Padel Court Surfaces: Artificial Grass vs Concrete vs Carpet

Three Main Surface Types

Padel courts use artificial grass with sand infill, concrete, or carpet. Each offers a different playing experience.

Artificial Grass (Most Common)

The global standard. Excellent grip, gentle on joints, consistent ball bounce. Requires regular maintenance.

Concrete

Plays faster with higher bounces. Harder on joints. Zero maintenance and very durable.

Carpet (Indoor)

Consistent bounce, good traction, comfortable underfoot. Often found in multi-sport facilities.

How Surface Affects Your Game

On artificial grass, slice stays low. On concrete, it skids through faster. Lobs behave differently too.

Shoe Selection by Surface

Herringbone soles work best on artificial grass. On concrete, prioritize cushioning. Never wear running shoes on any padel surface.

Building a Court?

Artificial grass is the recommended surface for new construction — best player experience and meets tournament standards.