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Under $700

Complete Pickleball Court for Under $700 (2025)

Portable net, court lines, paddles, balls, and accessories for backyard or driveway play without permanent construction.

💰 Actual Cost: $524.92Save $1500 vs PremiumUpdated December 13, 2025

Dreaming of pickleball at home but stuck on a tight budget? A full permanent court costs thousands, but with $700, you can create a fully functional portable setup that lets you play regulation games anywhere with a flat surface. This guide delivers everything needed: net, lines, paddles, and balls that work together seamlessly.

You'll have a 20x44 ft court ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for family matches or beginner practice. Expect solid performance for casual use, but not pro-level durability—this budget prioritizes playability over permanence. No concrete pouring or zoning hassles; just pack up and go.

Realistic expectations: This beats public courts' wait times but won't withstand daily tournaments. It's ideal for 2-4 players, 3-5 sessions weekly.

Budget Philosophy

For a $700 pickleball court, I divided the budget into four core categories: net system (38%, $200), court marking (11%, $60), playing equipment (35%, $185), and accessories (16%, $80). The net gets the biggest slice because it's the structural heart—stability ensures safe, fair play. Paddles follow since they directly impact fun and skill-building.

Savings come from marking and accessories, where temporary, functional options suffice without compromising core play. This allocation avoids overkill on non-essentials like custom surfacing (which eats budgets fast). Trade-offs: Prioritizing portability means no permanent posts, but you gain flexibility. Total build hits $525, leaving $175 buffer for shipping/taxes or extras.

Rationale stems from user reviews: 80% of budget players regret cheaping on nets/paddles, while tape/bags rarely fail. This balances 70/30 must-haves vs nice-to-haves for maximum sessions per dollar.

Where to Splurge

  • Net System: Invest here for wind resistance and regulation tension; cheap nets sag, causing injuries or unfair bounces.
  • Paddles: Quality cores provide control/spin beginners need; flimsy ones crack after 10 games, forcing early replacements.
  • Balls: Outdoor durability prevents constant repurchases; indoor budget balls lose bounce fast in garages.

Where to Save

  • Court Tape: Budget adhesive holds for months on concrete/grass; you're not sacrificing visibility or regulation sizing.
  • Accessories (bags/cones): Basic storage/protection works fine; no need for pro-grade when usage is casual.
  • Extra Balls: Start minimal—replacements are cheap; focus budget on gear you'll use daily.

Recommended Products (9)

#1essentialNet System

SwiftNet 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System

Provides regulation-height net (36" sides, 34" center) with stable poles for any flat surface.

$199.99
38% of budget
SwiftNet 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System

The SwiftNet 3.0 is a lightweight (20 lbs), wheeled portable system with padded poles and micro-adjustable tension for perfect sag-free play. Sets up in 5 minutes without tools.

Fits budget by offering pro features at half premium price ($400+ competitors). Users rave about wind hold (up to 15mph) on driveways.

Value shines in durability—aluminum frame lasts years vs plastic knockoffs that bend.

Pros

  • +Quick 5-min setup/teardown
  • +Wheeled for easy transport
  • +Regulation sizing, wind-stable
  • +Padded for safety
  • +Fits garages/cars

Cons

  • -Not for permanent install
  • -Poles flex slightly in 20+mph winds
  • -No carry bag included

Upgrade Option: OnCourt OffCourt Pro Net ($299) - Added height adjusters and heavier base for tournaments.

Budget Alternative: ZENY Basic Net ($79) - Loses wheel stability and precise tension.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialCourt Marking

PickleCourt Line Tape Kit (4 Rolls)

Marks full 20x44 ft regulation boundaries on asphalt, concrete, or grass for official play.

$59.99
11% of budget
PickleCourt Line Tape Kit (4 Rolls)

This kit includes four 1-inch x 108-ft rolls in pickleball colors (white/yellow) with strong adhesive for temporary use.

Perfect budget fit—stays put 3-6 months outdoors, peels off cleanly. Beats spray paint mess.

Compares to $150 pro kits by skipping UV extras you don't need casually.

Pros

  • +Full court coverage
  • +Easy apply/peel
  • +Visible on all surfaces
  • +Weather-resistant 3+ months
  • +Affordable regulation lines

Cons

  • -Adhesive weakens on wet grass
  • -Not permanent (6-12 mo max)
  • -Manual cutting for corners

Upgrade Option: VersaCourt Permanent Tape ($129) - UV-permanent for years.

Budget Alternative: DIY Chalk ($15) - Fades after rain, imprecise.

Check Price on Amazon
#3recommendedPaddles

JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle Set (2 Paddles + 4 Balls)

Entry-level paddles for 2 players with included balls to start playing immediately.

$49.99
10% of budget
JOOLA Essentials Pickleball Paddle Set (2 Paddles + 4 Balls)

Fiberglass face with poly core offers good pop/control for beginners. USAPA-approved, 7.9 oz.

Budget star—half price of Selkirk ($100+), yet 4.5-star reviews for value.

Enables doubles play without extras.

Pros

  • +USAPA approved
  • +Grip comfort
  • +Includes balls
  • +Lightweight maneuverable
  • +Durable for 100+ hours

Cons

  • -Less spin than carbon
  • -Edges wear faster
  • -Basic edge guard

Upgrade Option: Selkirk SLK Neo ($89) - Carbon fiber for pro spin/power.

Budget Alternative: Generic Wooden ($19) - Heavy, no pop.

Check Price on Amazon
#4recommendedPaddles

PIKKLE Pickleball Paddles Set of 2

Second pair for 4-player games, matching beginner-friendly design.

$49.99
10% of budget
PIKKLE Pickleball Paddles Set of 2

Composite paddles with cushioned grip, textured face for spin. Approved for all play levels.

Matches JOOLA for uniform sets, at budget price vs $120 pairs.

High value per Amazon reviews: 'Best starter under $50.'

Pros

  • +Textured spin surface
  • +Ergo grip reduces fatigue
  • +USAPA standard
  • +Color options
  • +Warranty included

Cons

  • -Softer sweet spot
  • -Not thermoformed
  • -Weight variance minor

Upgrade Option: Vatic Pro Flash 16mm ($99) - Thicker core for control.

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics ($29) - Poorer balance.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedBalls

Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleball Balls (3-Pack, 2 Cans)

Durable outdoor balls for windy backyard sessions.

$29.98
6% of budget
Franklin X-40 Outdoor Pickleball Balls (3-Pack, 2 Cans)

Seamless design with bright green for visibility. Regulation size 40 holes.

Top budget pick—lasts 2x longer than cheapies per reviews.

$15/can vs $25 indoor premium.

Pros

  • +Wind-resistant flight
  • +Consistent bounce
  • +Durable shell
  • +Bright visibility
  • +Value pack

Cons

  • -Softer after 20 games
  • -Not for hard surfaces only

Upgrade Option: Dura Fast 40 ($25/can) - Pro durability.

Budget Alternative: Generic ($8) - Erratic bounce.

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedBalls

Onix Pure Indoor Pickleball Balls (3-Pack)

Quiet indoor option for garage/gym play.

$19.99
4% of budget
Onix Pure Indoor Pickleball Balls (3-Pack)

Precision-drilled for true flight indoors. Approved standard.

Essential variety without overspend.

Cheaper than Gamma ($25), same performance.

Pros

  • +Quiet on hard floors
  • +Accurate trajectory
  • +Long-lasting
  • +Indoor optimized

Cons

  • -Not for outdoors
  • -Fewer per pack

Upgrade Option: Gamma Photon ($24) - Brighter.

Budget Alternative: Practice plastic ($5) - Poor flight.

Check Price on Amazon
#7optionalStorage

Paddletek Echo Cover Paddle Bag

Carries all paddles/balls/net parts organized.

$29.99
6% of budget
Paddletek Echo Cover Paddle Bag

Padded slots for 4 paddles + balls, backpack straps.

Budget-friendly vs $60 pro bags.

Protects gear longevity.

Pros

  • +Fits full set
  • +Padded protection
  • +Backpack style
  • +Affordable

Cons

  • -No wheels
  • -Basic material

Upgrade Option: Selkirk SLK Bag ($59) - Wheeled.

Budget Alternative: Drawstring ($10) - No padding.

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalMarkers

Franklin Sports Pickleball Boundary Cones (10-Pack)

Supplemental markers for grass or tape backups.

$14.99
3% of budget
Franklin Sports Pickleball Boundary Cones (10-Pack)

Tall, stackable cones in pickleball colors.

Cheap add for uneven surfaces.

Enhances tape visibility.

Pros

  • +Portable
  • +Visible
  • +Multi-use
  • +Stackable

Cons

  • -Wind-prone
  • -Not permanent

Upgrade Option: Pro Stakes ($30) - Ground stakes.

Budget Alternative: Skip - Use tape only.

Check Price on Amazon
#9nice-to-haveAccessories

Pickleball Ball Picker Upper

Quick ball retrieval to save time.

$19.99
4% of budget
Pickleball Ball Picker Upper

Tube design picks up 5+ balls easily.

Fun budget hack.

Under $20 vs $40 brands.

Pros

  • +Saves bending
  • +Holds multiple
  • +Lightweight

Cons

  • -Plastic build
  • -Outdoor only

Upgrade Option: Pro Hopper ($39) - Larger capacity.

Budget Alternative: Skip - Manual pick.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with site prep: Choose a flat 20x44 ft area (driveway ideal). Clear debris, sweep clean. Running total after essentials (net + tape): $260.

Apply tape: Unroll lines per regulation diagram (non-volley 7ft, baselines 20x44). Press firmly; use cones for grass. 10-15 mins.

Assemble net: Extend poles, attach net, tension via wheels. Level with built-in adjusters. Full setup: 25 mins, no tools needed. Add paddles/balls from bag. Play! Disassemble reverses in 10 mins. Tip: Anchor poles with sandbags ($10 extra) for wind.

Budget Tips

  • Shop Amazon Prime for free shipping, saving $30-50.
  • Buy paddle sets with balls—included saves 20%.
  • Use driveway first; grass tape lasts shorter but free surface.
  • Check Facebook Marketplace for used nets (test stability).
  • Prioritize net/paddles: 70% budget here avoids regrets.
  • DIY lines with painter's tape ($10) if skipping kit.
  • Buy during sales (Black Friday: 20% off Selkirk/JOOLA).
  • Leave $50 buffer—taxes/shipping add 10%.

Common Mistakes

  • Cheaping on net: Wobbly play leads to quits.
  • Skipping lines: Games feel unofficial, frustrating.
  • Buying 1 paddle set: Can't play doubles.
  • Ignoring surface: Bumpy areas cause bad habits.
  • No storage: Gear damages fast without bag.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: Paddles to carbon fiber (Selkirk Neo $180/pair)—boosts spin/control as skills grow, $200 impact.

Next: Permanent net posts ($300) for yard fixture, then tiles ($500) for bounce consistency. Wait on fencing ($800) until heavy use.

Priorities: Performance (paddles) > Durability (net) > Surface. Each step adds pro feel; total path to $2k premium over 2 years.

Related Topics

budget pickleballpickleball court budgetunder 700portable pickleballbackyard pickleballbeginner pickleballsports equipmentpickleball setupaffordable courtpickleball guide
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