How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (2024)

Inspired to build your own backyard basketball court?

If you're interested in DIY'ing a basketball court or having a local contractor install a court for you then you've come to the right place.

Last Updated 24th of April, 2023.

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (1)1. Choose the Size and Location of Your Court

Ideally you’ll choose a location that is reasonably flat, to keep excavation needs to a minimum.

Recommended subsurface base: Concrete (100mm thick, 25MPA, Reinforced, Helictoper/smooth finish, Standard slope to allow water to drain off the slab)

We strongly recommend a concrete base for any new base being built for a MSF PRO sports court. Concrete provides by far the best longevity, performance and value over the long run and requires virtually no ongoing maintenance or repairs for many years. Other suitable bases include Pavers, Asphalt or Decking.

  • Option 1: Have an elevated concrete slab & then fit your landscaping requirements around it.
  • Option 2: Level the slab with the rest of your backyard. This option involves more excavation work/costs.

The size of a full size NBL court is identical to the FIBA regulation sized basketball court of 28m x 15m (420sqm), which is usually too large to fit into the average backyard. We recommend considering a half court, which can be customised to suit your space. Sizing can range from very small approx 4m x 6m (24sqm), 9m x 5m (45sqm), 10m x 7m (70sqm) to a 3X3 regulation half court of 15m x 11m (165sqm)... and everything in between!

Precise measurements and planning are crucial in order to end up with the best result.

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (2)2. Purchase the Hoop & Sports Court Surface Tiles

The in-ground Hoop anchor kit should be installed during the concrete pour, so ensure you’ve ordered your Hoop in time to arrive before you schedule the concrete. Take note of the hoop's overhang in centimeters so you can plan accurate placement of the hoop anchor, free throw and three point lines.

Surfacing your court with a specially designed synthetic sports surface such as Australia's #1 selling, top rated MSF Pro will not only produce an amazing looking result, but will also provide more accurate ball bounce, sound reduction and joints strain/injury minimisation.

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (3)

3. Level the Ground

Prior to concreting, the space must be dug up and leveled. If you require the concrete to be flush with the surrounding ground then you must excavate 115mm below surface level to allow for the concrete slab (100mm) and sports surface tile (15mm). If you are opting for the elevated slab then you may not need to excavate but you do need to remove any grass and level the ground.

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (4)

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION: Before you dig, call 1100 (Australia) or your local utilities to rule out the presence of buried cables including power, water, gas and phone lines. Failure to do so could result in serious or fatal injury. Dial Before You Dig is a FREE national referral service designed to assist in preventing damage and disruption to Australia’s vast infrastructure networks which provide essential services we use every day.

4. Pour a 100mm Concrete Slab

Prepare and pour a 100mm thick slab of concrete (25MPA, reinforced, standard slope, helicopter/smooth finish) matching your exact MSF PRO™ Court Design measurements. Ensure you have someone experienced with concrete slabs on hand for this step. Plan the concreting for when the weather is dry and allow for 72 hours to let the concrete set.

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (5)It's recommended to install the hoop anchor at the same time as pouring the slab to save on time and costs. The recommended hole size for a hoop anchor system is approx 500mm x 500 mm and 1.2m deep. Please note: Always remember to closely follow the installation & safety instructions that come with your in-ground hoop.

5. Install the Hoop

Always be sure to follow the official basketball hoop installation instructions. Goalrilla in-ground hoops generally require 3-4 strong labourers with multiple ladders and power tools. Hoop installation can take up to a few hours or more for those inexperienced with installing. The below videos provide an example of the procedure involved for DIY installing a Goalrilla or MegaSlam in-ground basketball hoop system...

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide) (2024)

FAQs

How to DIY Build a Basketball Court (8 Step Guide)? ›

One of the cheapest options on our list, asphalt is a popular choice for many outdoor courts. The main advantage of using asphalt is the low initial cost.

How to make a DIY basketball court? ›

Here are the basics:
  1. Mark the corners of your court and check the slope with string and a level.
  2. Remove vegetation and level the ground by adding or removing dirt. ...
  3. Set concrete forms and square the corners. ...
  4. Add gravel fill to four inches below the top of the forms. ...
  5. Pour concrete from one end of the form to the other.
Jun 13, 2023

What is the cheapest way to build a basketball court in your backyard? ›

One of the cheapest options on our list, asphalt is a popular choice for many outdoor courts. The main advantage of using asphalt is the low initial cost.

Is it hard to build a basketball court? ›

If you want to practice your basketball skills or just play a game at home, building your own court can be a great investment. Making a court requires excavating the area and laying concrete, so it may not be the best project for a novice.

What are the dimensions of a homemade basketball court? ›

If you want the full range of the three-point line you will need to go a minimum of 45' wide and ideal is 50'. The perfect backyard basketball court we build is a 30'x50' as 50' is a regulation basketball width and the 30' gives you over 5' of room at the top of the key.

How is a NBA court made? ›

Basketball court floors are made of high-quality hardwood, specifically maple wood. The unique pattern of light and dark wood on the floor enhances visibility, making it easier for players to see the ball as it moves across the court. This design also adds aesthetic value to the arena.

Can you play basketball on grass? ›

Grass isn't a viable underlying surface for basketball court flooring due to its uneven nature and difficulty in maintenance.

Is a backyard basketball court worth it? ›

Not only is a backyard basketball court great for health, but it also makes for an attractive addition to any property. If the homeowners are looking to move, a professionally installed basketball court can be a significant selling point when approaching potential buyers.

Can you use pavers for a basketball court? ›

Yes, you can use pavers for the floor area of your basketball court. Paver blocks are in more demand because of their advantages.

How small can a backyard basketball court be? ›

Usually, the court size varies from 18′ x 18′ to 56′ x 104′. But with a little maneuvering, customize the traditional basketball court in any shape and size you want. With a backyard basketball court, you can practice shooting hoops late at night or play games early in the morning.

Is a basketball court 1 acre? ›

The dimensions of a professional NBA basketball court are 94 feet by 50 feet, which is 4700 square feet in area. That means a single acre of land can comfortably fit a little over 9 basketball courts!

How to make a basketball pole? ›

Attach the hoop to the backboard with a drill and screws.

Hold the backboard in place and mark where the screws will go. Drill small pilot holes then attach the hoop with the screws it came with. You can attach this basketball hoop anywhere outside, like to the side of your house or a garage.

Can you put a sport court on gravel? ›

However, installation over properly compacted gravel is possible. You may achieve a stable surface using gravel pavers for the basketball court base. These gravel pavers are design to strengthen the ground and support the sport tiles.

How many feet is the 3-point line? ›

The NBA has a 22-foot 3-point line in the corners and a 23-foot, 9-inch line elsewhere. The WNBA and the international game plays with a 20-foot, 6-inch line. The NCAA men's game has a 20-foot, 9-inch line while the NCAA women and high schools have a 19-foot, 9-inch line.

How many feet for a free throw line? ›

The free throw line is 15 feet from the front of the backboard and is the same for all types of courts. The key or the free throw lane is 16 feet wide for NBA or FIBA and 12 feet wide for college, high school, and junior high basketball.

Can you make a basketball court without concrete? ›

The "No Concrete" Court Base. The VersaCourt Foundation Panel is the ideal alternative to installing a concrete or asphalt pad… especially for homeowners and facility operators faced with impervious surface regulations.

Can you make a basketball court on gravel? ›

The basketball court tiles are designed to be used over a solid, hard surface such as compacted gravel, concrete, asphalt, or a wooden subfloor.

How thick should a concrete slab be for a basketball court? ›

You should expect to build an outdoor basketball court on a slab that's no less than 4 inches thick. Rebar reinforcements are recommended to prevent the concrete from cracking, thus providing years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Trent Wehner

Last Updated:

Views: 6386

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (76 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Trent Wehner

Birthday: 1993-03-14

Address: 872 Kevin Squares, New Codyville, AK 01785-0416

Phone: +18698800304764

Job: Senior Farming Developer

Hobby: Paintball, Calligraphy, Hunting, Flying disc, Lapidary, Rafting, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.