Technologies and technical specifications for the construction of Italian Padel courts
At Italian Padel, we build our padel courts using proprietary and exclusive technologies: here are some of our secrets.
Glass Engineering: Monolithic vs. Laminated
In the absence of a single, universally accepted standard, we guarantee the best security solutions that comply with all European and federal regulations.
Monolithic tempered safety glass
12 mm thick monolithic tempered safety glass in performance class 1C2 according to EN 12600, compliant with all current sports regulations and therefore sufficient to obtain approval of the field by the relevant sports federation.
We have chosen not to offer monolithic tempered glass less than 12 mm thick because it is too fragile and does not guarantee a satisfactory level of ball rebound.
Laminated tempered safety glass
Laminated tempered safety glass with a thickness of 6 + 6 mm, 8 + 6 mm and 8 + 8 mm, all in performance class 1B1 according to EN 12600, therefore compliant with both sports regulations and the requirements of UNI 7697:2021, as well as the requirements necessary to obtain the TÜV SÜD Certification Mark.
As the thickness of the glass increases, the likelihood of breakage decreases and the rigidity of the glass wall increases, which is beneficial for ball bounce.
Zero Risk of Injury: In the event of accidental breakage, the glass shards remain adhered to the inner plastic film (PVB), preventing cuts and injuries to players and spectators.
*Fall Protection Requirement: The use of 1B1 laminated glass is mandatory if the area overlooks height differences or voids that are 1 meter or higher.
The Pendulum Test: How to Interpret the Abbreviation α β φ (EN 12600)
The European standard EN 12600 defines the criteria for classifying glass panes struck by a soft object that simulates the forceful impact of a running athlete.
Class α: Impact Resistance
Maximum drop height of the pendulum without breakage or with controlled breakage:
- α = 1: α = 1: Drop from 1,200 mm (Maximum resistance, Italian Padel standard)
- α = 2: α = 2: 450 mm drop (Intermediate resistance)
- α = 3: α = 3: 190 mm drop (minimum resistance)
Class β: Failure Modes
Behavior of the fragments and level of risk for athletes:
- β = B: β = B: Laminated glass with PVB. The fragments remain intact and bonded together (Total safety)
- β = C: β = C: Monolithic tempered glass. Disintegrates into small, harmless granules
- β = A: β = A: Annealed glass. Large, sharp shards (Extremely dangerous, prohibited)
Class φ: Fall Protection
Containment capacity in the event of a rupture on uneven terrain:
- φ = 1: φ = 1: 1,200 mm fall with body retention (Fall protection)
- φ = 2: φ = 2: 450 mm drop with retention
- φ = 3: φ = 3: 190 mm drop with retention
Civil and Criminal Liability of the Facility Operator
The operator is responsible for the safety of its sports facilities. If the glass walls break, shards may fall from a height of more than 3 meters. The use of 1B1 laminated glass that complies with UNI 7697 and is TÜV SÜD-certified legally protects the operator against claims of negligent injury.
Requirements of the Major Padel Federations
Comparison of the minimum requirements set by the federations and the recommended quality standards.
It requires monolithic tempered glass with a minimum thickness of 10 mm or laminated glass with a thickness of 6+6 mm.
It requires tempered glass with a minimum thickness of 10 mm (12 mm in panoramic sections) or laminated glass with a minimum thickness of 2x6 mm.
It accommodates 10 mm or 12 mm, but recommends 12 mm for a sturdier structure and better bounce.
The most authoritative voluntary standard requires 1B1 laminated glass for the issuance of Product Certification.
6 Industrial-Grade Design Details
The difference between a generic court and an Italian Padel court lies in the meticulous attention to every joint, weld, and finish.
Mesh with Abrasion-Resistant Punched Profiles
We cover the weld points between the metal mesh and the support profiles with special stamped parts. This eliminates abrasive surfaces, protects the ball, and prevents scratches on the athletes.
390 Lux Anti-Glare LED System
High-efficiency LED floodlights that provide 390 lux of uniform illumination across the field. Insulation Class 2, IP66 rating, anti-glare, and compliant with light pollution regulations.
Thermosetting Epoxy Powder Coating
Electrostatic powder coating with epoxy-polyester powders and oven curing. Maximum mechanical resistance to impact and abrasion, tested for over 1,500 hours in a salt spray test for corrosion resistance.
Stainless Steel Fasteners with Safety Nut Covers
All fasteners are made exclusively of marine-grade stainless steel and are flush-mounted, equipped with special flush-mounted, impact-resistant polymer nut covers. This prevents rust and protects players in the event of contact.
Perfect Coplanarity Between Glass and Structure
Precision machining to the millimeter that eliminates "level differences" between metal frames and glass panels. It ensures fair ball bounce and eliminates sharp edges that could be dangerous to athletes.
Robotic MIG Welding in a Protective Atmosphere
Automated continuous Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. The inert gas isolates the molten pool from oxygen in the air, preventing oxidation and ensuring joints with permanent structural integrity.
Design and Wind Resistance Classes
Our outdoor padel courts are designed in a variety of configurations and sized to withstand wind loads in accordance with NTC 2018 and Eurocode 1 standards, with a 50-year return period.
Structural Wind Engineering
Our engineers calculate wind load by considering the most severe combination of pressures acting on both sides of each component, the elevation, the ground roughness, and the local topography. In this way, we guarantee a solid, safe, and certified investment with no risk of collapse or unnecessary oversizing.
CE Marking (EU Regulation 305/2011)
UNI EN 1090-1 & ISO 3834
TÜV SÜD Glass Certification
UNI 7697 Safety Glass
Do you need technical support for your project?
Our engineering department provides structural analysis reports, consulting on seismic and wind codes, and certificates of compliance for any installation in Italy and around the world.
