So you finally got the “perfect” house. It has the right amount of bedrooms, bathrooms and maybe even a pool or two. You worked hard for this house and it’s just what you wanted all these years. Now that you’ve moved in there’s one more thing to consider: building a basketball court in your backyard!
Not just any basketball court, but a place to make memories with your friends and neighbors. If you think about it, you learn the fundamentals of basketball all because of your dad or someone close to you who showed you how to play. Chances are that this person enjoyed playing the game as much as they enjoyed teaching it to others.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Basketball Court
The first thing you need to understand is whether or not you can afford building a basketball court. There are many costs associated with this type of project and it’s important that you determine if this is something financially feasible for your family. We’ll touch on some of the costs below but as a quick reference, here is a cost breakdown by material:
- Asphalt or Concrete Court – $25 per square foot (approximate)
- Natural Grass Court – $33 per square foot (approximate)
If your backyard space is limited, consider building your court indoors. These can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size of the area you want to cover.
Designing Your Court
If you’re considering building a basketball court, it’s important that you figure out the best design for your family. Here are some things to consider:
- Is there enough room in my backyard for this project?
- Will the court interfere with other outdoor activities such as gardening or children’s playtime?
- Do I want more than one court? If so, what are the pros and cons of having more than one court?
There are some other factors to consider as well. You don’t want your basketball court lines running through a major pathway in your backyard or obstructing the view of your pool. It’s also important that you know where electricity is located in your backyard so that you can hang lights for nighttime games.
The Backboard Aspect
When it comes to the backboard, there are two major players in the game: tempered glass and acrylic. Both offer great rebound qualities but there are some differences between the two. Acrylic boards tend to be more durable than tempered glass while tempered glass offers a more realistic feel when shooting the ball.
If you like to go with games that include two-handed dunks, then tempered glass is best for your game because of its sturdiness and thickness. However, if you’re concerned about shattered backboards or want to save some money, acrylic may be the way to go. Whichever material you decide to go with, make sure that the ball returns back to a playable position.
Types of Backboards
- Glass – The best option for serious outdoor games but it has the highest price tag as well. Glass backboards offer maximum rebound and reflectivity. They’re also extremely durable, but unfortunately this means they can shatter if struck hard enough.
- Acrylic – The best option for players who want a realistic outdoor feel when shooting the ball. Acrylic backboards offer excellent rebound and durability, but sometimes at a cost of lower reflectivity compared to glass boards. They can be tough to break so if you have little ones running around the court, this may be a good choice for you.
- Ray Allen Retro Backboard – This is a great choice for serious players who want the feel of playing on an indoor court. The board is made out of acrylic but it has an old school look which stands out from other backboards. It offers maximum rebound and durability, two very important aspects when choosing a backboard.
Community Rules
When you’re building a basketball court for your home, it’s important that everyone be on the same page. If you’re allowing the kids to play on the court, make sure they know how to act when someone is shooting at them or racing down the court with the ball. Likewise, if you want to reserve certain times of day where only adults can play, make that known before you break ground.
These rules also apply if you’re building an outdoor court with multiple hoops. Make sure all players know what the rules of the game are and how to act when on the court together.
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