When operators talk about what drives repeat play, they often focus on programming, community and coaching. But increasingly, the floor beneath a player’s feet has become one of the most influential factors shaping both player experience and long-term financial outcomes.
As more dedicated pickleball facilities emerge, the decision-making process around flooring and court surfacing is moving from an afterthought to a strategic investment.
From Afterthought to Advantage
For Robert Lorincz, the founder of Pickleball 365 in Michigan, the process started where it often should — on the court. “My wife and I went and tried to play on as many surfaces as we could,” he said. “We went as far as a couple hours away to explore cushion surfaces, non-cushion surfaces — trying them out to see which ones we liked and which ones we didn’t.”
That hands-on approach shaped one of their most defining operational choices of installing a cushioned surface designed to reduce fatigue and improve recovery. Lorincz said the feedback from everyday players validated the investment immediately.
“We hear regularly from our members how much they enjoy and appreciate playing on our surfaces,” said Lorincz, noting they often report feeling better after playing on the cushioned surface compared to other facilities.
Designing for Player Longevity and Performance
As operators weigh upfront costs against long-term viability, injury prevention has become a central part of the conversation. Hard courts may be cost-effective at installation but can come with a hidden price.
“Falling on one of those paint-on-concrete surfaces is a lot more [dangerous],” said Lorincz. “You’re going to get a lot more injured than falling on any type of cushion surface.”
Lorincz pointed out that their regulars often play five days a week. That workload exposes the performance gaps between flooring types more clearly than occasional play ever could. “Recovery is easier when playing on a cushion surface,” he said.
Elliot Marcille, the founder of Bozeman Classic Pickleball Club, approaches flooring decisions with a similar mindset around performance and safety priorities. His facility’s goal is to find a balance between different skill levels and what will work best for all players.
“My philosophy is to create a court that is basically at a professional enough level of construction and design where the best players want to play and can really thrive, but also be a place that’s inclusive and fun for new players,” said Marcille. Part of striking that balance is finding a surface that won’t wear players down.
As operators evaluate how best to balance performance, comfort and durability, several surface trends are beginning to take shape across the pickleball space.
For Kevan Carpenter, the CEO of Commercial Floor Resources — one of the leading brands in quality commercial flooring installations, preparation and maintenance — surface selection is increasingly being evaluated through both a performance and lifecycle lens.
“We’re seeing a lot of discussion around cushion and non-cushion systems, different paint chemistries, and more turf-to-court transitions as well as turf pickleball courts,” said Carpenter. These trends reflect a growing emphasis on surfaces that can support both player experience and long-term facility flexibility.
The Hidden Cost of Maintenance and Resurfacing
Even high-performing surfaces can present challenges for operators if maintenance requirements become unpredictable. Lorincz approached his resurfacing strategy through operational consistency. He said that facility operators who had used Pickleball 365’s chosen surface warned him about resurfacing intervals.
“About every 18 months you’re going to want some type of resurfacing done,” said Lorincz, sharing that to get the most out of their court surfaces, they do a light resurfacing with a cleaning machine, which allows them to wait as long as three years before having to do a full resurfacing.
“[The machine] refreshes and rejuvenates the surface every time it cleans,” added Lorincz.
Marcille also highlighted the importance of thoughtful maintenance planning. Court cleaning, he said, was a trial-and-error process. “I feel like there’s not a lot of resources out there for how to clean your courts properly,” he said. “It took me so many different attempts before we figured it out and ended up buying the right equipment.”
For operators trying to budget in an increasingly competitive landscape, these considerations are critical. A cheaper floor that requires frequent repair can cost far more than a premium option would have.
Planning for Growth Before the Courts Are Full
One of the most overlooked aspects of flooring decision-making is planning for how a facility might grow or diversify. Surfaces that are ideal for pickleball might complicate the addition of other sports or event programming — a challenge many pickleball operators only recognize after the fact.
Marcille has been experimenting with converting courts using materials such as thick RAM board, allowing the facility to host different events while also protecting the court surface.
He has also been watching the latest trends to find a good hybrid surface that can allow for incorporation of other sports like padel, which has become an increasingly popular addition to pickleball facilities. And although the search for a surface that can do all these things at once can be hard, Marcille is intrigued by the ideas that might help facilities expand their revenue streams without compromising on pickleball’s core playing experience.
For Carpenter, that starts from the very beginning. “The success of that court hinges on the slab and prep underneath, as well as the coordination intersection of other floor surfaces,” he said. “Floor prep is just as important as lighting.”
Competitive Differentiation in a Crowded Market
Competition among facilities is rising fast, and both operators know that flooring will soon be a differentiator rather than a luxury.
“Fast forward five years from now, when there are four facilities in a 30-minute range — that’s where that decision of who’s got what type of surface is really going to come into play,” said Lorincz.
As the markets saturate, people will increasingly choose facilities where they feel better during both play and in recovery.
This is more than just a branding strategy — it’s a long-term ROI plan. Flooring that protects players keeps them coming back, and flooring that performs well protects operators from resurfacing shocks down the line.
Marcille’s advice to new operators is to start with your goals, not a vendor pitch. “You kind of have to decide for yourself what you’re going for and then engage with the vendors,” he says.
From there, choose a partner who is experienced in pickleball flooring specifically, well before you start build-out. “Employ a company to help evaluate your slabs to provide accurate budget numbers pre-construction,” advised Carpenter.
Flooring may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the few decisions that affects every point played, every dollar spent on maintenance and every returning customer.
“Invest in your community and invest in your players, invest in their long-term health and well-being,” said Lorincz. “It will pay itself back to you.”
For the next wave of pickleball facilities, the question isn’t which surface is cheapest or trendiest. It’s which one will still be serving players, and the business, a decade from now.
Gain a competitive advantage
Subscribe to Pickleball Innovators for insider tips, expert insight and the latest trends to help your pickleball business thrive.
Jordan Meek is a staff writer for Pickleball Innovators, where she covers the rapidly evolving business of pickleball — from facility growth and technology to player experience and industry strategy. A graduate of Denison University with a degree in Journalism, she joined Peake Media in 2025 and brings a passion for storytelling and curiosity to every piece. Jordan is driven to spotlight the leaders shaping the sport and uncover insights that help operators thrive in the fastest-growing game in America.
