Are you considering installing and building your own outdoor backyard basketball court?
Trust us, it’s not that hard, and if you relish the challenge of a DIY home project, you’ll find the process of building a home Court both straight forward and really quite rewarding. We’ve recently been through the process ourselves, and here’ our quick guide on how you can install you own functional outdoor court:
1. Choose Your Court Spot and Measure Up
Begin by selecting a suitable and flat area for the court, ideally a space that requires minimal excavation. If you already have a pre-existing concrete slab or hard surface then you are in luck. In the absence of one, identify a large enough space that allows easy access for a concrete slab to be poured. Measure your baseline and sidelines to determine your court’s dimensions. Courts can be customised, from a cosy 4m x 6m (24sqm) through to a larger court 10m x 7m (70sqm) upwards and every thing in-between. Our is 35 square metres which is fine length wise, however in future a 7×7 (49 square metre) court would of allowed for some additional space on the sides.
2. Create a Level Playing Area
You need to ensure you have a smooth and flat playing area, by levelling the ground before pouring your concrete. If you opt for a slab flush with your yard, pre-dig and level out the area, as an elevated slab would require grass removal and levelling without excavation. If you need a hand creating a flat surface, then a digger with an operator (who owns a laser level), can generally create and flatten this area for you, all whilst removing the excess dirt within 2-3 hours.
3. Purchase Tiles and Select Your Hoop
Research the basketball tile provider you want to use and select your tile quantities and colours. If you’re planning on an in-ground professional basketball hoop, we recommend collaborating with Mega Slam Hoops or Goalrilla. Don’t forget to order their in-ground Hoop anchor kit beforehand, which you will want to have installed before your slab is poured. Pour your concrete slab to match your basketball court measurements, and we recommend a thickness of 100mm (25MPA, reinforced, standard slope with a smooth finish). Ensure the concrete has 72 hours to set before installing basketball Tiles.
The tiles should be specifically for outdoor use and be made of polypropylene, ensuring they have cushions on the underside to provide maximum bounce. If you know your court size and colours, ask to order the tiles pre-marked with a free throw line, 3 point line (if you have the space), baseline and keyway etc.
4. Clip in Your Tiles
Start by ensuring at least a 5cm spacing for edging around your tiles (check this with your tile provider). Begin by laying the tiles, aligning the edges with the concrete boundary. Once the court is laid out, clip it all together, keeping the tiles straight and securing them one at a time. They are relatively easy to clip in (a bit like a jigsaw puzzle) and are durable and won’t unclip easily.
5. Marking Your Court
If you can’t pre-mark your tiles, then ideally use a line marking machine to help you paint your lines with precision. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can opt for DIY line marking kits available online. Ensure you mark out the key lines including the free-throw line, the free-throw lane, the 3pt-line and the No-Charge Semi-Circle (Restricted Area).
6. Add the Finishing Touches
To prevent stray shots from causing damage or disappearing, consider adding netting or fencing. Plan this in advance so that you can set netting poles into the concrete. Make your court uniquely yours by painting a custom logo or artwork in the key. Even if you need professional help, it’s a small cost to pay for a massive ‘wow’ factor.
And there you have it, a ‘home made’ yet professional and brand new home court is ready for hooping.