First distinguish the platform from the column connection
Figure 1 shows a modular subframe on distributed adjustable pedestals. Figures 2 and 3 show two ways of stiffening a column base plate. They are not three complete, mutually exclusive foundation systems: a designed project may combine a platform with a separately verified enclosure connection.
Use the images to discuss the proposal, not to specify an installation. They do not establish the metal grade, plate thickness, anchor type, load capacity, drilling requirements or lifting arrangement. The reference images identify visible details; they do not identify a manufacturer or prove a completed PadelSpan project.
Figure 1: adjustable pedestal-supported modular subframe
The image shows segmented beams, distributed pedestal supports, threaded adjustment details and enlarged feet. No complete playing surface or enclosure column connection is visible. An anchor or ballast that is not visible in this view cannot be assumed to be absent from the complete design.
As a general explanation, a platform transfers vertical load through its surface and boards, beams and supports to a prepared bearing substrate. Levelling supports still need suitable ground bearing, settlement control and drainage. Buzon’s terrace guidance illustrates these substrate principles; it does not qualify the pictured system for a padel court.
Request the platform layout and the enclosure connection drawings together. Support for vertical platform loads does not establish resistance to enclosure lateral forces, uplift or overturning. Do not specify an ordinary terrace pedestal as an enclosure support solely from this photograph.
Figure 2: diagonal-braced base-plate connection
The green column is connected to an extended base plate through a diagonal stiffening member. The image also shows the adjoining enclosure frame and exposed fastener heads or nuts. The small original image is retained without inventing hidden holes or anchor embedment.
The diagonal member stiffens the connection; it is not evidence of a ballast system. Exposed fasteners do not reveal whether the embedded fixing is mechanical, adhesive or another design. A post-installed anchor arrangement requires drilling, while adhesive systems also need their specified installation and curing conditions.
Ask for the selected anchor product and connection drawing, base-plate support detail and clear access envelope around the brace. Inspection and tightening requirements belong in that project documentation; they cannot be calculated from the photograph.
Figure 3: gusset-stiffened base-plate connection
The black enclosure columns have triangular plate stiffeners with circular openings, base plates and visible fasteners. Concrete depth, reinforcement and the embedded parts of the anchors are outside the visible evidence.
This is plate-type stiffening, while Figure 2 shows a diagonal member. That distinction does not classify one court as portable and the other as fixed. The circular openings cannot be called adjustment, installation or weight-reduction holes without the drawing.
Compare both connections under the same site and loading conditions. Hilti’s base-plate guidance identifies applied forces, base material, edge distances, spacing and corrosion as design inputs. A taller gusset or more holes does not establish a higher capacity or wind rating.
Compare complete scope before mobility or price
Ask suppliers to price the same system boundary. A platform quotation and a column-base quotation cover different equipment and may leave different local works outside the price.
| Check | Pedestal subframe — Figure 1 | Braced base plate — Figure 2 | Gusseted base plate — Figure 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| System level | Platform and surface support | Column-to-foundation connection | Column-to-foundation connection |
| Unseen details | Finished surface, enclosure base and lateral restraint | Anchor embedment and concrete design | Anchor embedment and concrete design |
| Drilling | Complete system cannot be assessed from this image | Depends on the anchorage; post-installed anchors need drilled holes | Depends on the anchorage; post-installed anchors need drilled holes |
| Relocation | Dismantling and whole-court lifting are separate questions | Check dismantling method and component condition | Check dismantling method and component condition |
| Quotation boundary | Separate subframe, supports, surface and enclosure foundations | Separate column base, anchors and local civil works | Separate column base, anchors and local civil works |
Turn the site constraint into the next design check
For an existing concrete base, verify its suitability and the proposed anchorage rather than relying on a hard-looking surface. For a raised or levelled surface, request both the platform support design and the enclosure stability design.
If drilling is prohibited, request a complete engineered non-penetrating proposal. None of these images demonstrates a zero-drilling or zero-damage whole-court installation. Do not add improvised ballast to an unverified connection.
Final drawings, loads and installation instructions must suit the actual site and local requirements. UK LTA guidance is a useful project-planning reference, not a substitute for the requirements of Spain, France, Germany, the USA, Australia or another project location.
Request a coordinated drawing and quotation pack
Send the site location, measured layout, existing base information and any restriction on drilling. Ask the supplier and local project team to resolve these points before installation:
- Show where the playing platform and enclosure columns are each supported and connected.
- Identify beam and pedestal specifications, plate and stiffener details, welding and corrosion protection.
- Identify the anchor system and its product-specific layout, edge distances, embedment and installation requirements.
- Confirm project loads, bearing conditions, settlement and drainage; coordinate any roof or rooftop location separately.
- Assign setting-out, levelling, installation, inspection and acceptance records to named parties.
- Separate equipment, local civil works, unloading, lifting, installation, reuse and site-repair scope in the quotation.
Further reference
Sources & scope
- Reference figure 1 — supplied subframe image
- Reference figure 2 — supplied braced base-plate image
- Reference figure 3 — supplied gusseted base-plate image
- Buzon: terrace substrate and pedestal principles, not court-system approval
- Hilti: design inputs for fastening base plates
- Hilti USA: mechanical and adhesive post-installed anchors
- LTA: padel construction and project planning in Great Britain
Our technical team translates your site layout, equipment choices and local construction requirements into a coordinated manufacturing and delivery brief.
