Basketball courts are a much necessary place to practice and compete with other players. However, in pandemics such as what we are going through these days (i.e. in 2020 and 2021), we may need a concrete basketball court in the house. Obviously, it can’t be inside the house structure but yes, it can be made in the backyard or garage.
If you want to know about the permission policies and other technicalities…
So, if you are wanting to make use of the garage or the backyard, then follow our DIY methods of constructing one.
Also Read: Do You Need Permission To Build Basketball Court?
Pointers to Remember While Constructing Basketball Court
Here are some pointers that will definitely help you in building a basketball court in the backyard. This is not particularly for the garage though. But it can and should be considered in either place.
Size and Space
Finding out the size and space for constructing a basketball court is a must. Without knowing the exact dimensions and space you have for constructing a court will determine the actual size of the court. So, in order to get the best result, knowing about both these aspects is a must.
Leveled Ground
The ground on which you want to make a basketball court must be leveled. It is not possible to play on uneven ground. What really happens with the uneven ground? Well, players don’t find it comfortable, their performance is hampered, and you don’t get good remarks on the construction. So, in case you don’t have a smooth space, then we would recommend you to get an excavator for digging and leveling up the ground.
Concrete Surface
Next, make sure that the ground is leveled and is of concrete. That keeps it safe from updating and fixing the issues. It is because, in the court where you plan to get everything, invest big bucks, it is a must that the court stays strong as well as long-lasting. Therefore, for that, you have to have concrete ground or surface.
Material and Tools
Two types of materials could be used in a concrete basketball court – rubber tiles or plastic polymer. Collect materials beforehand and also bring a kit that is readily available for the construction of a basketball court. Be organized and then start the project otherwise it will be too much for you to handle everything simultaneously.
Setting Hoop and Floor
Measure, mark the lines, and then set the floor and basketball hoops. Also, make use of a string level to be sure about the surface level. Then, remove and move soil as needed with the help of an excavator and shovel.
Advantages of Building Basketball Court in the House (Either Backyard or Garage)
Enlisted are some perks that are attached to the basketball court within the garage or backyard.
- The basketball court in the house will allow you to spend quality time with family.
- It also adds value to the game because it lets the player practice.
- Basketball courts are easy to build only if planning is done in the best way.
Now that you know the pointers of building a basketball court, let’s go back to the main question…
How to Build a Concrete Basketball Court?
To make the concrete basketball court you have to follow the steps mentioned below.
Material Needed:
- Measuring tape
- Twine
- 4 stakes
- Shovel or something else to compress the soil
- Concrete or cement
- 2 Basketball hoops
- Court stencil kit
- Spray paint
- Masking tape
NOW, here are the steps you have to construct a basketball court. Following them as it is will enable you to get the best result. If you get stuck somewhere, don’t hesitate and ask us in the comments section below.
Step 1: Know the Exact Size
First thing first, knowing the exact size is a must. You can’t seem to have a perfect indoor basketball court if dimensions are wrongly measured. So, the best deal to combat such a situation is to know precise measurements. However, if you check professional courts like NBA or NCAA, they usually measure 94 feet x 50 feet. On the other hand, high school basketball courts are precisely 84 feet long.
What to keep in mind while measuring the surface?
One thing that you should bear in mind is the surface. Measuring a crooked surface will not give a perfect measurement. The wise idea would be to smoothen the surface and then take measurements. If that is not possible, take the measurements but add or subtract measurements once it is smoothened (although, it can become a hassle to measure twice).
Step 2: Buy Basketball Hoops
Getting hoops for an indoor basketball court is a point that can’t be missed. After buying the best hoops from an online or physical store, use cement to fix them in the ground. Here, at this point, you should keep in mind that we consider the best hoops when they have an adjustable height. Another tip for this step is to purchase 2 for a complete court. You can also opt for one if there isn’t much space.
Step 3: Mark the Measurements
The third step to build a concrete basketball court is to work on the measurements. What does that mean? Well, it is pretty clear that once the measurements are taken, the next step is to mark them. How would you mark the measurements? The best way is to use a measuring tape. Stakes should be taken as a support on the base of which you can tie the rope. Also, don’t forget to leave some space from the court. It will help the players safe from stepping off the basketball court, etc.
Step 4: Smoothen the Ground
As mentioned in step 1, it is mandatory to level up the ground. Technically, this should be done at the start. But if you haven’t followed it in the first step, then do it now. To smoothen the surface, all you need to do is to clean the holes and all.
Step 5: Create Foundation with Cement or Concrete
Concrete should be used to smoothen the spaces where there are holes and crookedness. Pool hoops should be installed at the time of smoothening the ground. You can install hoops later or before too. But the best time would be in the 5th step.
Points to remember in this step are mentioned below;
- Basketball net, basket, or hoops (different people give different names to the hoops) should be installed in a way that it is at least 1 or 2 feet in the ground.
- Hiring a cement company to level the ground will give peace of mind.
- Post sleeves and hoops are installed without anyone at times. But if you can’t manage it by yourself, then don’t hesitate in getting professional help.
Step 6: Draw Lines with Paint
Get a stenciling kit for court marking. It will be less painful and stressful. Now, if you don’t have a stencil kit with you, don’t worry. There is another way of handling the situation. All that you have to do is to take a measuring tape, masking tape, and spray paint. This is the time when you have to trace the lines and paint. So, to do that you have to follow some pattern, right?
Step 7: Contemplate on Surfacing
It will just fantabulous to see a basketball court inside the house, no? But it can be daunting for those who are getting to see it for the first time IF and when it is not constructed the right way. By “right way” it means that the surfacing is important. Without it, a court can look less appealing. Therefore, it is a must to use tile surfacing to hold cars (in case of the court is built in the garage or driveway). Using pre-painted surface tiles does wonder. You can try that too! Nonetheless, we have other kinds of materials used in flooring too. Those include custom floors, asphalt floors, rubber floors, etc.
Step 8: Embellish the Court
After completing all 7 steps, the 8th one is all about embellishments. You can use accessories that suit the court. If it is inside the garage or driveway, you can opt for a different, bold color. Also, you can add a logo for the personalized court. Other than that, fences work out for all types of basketball courts in the house.
How to Construct Basketball Court?
What is the recommended base of a concrete basketball court? Professionals and expert players, coaches, and referees recommend concrete basketball courts. It is because concrete stays in place for years, doesn’t seek constant maintenance, the performance of players is far better, and it is suitable for almost all types of hoops.
However, there are two options to use concrete as a base.
Choice 1: build a concrete slab that is slightly elevated. Then, fit the accessories to complete the court.
Choice 2: level the backyard with the slab. This option is a bit daunting and includes more investment (monitory).
I have been playing basketball for more than a decade now, and my passion and enthusiasm for it drove me to write about it. I am Ahmed, a professional basketball player and a fan who has now become a writer to help fellow basketball players and enthusiasts to opt for the best possible basketball accessories and essentials. Stay tuned to feast yourself with the content you might not have seen anywhere else.