Quick answer: A badminton net for the garden is usually a portable, freestanding net with its own posts that sets up in minutes. A club or competition badminton net is a full-width net, at least 6.1m wide and 760mm deep, hung between weighted posts so the top sits at 1.55m at the posts and 1.524m at the centre.
Whether you want a badminton net for the back garden, a school hall or a club session, the choice comes down to two things: where you will play and how often. A portable garden badminton net is built for convenience. A club or competition net is built for correct dimensions, consistent tension and years of regular use.
The team at Central Sports supplies families, schools and clubs from our shops in Cardiff, Birmingham, Milton Keynes and Hereford. This guide explains the different types of badminton nets, the sizes you need to know, and how to set one up properly.
Types of badminton nets
Badminton nets fall into two broad groups.
Portable and garden badminton nets
These are freestanding nets that come with their own lightweight posts and feet, often in a carry bag. They are designed to go up on grass, sand or a hard floor without fixing anything to the ground. Many are narrower than a full court, which suits gardens and holidays where space is limited.
- Quick to assemble and take down
- Pack away into a bag for travel and storage
- Ideal for family games, beaches, parks and school playgrounds
- Usually lighter, so less stable in strong wind
Club and competition badminton nets
These are full-width nets designed to hang between heavy-duty badminton posts on an indoor court. They are made from stronger netting, usually with a reinforced white tape along the top, and a cord or cable that lets you tension the net properly. Clubs, leisure centres and schools use them because they hold their height and shape session after session.
- Full court width to cover a doubles court
- Stronger netting and reinforced edges for heavy use
- Need separate posts, either freestanding weighted posts or floor-socket posts
- Correct height for league and competition play when tensioned properly
Badminton net size and height
If you want to play to the official rules, these are the key measurements from the Laws of Badminton:
| Measurement | Official size |
|---|---|
| Height at the posts | 1.55m (5ft 1in) |
| Height at the centre | 1.524m (5ft) |
| Net width | At least 6.1m (20ft) |
| Net depth (top to bottom) | 760mm (2ft 6in) |
| Top tape | 75mm white tape, folded over the cord |
| Mesh size | Between 15mm and 20mm |
| Post position | On the doubles sidelines |
The slight dip in the middle is normal and expected: a net hung at 1.55m at the posts will naturally sit a little lower at the centre. For a full explanation of how to measure and adjust the height, including tips for junior play, see our badminton net height guide. The official laws are published by the Badminton World Federation.
A garden badminton net does not need to meet these numbers exactly. For casual play, aim for roughly the right height and enough width to cover the space you are playing in.
Choosing badminton nets for clubs and schools
If you are buying badminton nets for a club, school or sports hall, think about how many courts you need to cover and how often the nets go up and come down. A few points to check:
- Width: a full court net should span the doubles court. Narrower nets are fine for training areas or junior sessions.
- Posts: nets need posts. Freestanding posts with weighted bases are flexible but take up storage space. Socketed posts need fittings in the floor.
- Durability: nets that go up every week take a lot of handling. Reinforced tape on all sides helps prevent fraying.
- Storage: fold or roll nets neatly after each session so the cords do not tangle.
For schools and junior groups starting from scratch, a bundled club set that includes nets, rackets and shuttles is often the simplest option. Our badminton court size guide will help you check how many courts your hall can fit.
How to set up a badminton net
Setting up a net correctly makes a big difference to the game. Follow these steps:
- Position the posts. Place the posts on the doubles sidelines, directly opposite each other, so the net runs straight across the centre of the court.
- Attach the net. Fix the top cord to each post and attach the side edges so the net hangs evenly.
- Tension the top cord. Tighten the cord until the net is taut with no large sag. There should be no gaps between the ends of the net and the posts.
- Check the height. Measure 1.55m at each post and 1.524m at the centre. Adjust the tension or post height if needed.
- Secure the base. Make sure weighted posts are stable and that garden nets are pegged or weighted if it is windy.
For a garden badminton net, choose a flat area away from fences, trees and windows, and keep the posts clear of paths so nobody trips over the feet.
Looking after your badminton net
- Bring garden nets inside after use. Sunlight and rain will weaken netting over time.
- Let a damp net dry fully before packing it away.
- Do not lean on or hang from the net or posts.
- Check cords and tape regularly and replace a net that has torn mesh at the top, as the shuttle can catch on it.
Top picks from Central Sports
- Yonex GR 303S Outdoor Badminton Racket (4 piece set) (£39.95): a pop-up net and two posts plus four rackets and two shuttles, ready for garden play.
- Yonex GR-202 ST Badminton Set (£199.95): two nets, 20 beginner rackets and 36 nylon shuttles in a carry case for schools and junior clubs.
- Air shuttle Pink Pack 3 (£7.59): wind-resistant outdoor shuttles to use with your garden net.
- Yonex Mavis 300 Synthetic Shuttles 1/2 Doz (£11.75): durable nylon shuttles for everyday rallies.
Badminton net FAQ
How wide is a badminton net?
A regulation badminton net is at least 6.1m (20ft) wide so that it covers the full doubles court, and 760mm deep from top to bottom.
How high is a badminton net in feet?
The top of the net is 5ft 1in (1.55m) at the posts and 5ft (1.524m) at the centre of the court.
Can I use a tennis or volleyball net for badminton?
A tennis net is far too low for badminton. A volleyball net can be adjusted, but the mesh and depth are different, so a dedicated badminton net is the better choice.
Do badminton nets come with posts?
Portable and garden badminton nets usually include posts. Club and competition nets are normally sold on their own and need separate badminton posts.
Can I leave a garden badminton net up outside?
It is best not to. Wind, rain and sunlight wear out the netting and cords, so take it down and store it dry between games.
From a garden badminton net for the summer to nets for a school hall, the team at Central Sports can help you get set up. Browse our full range of badminton nets or contact your nearest store for advice on club and school orders.
