Volleyball Net Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Volleyball Net
Not all volleyball nets are created equal. Whether you're setting up for a backyard game, equipping a school gym where the net gets set up and taken down daily, or a city park where kids like to hang from the net like playground equipment, the right net makes all the difference.
At VolleyballUSA.com, we manufacture a wide variety of volleyball nets in-house using premium materials trusted by schools, parks departments, clubs, pros, and recreational players nationwide.
This guide will walk you through the features, materials, and options so you can select the perfect volleyball net for your needs.
Who This Guide is For
Our volleyball nets are designed for:
🏡 Backyard Players & Homeowners
Easy setup with budget-friendly options for recreational family fun and casual games.
🏫 Schools, Colleges & Clubs
Durable nets that can handle daily use with additional quick attachment parts for ease of set-up by different people.
🏢 Recreation Centers & Parks
Dependable nets made with 3,000 pound break point cables along with 360 pound break point netting and military grade 360 pound breakpoint stitching for long-term installations.
🏆 Professional & Competitive Players
Pro-grade nets with infinite custom color options along with custom branding capabilities with an additional UV clear coating that provide prolonged outdoor use and meet the highest standards.
Volleyball Net Basics
Before diving into product options, it helps to understand the basics:
Standard Size
Most indoor nets have a 2" top and bottom border along with 4" wide side borders. Most outdoor/beach nets feature wider 4" border along all 4 sides which make them easier to see when playing outdoors. We do make 2" border nets for outdoor also.
📝 Note
The thicker the border, the heavier the net so if you are trying to tighten a net with thin poles or want a lighter net to carry in a backpack we recommend 2" border nets. High end volleyball nets typically have wood dowels sewn into the sides of the net so when hung up they force the net to hang in a perfect rectangle. We can sew nets with removable dowels upon request also.
Net Length & Height
- Net Length: Regulation nets are 32 feet long (Most volleyball poles are installed 36 feet apart. The net is wider than the boundary lines below the net to allow easy connection of antennas approximately one foot in from each side which players need to hit the ball between with competitive volleyball games).
- Heights: High quality volleyball nets should be 39 to 41 inches tall. We do not recommend 36" tall nets as you lose a full 4 inch square of vertical netting. You will notice with 36" tall nets that you will not be able to play the ball out of the net in common defensive plays in volleyball games as the net will be too short to capture the ball and rebound it back to a player.
Netting Thickness
| Thickness | Break Point | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| #18 | ~180 lbs | Light recreational use | Basic option for casual play |
| #18 United | ~360 lbs | Lightweight with strength | Military grade materials to provide the benefit of lightweight netting but added break point performance |
| #27 | ~270 lbs | Schools/clubs | Good balance of cost and strength |
| #36 | ~360 lbs | Competitive play | Heavy-duty, holds tension well |
| #42 | ~420 lbs | Professional grade | Strongest and longest lasting |
| #84 | ~840 lbs | City parks | Fire retardant to make the net fire resistant from vandalism |
Key Features That Matter
1. Cables & Top/Bottom Lines
Galvanized Steel Cable
- 3,000 lb break point
- Rust resistant galvanized steel with durable clear PVC coating
- Noticeably heavier than Kevlar or rope nets
- Harder to roll up compared to Kevlar, Nylon and other rope types
- Can be sharp at ends - wearing safety glasses recommended
- Very little stretch when tensioning
Stainless Steel Cable
- 3,000 lb break point
- Better for salt water applications
- Superior appearance for prolonged outdoor exposure
- Harder to roll up than rope cables
- Safety glasses recommended when setting up
- Very little stretch when tensioning
Kevlar Rope Cable
- 3,000 lb break point with braided UV protecting Polyester cover
- Lightweight, easy to roll and tension
- Used by the AVP, most colleges, and in the Olympic Games
- Very little stretch when tensioning
- Gold standard for performance
¼" MFP Rope Top & Bottom
- 1,000 lb break point
- Braided multi-filament polypropylene
- Found on budget nets
- Stretching is expected as tension tightens the braided material
- Stretching will reduce over time with continued tension
Why it matters
Cables keep nets tight and straight — Kevlar is the gold standard for performance, while steel options offer theft resistance and longevity. Custom printing nets can be a good theft deterrent as volleyball is played with multiple people and if a custom printed net is stolen and used locally, other volleyball players will often let you know they have seen it.
2. Side Tensioning Systems
Rope Tie-Offs
Traditional method, require tying/adjusting each use.
Rope Ratchets
Faster, easier tightening without retying.
Velcro Side Straps
Professional look, fast setup, and excellent tension (used in gyms and tournaments).
Stainless Steel Cable Collars
No more ropes or velcro straps to tighten. Simply tighten the allen key with an allen wrench while your net is stretched to its maximum width and the net will set up in the same position over and over again with continued use. (Not currently available for all our nets).
3. Vinyl Border Weight
| Weight | Construction |
|---|---|
| 10 oz Vinyl | 4 oz base layer of high tear resistant polyester with 6 oz of coated PVC |
| 13 oz Vinyl | 4 oz base layer of high tear resistant polyester with 9 oz of coated PVC |
| 18 oz Vinyl | 4 oz base layer of high tear resistant polyester with 14 oz of coated PVC |
| 22 oz Vinyl | 4 oz base layer of high tear resistant polyester with 18 oz of coated PVC |
4. Net Dowels
Exposed Dowels
Classic outdoor/beach look. Easier to tie on to. Easier to replace for prolonged outdoor public park and homeowner use.
Enclosed Dowels
Streamlined appearance with no visible wood.
5. Custom Logo Printing
Stand out with a net that carries your school, club, city, or sponsor branding. Custom printed logos are available on many of our pro and competition nets.
Outdoor Volleyball Nets
Outdoor and beach nets must handle sun, rain, and heavy play. All VolleyballUSA.com outdoor nets are built with UV- and mildew-resistant vinyl and stitching for maximum lifespan.
Recommended Outdoor Nets
| Product | Best For | Cable Type | Netting | Border | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW4 / LW2 | Backyard & Rec | Rope top/bottom | #18 / #27 | 2" or 4" | Entry-level |
| IL2D Pro Net w/ Dowels | Clubs & Rec Centers | Steel cable | #36 | 2" | Mid-range |
| HD2 / ML4 | High Schools & Clubs | Kevlar cable | #36 | 2" or 4" | Durable |
| PBN4 | Colleges, Tournaments, Pro | Kevlar or Steel | #42 | 4" | Professional-grade |
Indoor Volleyball Nets
Indoor nets are designed for gyms, schools, and competitive facilities. Standard indoor nets use 2" top/bottom borders for visibility and performance. Many club programs appreciate having their name printed along the top and bottom of the net increasing the border thickness to 4". School programs are only allowed to increase the top tape to 3-½" to allow for printing.
Recommended Indoor Nets
| Product | Best For | Cable Type | Netting | Border | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW2 | Rec / PE Classes | Rope | #18 / #27 | 2" | Entry-level |
| IL2D | Clubs & Rec Centers | Steel | #36 | 2" | Mid-range |
| HD2 | Schools & Clubs | Kevlar | #36 | 2" | Heavy use |
| QAV-2 Velcro Net | Colleges & Competitive | Kevlar | #42 | 2" | Fast setup, pro tension |
| SenComp Pro Nets | NCAA / Pro | Kevlar | #42 | 2" | Professional-grade |
Choosing the Right Net for You
🏡 Backyard / Casual
- Budget-friendly options
- Easy setup and storage
- Good for occasional use
🏫 Schools / Clubs
Recommended: HD2, IL2D, SenComp, QAV
- Daily use durability
- Quick setup features
- Professional appearance
🏆 Colleges / Competitive Play
- Tournament-quality materials
- Maximum durability
- Official regulation compliance
Common Questions
What's the difference between indoor and outdoor nets?
Indoor nets use 2" borders for regulation play, while outdoor nets often feature 4" borders for better visibility. Outdoor nets also include UV-resistant materials.
Kevlar vs Steel Cable?
Kevlar is easier to handle and set up. Steel cables are theft-resistant but require safety glasses to setup and are harder to manage.
How long do nets last?
Indoor nets last several years in gyms. Outdoor nets vary by environment - occasional use can last decades, continuous outdoor use typically 3-10 years.
Do you offer custom printing?
Yes! Custom logos are available for schools, clubs, and sponsors.
What netting thickness for my use?
#18-#27 for recreation, #36 for schools/clubs, #42 for competitive and professional play.
Ready to Buy?
At VolleyballUSA.com, we manufacture every net in-house with premium materials, trusted by pros but accessible to everyone.