When planning a new sports court—whether for tennis, basketball, pickleball, or a multi-sport setup—choosing the right surface material is crucial. The two most commonly used synthetic surfaces in India today are acrylic flooring and polypropylene (PP) tiles. Each has its own set of benefits, but only one emerges as the superior choice when it comes to long-term performance, cost-effectiveness, and player satisfaction.
So, what’s better for sports courts: acrylic or PP tiles? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and real-world use cases to help you make the right choice.
What is Acrylic Flooring?
Acrylic flooring is a high-performance synthetic sports surface created by applying multiple layers of acrylic-based coatings over a prepared base such as concrete or asphalt. This system is designed to deliver a durable, non-slip, and uniform playing surface that meets the needs of both recreational and professional sports. It is one of the most popular choices for outdoor sports courts in India due to its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, from intense sun to heavy rains.
These coatings include primers, resurfacing agents, cushion coats (optional), and top acrylic color layers. Together, they form a seamless, resilient surface that ensures consistent ball bounce, grip, and comfort underfoot.
Key Benefits of Acrylic Sports Flooring:
- Seamless and Non-Slip Surface: Ensures safety and even plays across the entire court.
- UV & Weather Resistant: Withstands fading, cracking, and surface deterioration under sunlight or rain.
- Customizable in Color & Cushioning: Offers a wide range of design options and performance enhancements.
- Versatile Application: Ideal for tennis, basketball, pickleball court flooring, badminton court, and multi-sport use.
- Low Maintenance & Long-Lasting: Requires minimal upkeep and lasts 7–10+ years with proper care.
Whether used in clubs, schools, housing societies, or government projects, acrylic flooring offers a reliable solution that blends aesthetics with long-term performance.
What Are PP Tiles?
PP tiles, or polypropylene tiles, are interlocking modular plastic tiles commonly used in low-maintenance, quick-installation sports areas. These tiles are manufactured from rigid thermoplastic polymers and are installed by snapping each unit into place over a leveled sub-base. Their lightweight and modular design makes them a popular choice for temporary courts or facilities that require portability.
Often used in indoor setups or smaller community spaces, PP tiles are available in various colors and sports court surface textures, designed to mimic real court markings and patterns. They do not require a concrete base, though they perform best over leveled surfaces.
Pros of PP Tiles:
- Quick Installation: Snap-together design allows fast setup with minimal tools or downtime.
- Customizable Colors & Patterns: Offers a wide variety of colors and tile designs for branding or aesthetics.
- Minimal Base Preparation: Can be installed over compacted ground, concrete, or asphalt without full resurfacing.
While PP tiles offer flexibility in setup, they are better suited for short-term or light-traffic applications and may not provide the same durability, cushioning, or play quality as a professional-grade acrylic sports surface.
However, their rigid plastic structure can present serious performance issues on the court.
Acrylic vs. PP Tiles: A Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Acrylic Flooring | PP Tiles |
| Bounce Quality | Consistent and natural | Often uneven, noisy |
| Shock Absorption | Excellent with cushion coat | Poor – rigid and hard |
| UV/Weather Resistance | High | Medium – may fade or warp |
| Surface Seamlessness | Fully seamless | Modular, leaves joints visible |
| Cost (per sq. ft.) | ₹180 – ₹350 | ₹300 – ₹450 |
| Maintenance | Easy, minimal | Difficult to clean between joints |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Professional finish | Looks more industrial or casual |
| Long-Term Durability | 7–10+ years | 3–5 years (may require full replacement) |
Drawbacks of PP Tiles for Sports Courts
Despite their popularity in temporary setups, PP tiles come with several critical drawbacks for permanent or high-traffic courts:
- Uneven Surface: Tile joints can cause tripping or unpredictable ball bounce
- Rigid & Hard: No cushioning = greater risk of injuries
- Not Waterproof: Water seeps through gaps, damaging the base
- Not UV-Protected: Prone to fading and brittleness under sunlight
- Plastic-Based: Not eco-friendly and often less sustainable
- Higher Long-Term Cost: Shorter lifespan, costly full replacements
For serious sports play, these disadvantages outweigh the quick setup appeal.
Why Acrylic Flooring is the Better Choice
If your goal is to build a high-performance, long-lasting court for daily play, acrylic sports flooring wins on every front. It provides:
- A smooth, seamless, and professional look
- Long-term cost savings due to its durability
- Custom options for grip, shock absorption, and visual design
- Superior comfort and performance for athletes
- Compatibility with both outdoor and indoor environments
Whether you’re building a court in a school, society, club, or public park, acrylic flooring ensures a safer, better-playing, and lower-maintenance surface.
Final Thought
While PP tiles may be tempting due to their quick installation and flexibility, they fall short in key areas like bounce consistency, durability, and injury prevention. Acrylic flooring, on the other hand, delivers performance, resilience, and a professional sports experience that players expect.
If you’re investing in a court that needs to stand up to regular use, harsh weather, and evolving play styles—acrylic is the smarter, safer, and more economical option.
For certified acrylic flooring materials for sports courts, visit SLT Sports, India’s trusted supplier of long-lasting, weatherproof court surfacing solutions.