Uptown dunk: How to build the perfect backyard basketball court

Whether you want to entice your kids to get outside or you want to recreate your favorite “White Men Can’t Jump” scenes, a backyard basketball court could be the perfect addition to your home. 

In this article we’ll explore both high-end and budget-friendly options that are sure to have you hooping it up in no time. 

Designate your space

Like any home project, figuring out where you want your build is a vital first step in the planning process for an at-home basketball court. Determining how much space you can spare, the condition and configuration of your land, and how you intend to use the space will all play a role in your court’s final look – and cost. 

Let’s explore some different places where you can build your at-home basketball court. 

Backyard 

As the namesake for this article, it’s no surprise that the backyard is the most popular option when it comes to building a home basketball court. Our backyards typically offer homeowners relatively flat, uninterrupted space befitting of a full- or half-court build. 

Driveway 

If you’re anything like me, you’re no stranger to the childhood rite of passage that is free-throw contests in someone’s driveway. This simple and affordable option for basketball fans will give you the space you need to practice your jumper. 

Patio 

Though you likely won’t see your favorite pro athletes dribbling across cobblestone or pavers, an open patio can still make for a great backyard basketball court. Just be sure to place your hoop with air balls and rebounds in mind to avoid any court-related damage to your home. 

Determine your budget

Backyard basketball courts can greatly range in price depending on your home’s configuration and your wants. A designated basketball area could be as simple as a hoop over the garage or as extravagant as a full court complete with floodlights and fencing. 

To determine which option is best for you it’s important to budget out just how much cash you want to dedicate to your build. 

Basketball court sizes

Even if you have an abundance of space, you may not want to use it all. Or perhaps you’re more of a casual baller and you don’t see yourself sinking tons of cash into a space you’ll use occasionally. 

Whatever the reason, it’s best to understand the sizing options available to you and how their prices can vary: 

• Full court: At 94x50 feet, these courts are the best for dedicated basketball fans or those who already have the space and budget to accommodate such a build. Full-court builds can usually double as a tennis or badminton court and according to HomeAdvisor range from $17,200 – $76,000. 
• Half court: These builds typically clock in around 47x50 feet or 37x42 feet, giving homeowners more than enough room to play some 1-on-1. At half the size of a full court, you can expect to pay half the price – typically between $8,600 – $38,000.
• Small court: If you want a smaller build - or a smaller price tag – a small court is the way to go. These builds typically fall around 30 x 30 feet in size but can still include a three-point line perfect for practicing your free throws. The best part? These builds are the most affordable sizing option, ranging from $3,300 – $15,000. 

Costs to consider

As with any kind of home renovation, building a backyard basketball court is an investment. But while costs of building materials or a basketball hoop may seem instinctual, there are a few more costs to consider before starting your build. 

Here are some of the different costs you should expect that might not seem so obvious: 

• Land leveling: This can cost around $3,000 per project, though this figure can vary across different properties 
• Drainage system: Proper grading and a good drainage system prevents flooding in and around your home. On average, a good drainage system costs about $3,400
• Fencing: Though it can vary based on what kind of fence material you have in mind, the cost for a fence typically ranges between $7 and $19 per foot
• Lighting: If you plan to shoot some hoops at night then you may want to consider an outdoor lighting system, which can run up to $1,500

Choose your style  

In addition to size, the other most influential factor when it comes to how much your basketball court can cost will be what kind of court you want. This is when things like the price of materials and the cost of installation will come into play. 

Let’s look at the different options you have for building a basketball court at home – and how much you can expect to pay for them.

Surface sports tiles

Approximate cost: $3.50 – $4.50 per square foot, $17,000 – $22,000 for a full-court 

Surface sports tiles are a construction-free option which gives homeowners a fast, portable, and low-commitment basketball court ready for dribbling. These modular tiles are typically made of a synthetic polymer or plastic which offer significant traction, shock-absorption and in some cases can soften noisy dribbling sounds. 

Concrete 

Approximate cost: $2.50 – $8 per square foot for materials and installation, $15,000 – $45,000 for a full-court

Due to its sturdiness and durability, concrete is the typical build that many homeowners take when it comes to building a basketball court. Concrete can be painted on its own to include baselines or you can place sports tiles over a concrete slab for extra sturdiness. 

Just the hoop 

Approximate cost: $300 – $1,600 depending on the size and installation

If you want all the fun of shooting hoops without the hassle of construction, then you may want to consider buying just the hoop. Figure out if you want to install it above your garage or as a permanent in-ground fixture to gain a better idea of the price range. 

Paint markings

Approximate cost: $50 – $100 for DIY builds, $300 for professional paint jobs

If you plan to use your driveway for basketball or have a concrete slab on standby, painting NBA-approved markings onto your concrete can take your games to the next level. 

Professional vs. DIY 

Whether you should hire a professional or DIY a backyard basketball court is up to your discretion – though we recommend that if there’s concrete involved, you hire a professional. If you’ll need excavation or landscaping and plan to do a full-court concrete build, you’ll want an expert in your court (pun intended). 

If you want a mobile basketball hoop or some regulation paint markings, you may be able to get by with your own research and a handful of tutorials. Just be sure to understand what materials and skill sets are needed for your dream basketball court, and don’t forget to factor in the value of your time and effort! 

The bottom line

There are more options than meets the eye when it comes to building a backyard basketball court. With a plethora of different sizes and materials, homeowners are sure to find an outdoor court which fits their wants and their wallet. 

If you’re ready to start shooting some hoops, research local basketball court installers today, or visit our Homeowner Guide for more tips or projects that you can start today.