When considering whether or not you should get a backyard basketball court installed, there’s a lot to consider. Everything from whether or not it will fit in your backyard to who should install it, you have to think about a lot of factors. Today, we’re going to simplify everything that needs to be considered. Here are the five things you should know before getting a backyard basketball court.
Plan Your Space Carefully
When thinking about getting a backyard basketball court installed, size is one of the most important things to consider. You don’t want to ruin the beauty of your backyard with a big basketball court that doesn’t fit and looks wrong in your space. In order to make sure that your space is well-suited for an outdoor basketball court, there are a few things you can do.
First, you’ll want to know what square footage in your yard is available. Measure your yard and account for surrounding features like fences, landscaping, and slopes. If you’re frustrated, thinking that your backyard is too small, there are other options. While a full basketball court is 94 feet by 50 feet, there are options for smaller custom layouts or even a half-court to fit your space.
If you’ve decided that your yard is big enough for a backyard basketball court, there are still other things to consider. Plan for a bit of extra space around the court for players to move, stop, and pivot safely without running into other objects. Ensure that you have a level surface, though prep work is possible before installation.
Lastly, check the local regulations or HOA rules. Some neighborhoods or cities have restrictions on court size, fencing, lighting, or placement. Ensuring there won’t be any fines or ramifications if you install a backyard basketball court without considering regulations is vital.
Choose the Right Surface
There are a lot of steps to prepping and installing a backyard basketball court; choosing the right surface and foundation for the court is vital.
The first step in this process is to start with a strong foundation. While almost all backyard basketball courts are made of a concrete base, the installation process is essential to every step that follows. When a concrete base is professionally installed, your backyard basketball court will be durable, stable, and ready for long-term performance.
A professional coating is also essential for playability. Court coatings are meant to improve traction, reduce slipping, and create a more consistent playing surface. Going with a quality coating, installed by a professional, is what will provide reliable grip and ball bounce. This will improve gameplay and help prevent injuries.
Without a proper and professional installation, your court could be unsafe to play on, leading to peeling, cracking, and a lot of maintenance over time.
Prioritize Safety Features
When installing a backyard basketball court, you’ll want to prioritize the safety features to protect those who will use it.
One thing to consider is allowing space around the court. This runoff space will allow players to safely stop, pivot, and move without running into fences or falling off the cement platform. Fencing is always helpful in keeping the basketball within the backyard basketball court and can prevent players from chasing a basketball into unsafe areas like the street. For extra safety precautions, you can consider installing padding to reduce injury risk as well.
If you want to use your court at all hours of the day, proper lighting will be a vital safety feature. Lighting that is well-placed will reduce shadows and improve overall safety during play.
Don’t Overlook Drainage
When installing a backyard basketball court, drainage is something that often slips through the cracks. However, it’s an immensely important aspect of keeping your backyard basketball court in the best shape for as long as possible.
Installing proper drainage measures will help keep the surface playable and reduce slipping hazards after rain or snowmelt. It also protects the structure of your backyard basketball court in the long term. Without the proper drainage, standing water can weaken the base, leading to cracking and shortening the lifespan of your court.
In order to have proper drainage, the slab should be slightly sloped, so water will naturally flow away from the court instead of collecting on it. When the surface of your backyard basketball court is dry and even, it will prevent algae, staining, and surface deterioration over time. It also ensures consistent ball bounce and reduces the risk of slips and falls.
Consider Professional Installation
At Precise Pickleball Courts, you don’t have to worry about all these factors. We will work with you to plan where the court will best fit, which colors will look best, what safety accessories you need, and so much more. You can count on Precise Pickleball Courts to make your backyard basketball court just as you imagined. Contact us today for a free estimate.
