Basketball
DIY Basketball Court: How to Build a Backyard Basketball Court
Aug
A backyard basketball court has many benefits. For starters, it offers an opportunity for hours of outdoor exercise and is more convenient than driving to your local gym. It can also add resale value to your home. Plus, unlike a pool, a basketball court is cheap and easy to maintain.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of adding a basketball court to your backyard is that your court will attract friends and family over for a pickup game and a cold drink afterward. It can serve as an excellent centerpiece for any BBQ or party.
A DIY basketball court is easy to create by following six straightforward steps. Here we’ll walk you through how to build a backyard basketball court so you’ll be ready for DIY success.
Step 1: Planning and Preparing Your Backyard Basketball Court
Choose the Location: Start by planning your court and deciding where you want it. You will need a large open space free from trees, rocks, or other landscaping features. Once you have a spot chosen, reach out to the local building and inspection organization to obtain the proper permit—even if your home is far removed from other buildings.
Along with your permit, these licensing organizations can help you understand any local rules and ordinances that you will need to be aware of as you plan out how to build a basketball court in your backyard. Once you have a permit, you can complete the planning stage!
Mark The Dimensions: Measure out your basketball court with precision.
- Full Court: 94 x 50 feet
- Half Court: 47 x 50 feet
- Compact Court: Around 30 x 30 feet
Use stakes and string to outline the exact size of the court you have designed.
Clear and Level the Ground: If you have trees and large rocks, you may need to rent some heavy equipment, like an excavator. Once you’ve cleared the space, use levels and string to ensure the area is flat. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly level. A one- or two-degree slope will keep water from pooling on your finished court.
Step 2: Gathering Materials and Equipment
Once your court is measured and marked, it’s time to gather the materials and tools you’ll need. Start by choosing what type of court surface you want.
While you can make your court with asphalt or sport tiles, we highly recommend concrete. It is the most common option and offers good stability for years of playtime. If you choose concrete, remember that you’ll need to buy your concrete early so it’s ready to pour when the time comes.
Sport tiles are the simplest method of court construction. However, they don’t offer the durability and lasting cosmetic appeal of a concrete court.
Pouring asphalt may be an economical option, but it is very difficult and dangerous to do on your own.
You’ll also need:
- Surface paint to paint the lines of the court
- Stencils to ensure the lines are straight
- The perfect basketball hoop
Step 3: Constructing Your Backyard Basketball Court
When you have all the equipment ready, it’s time to build.
Create the Surface of the Court
Sports Tiles: For a simpler DIY project, purchase pre-made sport court tiles that snap together. These are often installed over a leveled and prepared surface, such as a concrete slab or even a compacted gravel base. Lay out the tiles in the desired pattern, interlocking and snapping them together. Trim the tiles as needed for edges or obstacles using a tile cutter or jigsaw.
Concrete: When it’s time to pour the surface, add and level gravel in the court area. Then pour your concrete. The concrete will need to be about four inches thick. Experts also recommend reinforcing the concrete with rebar or wire mesh for durability.
Take the time to smooth out the surface while it’s wet, so your finished court won’t have any unwanted dimples or creases.
The concrete may take up to two full days to dry, so protect and check on it regularly. If someone steps on the wet cement or if leaves, twigs, or other debris fall in while it’s drying, the marks could be permanent.
Install Your Basketball Hoop
You have a lot of choices for basketball hoops. Be sure to choose one with an in-ground anchor kit for the most secure installation. Be sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the basketball hoop.
You can also consider finding an installer to help with any of these stages.
Step 4: Painting and Outlining the Court
Once the court has dried, it’s almost ready to play on! You just need to paint the lines.
Get ready to start with:
- Measuring tape
- String or chalk line
- Painter’s tape or stencils
- Outdoor concrete paint
- Sealant
This is where you can express your creativity. Why not consider custom colors and graphics? You could paint your entire court or just the lines, but choose colors that are easy to see and differentiate between.
Choose a two-part polyurethane paint for a long-lasting finish. Be sure to carefully measure and mark all the court lines before you begin to paint. Use a stencil or painter’s tape to create clean lines and take your time. If you rush and paint a crooked line now, you might find the imperfection distracting every time you play ball later on.
Dominator also highly recommends the use of a concrete sealant after your court is painted. This fills the pores on the surface and prevents cracking or long-term water damage.
Step 5: Adding Optional Features to Enhance Your Court
The paint has dried, and you’ve played your first basketball game on your new court. Now you can customize it even more by adding some convenient features, such as:
- Outdoor lighting
- Fencing
- Spectator seating
- Border edging
- Ball rebounders
- Shade structures
- An additional adjustable hoop
- Hydration and refreshment station
When you’re ready to shop for the best supplies, Dominator is the perfect place to find your basketball hoop and outdoor court lighting.
Step 6: Taking Care of the Court Long-Term
Even after you’ve finished your court, you’ll want to make sure it stays in the best condition possible. This is another advantage of sealing your concrete. It’s a great way to keep the concrete surface clean and play-worthy for years to come.
You’ll also want to protect your basketball court by keeping it clean! A good sealant can go a long way, but it can’t replace routine cleaning and upkeep. Regularly sweep the leaves and dirt off your court and rinse it off with a hose after bad weather. Putting in the little extra effort to keep your court clean will protect it and make it last for many years.
Keep an eye on the court surface and fix any cracks or imperfections as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
An in-ground basketball hoop is a permanent installation that is perfect for serious players and DIY backyard basketball courts. Choosing a portable basketball hoop might be an option if your court is small or you anticipate needing to use the space for multiple purposes. A portable basketball hoop is anchored by sand or water in the base and designed to be easily moved when needed.
The simplest backyard courts may be installed as quickly as three days. Others may take up to a week. A full installation, including site preparation, concrete pouring, and painting, can take between two and four weeks. Just remember to be realistic as you make your plans and consider the time investment needed to complete the type of project you are designing.
If you live in an area that has four seasons, you’ll need to focus on cleaning standing rain, snow, leaves, and debris from the court to keep it in good condition.
Consider a UV-resistant coating if you live in hot climates.
For winter months, clear the snow with care. A plastic shovel is better than a metal one. And, avoid using salt to clear the ice.
Create the DIY Basketball Court of Your Dreams with Dominator
With careful planning, preparation, and some hard work, you really can build your own basketball court. If you’ve ever dreamed about having a home court, now’s the time to start.
Check out Dominator’s basketball equipment to help you get started on your DIY basketball court.
