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How to make a pickleball practice wall

By Bunnings magazine /

A yellow pickleball practice wall with colourful target circles and a blue net, set up outdoors.

Overview

A bespoke pickleball practice wall is an ideal activity for smaller and underused spaces. Built from plywood and pine, this one can be placed in a driveway, then folded up and stored in the garage when not in use. Add a net and custom paint job and let the paddling begin!

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Tools and materials

    Steps

    1

    Cutting list

    From 90mm x 45mm pine:

    • Back legs 1975mm (2)
    • Front legs 1800mm (2)

    From 70mm x 35mm pine:

    • Braces 2400mm (2)
    • Rails 2310mm (2)

    2

    Assemble the frames

    Following the cutting list (above), have the pine cut to size in store. Sand all cut edges; wipe away dust. Make two side frames by positioning the back legs over the front legs with the tops flush. Spread the bases to 900mm wide. Clamp, then drill 12mm holes centred 15mm from the top; secure with 130mm bolts.

    A bolt being driven into two pieces of timber stacked in a V shape.

    3

    Attach the rails

    Position the rails between the front legs 110mm and 1185mm down from the top. Use a countersinking bit to predrill two holes through the frame into each joint; secure with 75mm screws.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Position an offcut underneath to lift the rails flush with the front legs.
    Two pieces of timber being joined with a screw, with pencil markings on the top piece.

    4

    Install the panel

    Position the panel over the front legs, flush with the top. Countersink evenly spaced holes into the legs and rails; secure with 30mm screws. Fill screw holes with filler using a scraper, leave to dry, then sand away excess.

    A screw being driven into a piece of plywood with a drill, next to a wooden block.

    5

    Secure the braces

    Position a top brace across the back legs, in line with the top rail; predrill two holes into each join and secure with 75mm screws. Position a base brace across the back legs, in line with the base rail; predrill and secure with screws.

    A drill driving a screw into a brace attached to a larger timber assembly.

    6

    Attach the chains

    Use a 14mm bit to predrill 200mm in from the ends of the base rail to install 75mm eye bolts. On the inside face of the base brace, predrill 200mm in from the ends to install 100mm eye bolts. Cut two 900mm lengths of chain with bolt cutters, then use quick links to attach them between the eye bolts.

    Hands attaching a metal chain to an eye bolt in a timber surface.

    7

    Paint the wall

    Apply three coats of exterior paint to the practice wall with a roller; leave to dry after each coat. Measure 270mm and 295mm up from the base to mark horizontal lines; mask and apply white paint with a brush. For targets, trace around a selection of plates, then paint.

    A gloved hand paints a purple circle onto a yellow-painted timber surface with a paintbrush.

    8

    Staple the net

    Use scissors to trim the edging rope from the cargo net, then slide the stitching off and discard, reserving the rope. Staple the top left corner of the net behind the top of the left leg, then stretch the net across to the top of the right leg, stapling it along the base rail.

    A hand uses a staple gun to attach a blue net to a yellow-painted timber surface.

    9

    Trim and finish

    Staple the sides of the net to the back of both legs and trim the bottom so it sits just above the ground. Thread reserved rope through the bottom of the net to secure it to the legs with firm knots; trim excess rope and the bottom of the net neatly.

    Hands thread a blue rope through a blue cargo net.

    10

    Keep in mind...

    • When operating power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and a mask are also recommended).
    • Ensure the work area is well ventilated for power-tool use and painting. When painting, wear a mask and disposable gloves. Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
    • This project is designed as a backyard practice wall only and is not for climbing on or indoor use. Pack and bring inside during windy conditions and when not in use.

    11

    Looking for more outdoor D.I.Y. fun for the whole family?

    Check out our article how to make a mini basketball court.

     

    Photo credit: Martina Gemmola, Carly Spooner.

    [disclaimers]
    Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
    *Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.