What is Supersub and why is it used for padel courts?

If you want to build a padel court, you will soon come across the term Supersub. But what exactly is it, and why are more and more builders and clubs choosing this foundation solution? Supersub is a foundation material based on foam concrete that provides a flat, stable and durable base under your padel court.

It is used for both new courts and conversion projects, such as converting a tennis court into a padel court. In this article we explain how it works, what the advantages and disadvantages are, and when Supersub is the right choice for your situation.

What is Supersub and what makes it different from ordinary concrete?

Supersub is a foundation solution based on foam concrete: a lightweight, self-levelling type of concrete that provides a flat and stable base. It differs from ordinary concrete in that it is considerably lighter, spreads itself evenly during pouring and has shock-absorbing properties that regular concrete does not offer.

Ordinary concrete is heavy, rigid and offers no cushioning at all. Supersub has a resilient structure that distributes forces better. That makes a noticeable difference for players: the surface feels less hard, which reduces the load on joints and muscles. For a facility where people play intensively several times a week, that is not a luxury but a practical advantage.

In addition, Supersub is fully recyclable and its production requires less transport and fewer raw materials than traditional foundations. This results in lower CO2 emissions compared with a standard concrete floor. For municipalities and property developers who take sustainability into account in their decision-making, that is a relevant point.

How does Supersub work as a foundation for a padel court?

Supersub is poured as a liquid mass that spreads itself evenly over the foundation area. After hardening, it forms a stiff yet lightweight slab that serves as a stable base for the artificial turf and the steel structure of the padel court. A site check is always carried out beforehand to assess the soil conditions.

The thickness of the Supersub layer depends on the situation:

• For renovation, for example converting an existing tennis court: approximately 10 cm
• For new construction on untreated ground: approximately 15 cm
• The exact thickness is always determined on the basis of the soil conditions and the project requirements

Because Supersub is self-levelling, an extremely flat surface is achieved. That is no detail: a flat base directly determines consistent ball bounce. Irregularities in the foundation translate directly into unpredictable playing behaviour on the court, something players quickly notice and which causes problems in official use.

In most cases Supersub can be poured within a single day. That also makes it attractive logistically, especially for projects where the lead time has to be tightly planned.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Supersub for padel courts?

Supersub has a strong combination of properties that makes it attractive for padel courts: it is lightweight, flat, shock-absorbing, permeable and durable. The main point of attention is that it is a specific product with its own application rules, and that correct execution depends on the location.

Advantages of Supersub

• Shock-absorbing: the resilient structure reduces the load on players’ joints and muscles
• Permeable (outdoor version): can handle up to 500 mm of rainfall per hour, so the court is playable again quickly after rain
• Extremely flat surface: ensures consistent ball bounce and professional playing behaviour
• Sound-dampening: helps limit noise nuisance, relevant at locations near residential areas
• Lightweight: less load on the ground, handy where soil conditions are weaker
• Durable: fully recyclable, lower CO2 emissions than traditional concrete
• Quick installation: poured within a single day in most cases

Points of attention

• The right thickness and build-up depend on the location and require soil investigation beforehand
• Supersub is a specific product that not every contractor applies correctly
• For use in official matches, the foundation must meet the requirements of Kiwa ISA Sport

What is the difference between Supersub and drainage concrete?

The main difference lies in the material and the way water is drained. Drainage concrete discharges rainwater through the open structure of the concrete itself, directly into the ground. Supersub is a foam concrete solution that is permeable in the outdoor version, but also has shock-absorbing and sound-dampening properties that drainage concrete does not offer.

Drainage concrete is a proven, widely used foundation solution for outdoor padel courts. The porous structure lets rainwater straight through, which prevents puddles from forming. Its service life averages between 25 and 40 years with correct use. It is a stable, heavy foundation with a high load-bearing capacity, suitable for the steel structure and glass walls of a padel court.

Supersub stands out in a few respects:

• Supersub is lighter than drainage concrete, which is advantageous where soil conditions are weaker
• Supersub has better shock absorption, which contributes to playing comfort
• Supersub has sound-dampening properties that drainage concrete has little or none of
• Drainage concrete has a longer track record as a proven product on the Dutch market

Which solution is the better fit depends on the location, the soil conditions, the budget and the specific requirements of the project. There is no universal answer, because both products have their own area of application. If in doubt, foundation advice based on cone penetration tests is the right step.

When is Supersub the right choice for a padel court?

Supersub is a good choice when playing comfort, fast water drainage and sound-dampening properties are a priority, or when the soil conditions call for a lighter foundation solution. It is particularly suitable for conversion projects and locations near residential areas.

Supersub is a strong option in the following situations:

• Converting a tennis court: for renovation a layer of approximately 10 cm is sufficient, which keeps the intervention limited
• Locations near residential neighbourhoods: the sound-dampening properties of Supersub contribute to a lower noise load for the surroundings
• Weaker soil conditions: the light weight of Supersub reduces the load on the ground
• Outdoor courts with intensive use: the permeable version handles large amounts of rainfall quickly, so the court remains playable almost all the time
• Projects where playing comfort weighs heavily: the shock-absorbing build-up makes a noticeable difference for players who train several times a week

Supersub is less obvious when a location requires maximum load-bearing capacity under a heavy superimposed load, or when a proven, long-standing foundation with minimal maintenance is preferred. In those cases drainage concrete may be a better choice. The answer always depends on the specific location and use.

Does Supersub have to be certified for a padel court in the Netherlands?

Yes. In the Netherlands, all foundation components for padel courts must be inspected by Kiwa ISA Sport. This also applies to Supersub. Without this certification, a padel court cannot be admitted to the sports products list, and use for official matches under the auspices of the KNLTB is not permitted.

Kiwa ISA Sport is the recognised body in the Netherlands that assesses and certifies sports infrastructure. The inspection covers both the foundation and the sports surface and tests whether the product meets the sports-technical and material-technical requirements as described in the NOC*NSF manual. Think of requirements for ball bounce, flatness and the properties of the artificial turf in combination with the base.

For clubs and locations that want to organise official matches, this certification is not optional. It is also a safeguard for the client: a certified foundation gives certainty that the product meets established standards and prevents surprises afterwards.

Inexperienced clients do not always realise this in time. Anyone who chooses a foundation solution without checking whether the product is on the sports products list risks the court not being approved at inspection. That is a costly mistake that is easily avoided by checking beforehand that all materials are certified.

When building a padel court, it is wise to discuss this thoroughly in advance with your contractor or supplier. We work exclusively with certified materials and are happy to guide you through the entire process, from foundation advice to completion. Get in touch for an initial exploration and find out which foundation solution best suits your location and situation.

Frequently asked questions