: If you plan to play at night, install LED lights positioned at least 20 feet above the ground to minimize shadows.

Step 6: Additional Features

These are optional expenses but probably worth factoring into your budget if you are choosing to put a court away from a main building:

• Benches or Seating: Provide a place for players to rest.
• Shade Structures: Protect players from the sun.
• Water Station: Keep everyone hydrated.

Total Cost Breakdown and Planning

The entry level cost for building a pickleball court can range from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on materials, location, and features. If you opt for premium materials and features throughout, you can doubles that total without breaking a sweat.

We recommend consulting multiple professional contractors for estimates, as we've seen some really big differences in what people have been quoted.

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