If you’ve been researching tennis court surfaces, you’ve likely come across the names Har-Tru and ClayTech. Both are popular alternatives to traditional clay, and while they share some characteristics, they are not the same. Understanding the differences and what each surface offers can help you choose the right one for your facility.

At Crowall Surface Contractors, we specialize in installing and resurfacing all types of tennis courts across Ontario. We know how important surface selection is when it comes to performance, longevity, and maintenance. So let’s break it down.

Related Article: What Are Har-Tru Tennis Courts?

What Is Har-Tru?

Har-Tru is a brand name for a green-coloured clay surface made from crushed metabasalt — a natural stone rich in angular particles. While it’s often referred to as “clay,” Har-Tru is technically a fast-drying synthetic clay-like surface that offers many of the benefits of traditional red clay with improved durability and drainage.

Key Characteristics:

• Green/gray surface colour
• Softer, slower pace of play than hard courts
• Excellent traction and sliding ability
• Good for joint health due to softer impact
• Drains quickly after rain
• Requires regular brushing and watering

In short: Har-Tru is not “real” clay, but it’s engineered to offer a similar feel, with better playability and less downtime.

What Is ClayTech?

ClayTech is a hybrid tennis court surface that combines the look and feel of clay with the low maintenance and weather resistance of a hard court. It’s a proprietary system that typically includes a porous base layer and a synthetic top layer designed to mimic clay play while eliminating most of the upkeep.

Key Characteristics:

• Consistent bounce and sliding
• Minimal daily maintenance
• No need for watering
• Fast drying and all-weather play
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

In short, ClayTech is a synthetic surface that gives you the playing experience of clay, without the labour that comes with it.

Har-Tru vs. ClayTech: Key Differences

Here’s how the two compare on some of the most important points:

• Material Composition

Har-Tru is made from crushed metabasalt, a natural stone known for its angular particles. This gives the surface excellent traction and drainage, but also requires more routine care to maintain its consistency.

ClayTech, by contrast, uses synthetic materials layered over a stable base, offering a uniform and engineered surface. This synthetic construction makes it more consistent over time and resistant to natural wear-and-tear.

• Maintenance

Har-Tru demands more attention — daily brushing to redistribute material, rolling to maintain evenness, and watering to keep the surface firm. It also needs seasonal top-ups and repairs, especially in high-use areas.

ClayTech significantly reduces maintenance needs. There’s no watering or daily grooming required. Occasional surface cleaning is all that’s needed, making it ideal for clubs or homeowners who want a professional surface without constant upkeep.

Related Article: Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Sports Court in Prime Condition

• Playability

Har-Tru offers a softer, slower playing experience that encourages longer rallies and safer sliding. It’s favoured by players who prioritize footwork and endurance, and it’s easier on joints than hard courts.

ClayTech is engineered to replicate that same bounce and sliding response but with greater consistency. It offers reliable footing and speed, making it a great training surface for all levels.

• Durability

Har-Tru is durable but relies on regular maintenance to stay playable. Without routine care, the surface can become uneven or compacted, especially in areas of heavy foot traffic.

ClayTech is built for resilience. It holds up to constant use, resists weather damage, and doesn’t require annual resurfacing. Over the long term, this adds to its value.

• Weather Resistance

Har-Tru performs better than traditional red clay in wet conditions, but it’s still affected by rain. Courts need time to dry and may become unplayable during heavy weather.

ClayTech is built for all-weather play. It dries quickly and maintains its integrity in wet or cold climates, making it ideal for regions with unpredictable weather or for indoor installations.

• Installation

Har-Tru installation involves multiple layers, including base construction, drainage, and regular topping material. It takes longer and often requires more space and prep.

ClayTech can often be installed over existing courts, saving time and cost. The process is cleaner, quicker, and ideal for retrofitting or refreshing older tennis surfaces.

Which Is Better?

That depends on what you’re looking for in a tennis court experience.

Choose Har-Tru if:

• You want the closest experience to traditional clay
• You’re focused on competitive training or tournament play
• You have the budget and staff for regular maintenance
• You value tradition and prefer natural materials

Choose ClayTech if:

• You want the look and feel of clay without the daily upkeep
• You’re managing a facility with limited maintenance resources
• You want a court that performs well in all weather conditions
• You’re building a private court for personal use or community recreation

Related Article: How Long Does It Take for Har-Tru Courts to Dry?

Is Har-Tru Considered Real Clay?

Technically, no. While it’s often referred to as a “clay court,” Har-Tru is not made from the same materials as traditional red clay, which typically consists of crushed brick or shale.

Har-Tru is made from crushed metabasalt, giving it a greenish hue and improved drainage. Despite this, most players and coaches consider Har-Tru a clay alternative because it mimics many of the same playing characteristics: slower speed, sliding, and softer foot impact.

It’s widely used across North America as the go-to option for clay-style courts without the high maintenance of true red clay.

What About Maintenance Costs?

This is one of the biggest factors for clubs and homeowners alike.

• Har-Tru requires a dedicated maintenance staff or services for daily grooming and seasonal top-dressing.
• ClayTech needs only light surface cleaning and occasional repair.

Over time, ClayTech is generally more cost-effective, especially for facilities that want consistency without daily labour.

The Crowall Advantage

At Crowall Surface Contractors, we install both Har-Tru and ClayTech courts, and we guide each client through the pros and cons based on:

• Your location
• Usage patterns
• Budget
• Long-term maintenance goals

We use laser-guided grading for perfect leveling, and we can install new courts or resurface existing ones with minimal disruption.

Two Great Options, One Right Choice

Har-Tru and ClayTech both offer high-performance playing experiences that honour the legacy of clay tennis without the mess and fragility of traditional red clay.

If you want the feel of classic clay with a modern twist, Har-Tru is a strong choice. If you’re looking for a clay-style surface that minimizes effort and maximizes year-round play, ClayTech might be a better fit.

Either way, Crowall can help you build or upgrade your tennis court with materials that match your goals, whether you’re a club, school, or private homeowner.

Thinking about resurfacing or installing a new tennis court? Crowall Surface Contractors can help you choose between ClayTech, Har-Tru, and other surface options based on your goals, location, and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation and expert guidance.