FAQ's

How long has Classic Clay® been installed?

Classic Clay is the first and original “waterless” artificial clay tennis court surface.  The very first Classic Clay courts was installed in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. The region was chosen due to its climate and court usage.  The court endures both high temperatures and dry conditions as well as cold, very wet winters.  The court has never needed repair, has had one major cleaning maintenance is still in very good condition and is heavily used today.

What sub-surfaces can Classic Clay be installed over?

The system was developed as a solution for three options of court applications:

1. As a resurface over an existing hard-court that is old or cracked
2. As a surface conversion for existing natural clay courts, using our D.U.C.C. underlay
3. As a new installion over a newly constructed porous or non-porous sub base such as concrete, bitumen, macadam, asphalt.  With a porous base we can perforate the court during manufacture.  If using a non-porous base then a fall in the base of 1/100 is essential. 

How long does an installation take?

If the sub-surface is prepared to suggested guidelines from your supplier then weather permitting, installation of one court is usually a two day process.  Upon completion the court is ready for play.

Where was Classic Clay developed?

Classic Clay was first developed in Australia over a 5 year research and development process costing AUD$1.23 million.  Much of the ongoing development resulted over many years of experience and international collaboration gained via hundreds of installations.  The inventors saw the need for an alternative clay tennis court surface that was both affordable in time and money to the tennis playing public.

Does Classic Clay need to be watered?

No Classic Clay does not need to be watered, but rain water is good to wash and clean the court of any fallout and contaminants.

Does the Club or Court Owner need to maintain their Classic Clay court?

Yes, some maintenance is required and a clay court etiquette is essential to achieve peak performance of your court and maximum longevity.  Maintenance, however, is simple and outlined by your supplier at the time of purchase.  The Envirofill infill must at all times completely cover the court binder layer and only the white playing lines should be visible after using the drag mat.  The drag mat should be used after each game as ball marks are a unique part of clay court play and the lines should be swept clean using the rotary line sweeper.  Your supplier will also offer you a maintenance contract, to ensure your court is kept in optimum condition and invariably extend the life of your court.

Does the infill wash away?

The court binder layer is designed to stabilise and maintain the infill.  If your court base has a fall then some infill can collect at drainage points after heavy rain.  This is simply recycled through a sieve to clean the infill and recast and swept onto the surface.

Can the infill blow away?

Only in extreme wind conditions may some of the surface infill blow away.  In windy areas such as rooftops, it is suggested to install windbreaks on the fencing to contain any blown infill for recasting back onto the surface.

Have there been any problems with Classic Clay courts?

Yes, there has been some minor issues reported of infill compaction and loss of color from the infill.  This problem was investigated and resolved and courts cleaned and re-filled to original condition.  Today, Classic Clay® has resolved this issue establishing an exclusive relationship with Envirofill® the world’s leading anti microbial colored infill manufacturer, offering an equivalent ten year warranty on the performance and color-fastness of the Classic Clay-Envirofill infill.

Will weeds, algae or moss grow on the surface?

If maintenance guidelines are followed for your Classic Clay then the surface will be entirely covered by the Envirofill® anti microbial infill, which resists algae, weeds and mould.  The best method is to always ensure your surface is kept clean and swept of contaminants. leaves and fallout.  Gate mats should be used at all access points and walkways to the court kept clan to prevent walking of dirt onto courts.  A plinth around the perimeter of the court will also prevent contaminants blowing onto your court as well as retain the infill from blowing or washing out.

How long does the Classic Clay surface last?

The lifetime of the surface will vary depending on climate, usage and maintenance.  In most global regions, the warranty provided with the Classic Clay surface and the Envirofill infill is ten years.  You can expect your surface to last 20 years, if the maintenance guidelines are adhered an/or if you choose the suppliers maintenance contract.

The main condition of the warranty is that the infill is kept clean and to the correct level to ensure the binder layer is not visible.  Remember that this court is meant to slide and react like a natural clay court and the infill must be maintained up the level of the raised “Permaline” line system.