How to build basketball court

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

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 2nd of April, 2020.

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).

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

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 centimetres 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 minimises joints strain/injuries.

3. Level the Ground

Prior to concreting, the space must be dug up and levelled. 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.

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.

It's recommended to install the hoop anchor at the same time as pouring the slab to save on expenses. 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.

Always be sure to follow the official basketball hoop installation instructions. Goalrilla in-ground hoops generally require 3-5 strong labourers with multiple ladders and power tools. Hoop installation can take up to a few hours for those inexperienced with installing. The below videos provide an example of the procedure involved for installing a popular Goalrilla in-ground basketball hoop system yourself...

How To Build A Basketball Court

The performance of any court surface is largely dictated by the quality of the sub-base beneath. Ensuring sub-structures are accurate and within required flatness and level tolerances is crucial to good gameplay. The need for consistency is most critical with Basketball Courts, where court surfacing requires a flatness tolerance of 5 mm within any 3 m radius.

Volume of Excavated Earth Can Be Greater Than Planned

The volume of earth removed to accommodate a court surprises many customers. Assessing specific ground conditions to ascertain required excavation depth for your base is highly recommended. Ground conditions will dictate how deep the excavation needs to be to reduce chances of movement and subsidence.

Levelling The Sub-Base To Precise Flatness Tolerance

A good sub-base will be within a flatness tolerance of 5mm variations within any 3m radius. Take the required time to finish your base with precision to maximise your game. Versacourt Game Outdoor modular sports tiles must make good contact with the sub-base to maximise the safety and ball response benefits.

Ensuring Good Court Drainage Reduces Maintenance

Extend the life of any sub-base by ensuring adequate drainage beneath the playing surface to channel excess water away from potential problem areas. Without adequate drainage sub-structures will suffer over time and be prone to fracturing in excessive cold.

Concrete Or Asphalt?

Precision Finished Reinforced Concrete

OnCourt recommend reinforced concrete for basketball courts. The flatness and uniformity of a precision finished concrete base is unparalleled in terms of safety and ball response. Concrete is however, a more expensive material than asphalt.

Asphalt Basketball Court Base

Asphalt is a cheaper material than concrete but will require specialist tooling to complete the job. Asphalt sub-bases will require regular maintenance to ensure cracks and gaps do not expand and effect the uniformity of the court surface.

Installing Mega Slam Basketball Hoop Systems

Mega Slam Hoops are monstrous. The ground anchor for these heavy duty in-ground hoop systems must be ready to install during the sub-base construction phase. Learn more about what’s required to install a Mega Slam Hoop. Have friends at the ready!

Basketball Court Sub-Base FAQ

What Is A Basketball Sub-Base?

A basketball court sub-base sits beneath Versacourt tiles, providing solidity, stability and uniformity to the playing surface.

What material is best for a basketball court sub-base?

Reinforced concrete is the perfect material for a basketball sub-base. Asphalt, when installed by an expert can also provide a good finish.

Can I build my own basketball court sub-base?

OnCourt will provide all the technical specifications for you or your preferred contractor to complete the sub-base construction. Finishing the level of the sub-base within a 3mm tolerance in any 3m radius is achievable with the right tools.
If you don’t have the tools or you can’t identify a preferred contractor, visit the OnCourt Installer directory.

Where can I find a contractor to build my sub-base?

Visit the OnCourt installer directory to identify the right contractor for your court or hoop groundworks. We are always expanding our network of approved court builders.
Should you be unable to find an installer in the directory, OnCourt will furnish you with everything a groundworker will need to get the sub-base completed to specification..

Can I install my own hoop system?

Installing the ‘in-ground’ Mega Slam Hoop is a 2 stage job. A 1.25m deep hole is dug for a concrete anchor to support the system. The next phase is building the hoop. Mega Slam Hoops are heavy – it’s what makes them the ultimate home hoop. This does mean that you will need some friends to help with the heavy lifting. Learn more about Mega Slam Hoops installation.

NOTE – Hoop system and component anchor assemblies should be installed during sub-base construction. Configure and order your court, hoop and components to ensure ground anchor assemblies are available during the sub-base build.

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Construction of a turnkey basketball court|SportObject

The SportObject company offers its services in the construction of turnkey basketball courts. Trusting the construction of our company, you get a whole range of turnkey services, including design, ground work, laying the base and coating, marking and other construction work. We strictly adhere to the agreed deadlines and provide our clients with a work schedule that indicates the start and completion dates for construction.

Find out why it is safe to cooperate with us

Calculation of the cost of the object

To find out the estimated cost of your object, select the options below or use the detailed calculator available by clicking the "Make a detailed calculation" button.

1. Coating:

Choose the type of coating for your object.

Not selectedAcrylicRubber crumbModular plasticPolyurethane

2. Destination:

Specify where your object will be used.

Not selectedFor suburban developmentsFor educational institutionsFor competitionsFor sports organizationsFor private business

3. Your object:

Specify whether your object is located: indoors, outdoors or it needs a hangar.

Not selectedOutdoor (outdoor)Indoor (indoor)To be built (prefabricated hangar)

4. Field sizes:

Select the appropriate field size from the list provided.

Not selectedCustomStandard30x18 - (playing dimensions 28x15) 34x19 - for competitions (playing dimensions 28x15)

Specify the parameters of your object in a detailed calculator and get an approximate cost of the service.

Budget savings

We help reduce your costs by up to 40% and avoid unnecessary overpayments.

3 day project

We will design and calculate the exact cost of your object in just 3 days.

5 year warranty

We give great guarantees for imported goods and materials from our warehouse.

421 590* 421590 RUB

* The price is indicated for the basic package with a coating without a base. You can also use the detailed calculator.

Implementation example

Private sector basketball court

Difficulty:

Rubber slabs for outdoor sports grounds are perhaps the most reliable and rational option of all. The coating is made of high-strength crumb rubber and a binding polymer (polyurethane adhesive).

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Stages of construction on the example of a football stadium

The thickness of the foundation pit and the amount of materials that are needed for your foundation, we select depending on the size of the field. We select drainage and other systems based on the regional location (how much precipitation is in your region, what kind of drainage is needed). Additionally, we equip drainage wells, or divert them to the drainage system. Field slopes of several different types depending on site operating conditions.

Preparing the excavation, sand bed, drainage system

The quality of a football field is more than half dependent on the quality of the base! Our base is a monolithic solid single layer, which over the years does not form any fractures, the soil does not go anywhere and remains flat throughout the entire period of operation. Relatively speaking, even if a tractor passes over the base, there will be no tire marks, because everything is solid and dense!

Sequential compaction of base layers

We carry out all types of additional improvement works: we can install a fence for you, pave an asphalt path to something, level the territory, paint walls, curbs, etc. We will perform all the required related work!

Installation of the curbstone

The laying of artificial grass itself is as important as the preparation of the base. When laying the field, an important aspect is gluing the rolls and cutting the markings. Gluing must be done securely. The material in the work requires getting used to, because the two-component glue rolls down after a while and they need to work quickly.

Laying the grass on the prepared base, gluing it and cutting the markings

Be sure to remember: the gate is installed with a safety requirement so that it does not turn over. Therefore, this aspect is given special importance. In this regard, the gate is either concreted or attached to an accompanying fence.

Installation of the goal

The backfilling of a football field determines a large part of the playing characteristics. Backfilling is a responsible job, because the presence or absence of drops and bumps, which will eventually be felt during the game, depends on the uniform distribution of sand and crumb rubber on sports grounds. That is, there should be both a flat base and a high-quality pile with an even distribution of backfill under it.

Raising grass, distributing sand and crumb rubber across the field

We cooperate with the largest manufacturers of stands, fences and other sports equipment in the Russian Federation. Therefore, if necessary, we can supply everything you need to the object at a wholesale price. We install all this equipment, advise in which cases which is better, etc. We can supply many things both in a finished version and make them ourselves on the spot.

Installation of additional equipment (treadmills, jumping pits, safety fences, grandstands)

You can also be sure that we will carry out all the necessary arrangements for their improvement on the site and the adjacent territory.

Landscaping

The thickness of the foundation pit and the amount of materials that are needed for your foundation, we select depending on the size of the field. We select drainage and other systems based on the regional location (how much precipitation is in your region, what kind of drainage is needed). Additionally, we equip drainage wells, or divert them to the drainage system. Field slopes of several different types depending on site operating conditions.

Preparing the excavation, sand bed, drainage system

The quality of a football field is more than half dependent on the quality of the base! Our base is a monolithic solid single layer, which over the years does not form any fractures, the soil does not go anywhere and remains flat throughout the entire period of operation. Relatively speaking, even if a tractor passes over the base, there will be no tire marks, because everything is solid and dense!

Sequential compaction of base layers

We carry out all types of additional improvement works: we can install a fence for you, pave an asphalt path to something, level the territory, paint walls, curbs, etc. We will perform all the required related work!

Installation of the curbstone

The laying of artificial grass itself is as important as the preparation of the base. When laying the field, an important aspect is gluing the rolls and cutting the markings. Gluing must be done securely. The material in the work requires getting used to, because the two-component glue rolls down after a while and they need to work quickly.

Laying the grass on the prepared base, gluing it and cutting the markings

Be sure to remember: the gate is installed with a safety requirement so that it does not turn over. Therefore, this aspect is given special importance. In this regard, the gate is either concreted or attached to an accompanying fence.

Installation of the goal

The backfilling of a football field determines a large part of the playing characteristics. Backfilling is a responsible job, because the presence or absence of drops and bumps, which will eventually be felt during the game, depends on the uniform distribution of sand and crumb rubber on sports grounds. That is, there should be both a flat base and a high-quality pile with an even distribution of backfill under it.

Raising grass, distributing sand and crumb rubber across the field

We cooperate with the largest manufacturers of stands, fences and other sports equipment in the Russian Federation. Therefore, if necessary, we can supply everything you need to the object at a wholesale price. We install all this equipment, advise in which cases which is better, etc. We can supply many things both in a finished version and make them ourselves on the spot.

Installation of additional equipment (treadmills, jumping pits, safety fences, grandstands)

You can also be sure that we will carry out all the necessary arrangements for their improvement on the site and the adjacent territory.

Landscaping

Options

How do we work?0003

We carry out construction and installation works

We hand over the finished object and provide a guarantee

Private

I am a private client

We work in all regions of the Russian Federation

We cooperate with contractors who are ready to travel to any city in Russia. We take measurements, bring materials or buy them in your city, install coatings and equipment.

We offer standard solutions

We are engaged in the construction of both standard and unique projects. We work individually with each client: we take into account your wishes, fit into the budget and comply with the agreed deadlines.

We take care of your budget

We help clients in the selection of materials, places for construction, provide detailed advice and suggest how to get a fully functional sports facility at a lower cost.

We create 3D visualization

We offer the development of a 3D model that will convey a complete vision of the concept of the future object. Also, this service will help both us and the client to eliminate the possibility of error at the design stage.

We make reconstruction and repair

We carry out all types of reconstruction works: we repair the foundation, lay the foundation, replace the coatings, install fences, roof structures, make glazing and ennoble the areas.

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We offer additional services

We are engaged in maintenance of the facility after commissioning: we take care of the condition of sports surfaces, ennoble areas, do glazing and other general construction works.

We take on complex projects

We have enough experience and capabilities to solve the most non-standard and complex tasks. Many of our specialists took part in the preparation of sports grounds for the Olympic Games in Athens and the 2018 World Cup.

We cooperate with global companies

We maintain strong partnerships with well-known manufacturers from Europe and Asia. At the request of the customer, we supply the goods you like from abroad in the shortest possible time.

We provide detailed advice

We answer in detail all the client's questions about the project and our services. Also, we are ready to provide professional legal advice on construction issues.

We build turnkey facilities

We provide a whole range of services: designing an object, drawing up design estimates, building a foundation and base, selecting and laying coatings, erecting roofed structures, installing appropriate equipment and necessary communications.

Our clients

I am a corporate client

Acknowledgments and certificates of conformity

Company "SportObject" offers its services in the field of sports construction. We are engaged in the construction of turnkey basketball courts: we design, draw up design estimates, coordinate the construction, mount the foundation and roof structures, lay bases and coverings, perform finishing work, provide communications and deliver sports equipment. Each of the stages of work is implemented strictly according to the schedule agreed with the client, which allows us to deliver a fully finished project on time.

We value the trust of each customer and guarantee comfortable cooperation

• We travel to any place in Russia;
• We provide detailed advice on construction issues;
• We select high-quality solutions for the client's budget;
• We help with the choice of an advantageous place for construction;
• We work with complex and non-standard ideas;
• We offer creative solutions within a reasonable budget;
• We provide additional facility maintenance in other regions of Russia.

We supply basketball surfaces from world manufacturers

The dynamics of basketball matches means high speed, sudden movements and heavy loads on the joints. It is very important that the flooring of the basketball court is both wear-resistant and injury-proof at the same time. For basketball courts we offer: tennis, hard or soft-hard, modular plastic, polyurethane coating and crumb rubber coating.

Our company only works with proven materials that have passed the strictest quality control, so we offer a wide selection of outdoor basketball surfaces from domestic and foreign manufacturers, such as: ERFOLG , BERGO , Plastfacto , Conica , Novol , Aropa , CRUMB , GUMBIT 90 MASTER FIBER and many more.