Investing in padel courts is currently one of the most profitable sports projects on the market. However, without rigorous budgeting, hidden costs and poor structural choices can quickly derail a Business Plan. Discover our complete guide to confidently budget your club project.

Initial costs: The Triptych of Land, Civil Engineering, and Court

When establishing the budget, many project owners focus only on the price of the court itself (the cage). This is a common mistake. Civil engineering (ground preparation) is the foundation of your project and your budget.

• The concrete slab: A padel court requires a perfectly flat surface (porous slab, reinforced concrete, or asphalt) and solid peripheral foundations (grade beams) to anchor the structure and resist wind loads.
• The Padel Court (Structure): This is where manufacturing quality comes into play. A galvanized and powder-coated structure, although slightly more expensive to purchase, will prevent astronomical renovation costs related to rust.

Glass, Turf, Lighting: The components that build loyalty

What makes a player return to your club rather than another are the playing sensations. And these sensations are directly linked to the three major elements of the court.

• Glazing: Always opt for 12 mm tempered glass (not 10 mm) for outdoor or heavily used courts. This guarantees a uniform bounce and maximum safety.
• Synthetic turf: A classic monofilament turf is cheaper (lifespan ~3 years), but texturized turf (often used on the World Padel Tour) retains sand better, offers better grip, and lasts up to 5 years.
• LED lighting: High-quality asymmetrical lighting eliminates shadows and glare. Plan for a 200W system per mast (8 projectors) for optimal brightness in the evening, a peak attendance period.

Cost Category	Estimated Range (Excl. Tax)	Unixpadel Observations
Civil Engineering & Slab	€10,000 – €25,000 / court	Heavily depends on the nature of the initial terrain.
Structure & Court (Standard to Premium)	€18,000 – €32,000 / court	Includes galvanized steel, 12mm glass, texturized turf.
Lighting & Home Automation	€2,000 – €4,500 / court	High-performance LEDs lower the OPEX bill.
Cover (Indoor/Canopy)	Upon specific quote	Varies depending on span and height (min 8m rec.).

OPEX: Operating and maintenance costs to anticipate

Padel profitability is exceptional because 4 players rent a space of only 200m². However, to keep your rental prices attractive, you must budget for operations (OPEX).

Regular maintenance includes: redistributing silica (sand) to prevent premature turf wear, cleaning the glass (essential for the club's image), and checking net tension. Unixpadel designs its courts to minimize these time-consuming interventions, notably by using specific seals and turf fastening systems that limit sand leakage.

Conclusion: A partnership for the success of your project

A well-crafted budget is the guarantee of a smooth opening and a quick ROI (generally achieved between 18 and 24 months depending on the occupancy rate). By choosing Unixpadel, you are not just choosing a builder, but a strategic partner. Our engineers and financial advisors help you calibrate each expense item to design the most suitable club for your catchment area.