How to Build a Concrete Basketball Court

A lot of manual labor and a few pieces of equipment are involved in building a concrete basketball court. Concrete courts will provide a safe surface for playing basketball--a new, level concrete court will ensure that there will be no potholes and uneven surfaces that could cause injuries. But building a concrete court can be expensive, depending upon how much manual labor and material is involved. If you want to do it yourself and avoid the expense of a contractor, you'll need to do a lot of planning before building begins.

Things You'll Need

  • Concrete
  • Excavator or backhoe
  • Paint
  • Chalk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a budget before you begin. You need to have a limit on how much you’re willing to spend.

    • 2

      Select a location for your court. Choosing a piece of land that is mostly level to start should be cheaper. Leveling uneven land can take a long time and a lot of work. This will be expensive if you’re renting a backhoe to dig the dirt.

    • 3

      Choose what type of basketball hoop you want to use. Portable hoops will be easier to construct and maneuver, but they won’t be as sturdy. Portable hoops are stabilized by pouring water or sand into the base. Water and sand will provide a sturdy base, but hoops can still tip over and move with strong winds or dunking. In-ground poles are a lot sturdier but require a lot more work to install. In-ground poles need to be installed perfectly straight in concrete, and the concrete must be allowed to harden for at least 24 hours.

    • 4

      Dig a level surface with an excavator or backhoe where you want to build the court. Use a small backhoe to dig the level surface. Small backhoes should be easy to use but might be hard to find. Some rental companies will have backhoes available but the cost could be expensive depending upon your budget. Hire a contractor if you're uncomfortable operating heavy machinery.

    • 5

      Buy concrete from a local concrete distributor. These experts can help you determine how much concrete you need and pour it for you. Remember to install the pole if you choose to use an in-ground pole. Concrete will need significant time to harden. Your concrete distributor will be able to give you an accurate estimate.

    • 6

      Mark the court with proper lines. Chalk can be used temporarily but paint will provide a good long-lasting look. Outline the design with chalk if you decide to paint. Erasing chalk will obviously be a lot easier than paint if mistakes are made.