How much does it cost to put in a basketball court?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

If you enjoy playing basketball and shooting hoops in your driveway, you may want to take steps to install a full or half court somewhere on your property. Custom basketball courts provide you with a better playing surface that not only gives you a better game and is easier on your joints and your basketballs. Various court types can be installed with different features and upgrades that ultimately determine the cost you will pay.

The national average cost for installing a backyard basketball court is between $30,000 and $60,000. Most people pay around $46,650 to install and illuminate a full-size regulation court with rubber flooring, painted lines, in-ground hoops, and a scoreboard. At the low end of the spectrum, however, you can opt for a vinyl half junior court with a portable hoop and lightning for $15,500. At the high end, you can pay up to $150,000 to prepare the land in your backyard, level it, and have a maple hardwood full regulation court installed with two tempered glass portable hoops and all advanced parts included.

Backyard Basketball Court Installation Cost

Indoor vs Outdoor Basketball Courts Cost

Installing an indoor basketball court costs $12,000 to $46,000, while an outdoor one runs between $15,500 and $80,000. When it comes to basketball courts, there are two main choices: indoor basketball and outdoor. Indoor basketball courts are typically made of hardwood, which makes them very smooth and fast. This can be a great advantage if you want to play at a high level. However, it can also be a disadvantage if you are not used to playing on such a fast court. Outdoor courts are usually made of concrete or asphalt, making them more challenging, which can be what some homeowners want. Each type of court has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one is important. Here is how much you can expect to spend to install each type of full basketball court.

Indoor Basketball Court

The cost to build an indoor basketball court can cost between $12,000 and $46,000. Labor costs are often lower for indoor courts because installing a court indoors is easier and less time-consuming than an outdoor basketball court. Both types use different materials. Asphalt, concrete, and blacktop are not fit for indoor courts because they produce too much dust and cannot be properly cleaned. Instead, rubber, hardwood, and laminate are mostly used when installing indoor courts. Many homeowners opt to remodel their basement to build a basketball court, adding $25,000 to $55,000 to the cost.

Ventilation and ductwork may need to be installed for $300 to $6,000 for ventilation and $1,900 to $6,000 for ductwork. This allows the air to flow in and out of the indoor court and prevents dust from accumulating. Another thing you need to consider is installing windows to provide air and natural light along with lighting fixtures that cost homeowners between $800 and $2,000.

Outdoor Basketball Court

Building an outdoor basketball court costs $15,500 to $80,000. Outdoor courts are made from durable materials that withstand the elements, so you do not have to worry about your court cracking or breaking. Outdoor courts provide a consistent and challenging playing surface, which helps you improve your play and shooting accuracy. The cost to build an outdoor basketball court depends on several factors, such as the size of the court, the materials used, and the location.

Backyard Basketball Court Installation Cost by Type

The cost of a basketball court depends on the size, so your costs can be $15,500 for installing a half-sized backyard basketball court and go up to $80,000 for a full-size court. Many homeowners want to have a full-sized basketball court installed. However, if they do not have the space needed for it, they opt for a half-sized court. Keep in mind that the type of play you want determines the size of your court. Here is how much you could expect to pay to install each type of basketball court with a concrete base and a tile playing surface:

Build Half Basketball Court

Installing a half basketball court ranges between $15,500 and $40,000. Half-court dimensions are 47 feet long by 50 feet wide for the professionals (NBA, WNBA, and college), 42 feet long by 50 feet wide for high school, and 37 feet long by 42 feet wide for junior high. In most cases, homeowners install half basketball courts in their backyard because not many homes have enough space to accommodate a full-sized court. This court is also used for 3 x 3 basketball games. If the size of the installation area allows it, most homeowners usually opt to install a regulation half-court, measuring 47 feet by 50 feet.

Build a Full Basketball Court

The full basketball court cost is between $31,000 and $80,000. In the National Basketball Association (NBA, WNBA, and college), the court measures 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. High school full courts are smaller, measuring 84 feet long by 50 feet wide. Junior basketball courts are smaller than full-sized courts at 74 feet long by 42 feet wide. Full courts, also known as regulation courts, are used in professional leagues and competitions across the U.S. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and Olympic basketball courts have slightly smaller dimensions than full courts, which are 91.9 feet wide and 49.2 feet long. Full courts provide players with an authentic, traditional basketball game feel, so they are the number one choice for residential homes where the space allows it.

Cost of Basketball Court by Part

Various types of basketball court parts can be installed for $90 to $47,000 per piece. There are several parts a court may need, from the basic hoop, flooring, and lighting to basketball fences, rebounder nets, scoreboards, fences, seating, and a court cover. The cost of your basketball court depends on what you want to add to it. The more parts you opt to install, the higher the cost will be, but it improves your overall playing experience. Here is how much you can expect to pay for each part of a full basketball court.

Outdoor Basketball Pole Pads

Adding an outdoor basketball pole pads costs $90 to $350 for the unit only. A basketball hoop that is too high or too low can make it difficult to score, and a rough surface can cause the ball to bounce erratically. That's why many players prefer to use outdoor basketball pole pads. By cushioning the pole, these pads help to create a smoother surface for shooting. In addition, they can also help to absorb impact when players collide with the pole and extend the life of the backstop.

Basketball Rebounder Net

If you want to install a basketball rebounder net in your court, you can expect to spend about $100 to $310. Rebounders help return balls that go over the hoop directly to you. The net has two adjustable metal arms attached to the top of the backboard and directs the rebound to different areas of the court. A rebounder net is a convenient addition to have when you want to test your skills and don’t want to spend time chasing after the ball.

Basketball Hoop

The cost of a basketball hoop will vary depending on the size, type, and brand, with most falling between $140 and $3,600. Hoops made from fiberglass or aluminum elements tend to be less expensive than those with components made from stainless steel. In addition, the brand name can also impact the cost, as some professional sports goods brands charge more for their hoops than retailers or less popular brands. The type of hoop you will choose will affect the overall playing experience, so it’s important to choose one that matches your needs.

Basketball Scoreboard

The average cost of a basketball scoreboard ranges between $200 and $3,000 depending on whether you get a mechanical or an electronic scoreboard. It can show a few or multiple pieces of information about the game, but at a minimum, the scoreboard displays the time left in the current period in the game and the score of both teams. Complex scoreboards are bigger, with higher display quality, and can show video replays and other information. Their cost can reach $10,000 or even higher.

Basketball Court Seating

If you want to maximize the basketball playing experience, you can add court seating for a cost of $500 to $10,000. Various seating options are available, from benches to chairs and courtyard seats, all with different costs. Having seats will allow you to have an audience during games, but it will also provide a place to rest between games without going back to the house or another area where you can rest.

Basketball Court Lighting

Typically, you would spend between $2,000 and $4,000 to illuminate the whole court. It is a good idea to add outdoor lighting to your backyard basketball court to be able to enjoy a game both during the day and night. Lights will also give the basketball court a professional feel at all times. It will also make the court safer for night games as every area will be properly illuminated and visible from afar.

Basketball Court Fencing

To install a full-sized court fencing, you need around 300 feet of fence, which would cost $3,900 to $8,100 without installation. It can cost anywhere between $13 and $27 per linear foot for a 10 ft. high chain link fence, which is the most common fence installed in basketball courts. Having a fence makes the whole area more secure as it protects the court from outside intruders. In addition to this, a high fence reduces the time you spend chasing after a stray ball, which improves your overall playing experience.

Outdoor Basketball Court Flooring

Basketball court flooring costs $4,700 to $47,000 for a full-sized court. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right outdoor basketball court flooring, as every flooring creates a different playing environment. This mainly includes the hardness of the surface, the type of play you want to have, and the climate in your area. Considering outdoor basketball court flooring can be expensive, you need to make sure you choose something that fits within your budget.

Basketball Court Cover

Installing a court cover can cost between $5,000 and $40,000 depending on the material you will choose. The most common covers used are fabric covers, air domes (or court bubbles), and multi-use games area covers (MUGA). The cover is typically added to the court to protect it from outside elements. This is an important part of a court, especially in areas where outside weather conditions are poor, or the homeowner doesn’t have enough space for an indoor basketball court. It also creates an enclosed place where players can play regardless of the climate and time of day.

Outdoor Basketball Court Surfaces Prices by Material

Various materials can be used as the base for your basketball court, ranging from $2 to $26 per square foot installed. Concrete is usually the preferred material for basketball courts, but if you plan on using the court frequently, you may want to use a shock-absorbing material made just for courts. The most common materials used and their cost per square foot are presented in the table below.

Vinyl Basketball Court

Vinyl basketball flooring costs between $2 and $14 per sq.ft. installed. Sheet vinyl is the most common type of flooring for home courts, which is a roll of vinyl that is cut to size and glued or installed with a floating method. Modular vinyl flooring consists of interlocking tiles that can be removed and replaced. Tile vinyl flooring is made up of square tiles that snap together. Vinyl floors are great for basketball courts because they are durable, easy to maintain, and provide excellent traction for players. In addition, vinyl floors are available in a wide range of colors and designs to create a unique look for your court.

Asphalt Basketball Court

Asphalt is the cheapest material for a basketball court, costing between $4 and $18 per sq.ft. installed. It’s mostly used as an underbase for the basketball courts, but it can also be used as the playing platform material. It is one of the cheapest basketball court materials and very easy to maintain. The biggest downside of it is that it will deteriorate after freeze or thaw cycles, which can cause it to become brittle and develop cracks.

Concrete Basketball Court

Installing a concrete basketball court typically costs homeowners between $4 and $20 per square foot. Concrete lasts longer and remains more stable, but it is also harder and less comfortable for long-term use. It’s an ideal material for areas with warmer climates, so if you live in places where there is a lot of sunshine and heat, you should consider installing a concrete court. However, if you live in an area with a colder climate, keep in mind that the concrete may crack and become brittle after freezing temperatures, so you need to install an added cover for protection.

Hardwood Basketball Court

Hardwood flooring for basketball courts costs $4.25 to $26 per sq.ft. installed. The most common basketball court wood flooring material is maple, which is also used for NBA courts. If you want to achieve that traditional basketball court look and feel, then hardwood flooring is the way to go. However, be ready to pay considerably more for maintenance than other materials and install a cover to protect the material from the elements.

Rubber Basketball Court

If you want to install a rubber backyard basketball court, you can expect to pay between $5 and $12 per sq.ft. installed. While rubber is mostly used for indoor courts, playing on rubber is gentle on the ankles, so many homeowners opt to install a backyard court with this material. The biggest downside of rubberized courts is that they need to be resurfaced every six to eight years to maintain their quality and look.

Laminate Basketball Flooring

Laminate floors cost around $6 to $14 per sq.ft. installed. They can be used to achieve the traditional basketball court look without paying the high price of hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is easy to maintain and install, which is why homeowners go for this option. But because laminate is not suitable for the outdoors, consider that you would have to install outdoor protection like a court bubble to ensure the laminate won’t get damaged and deteriorate quickly.

Basketball Court Tiles

Another option for basketball courts is to use resilient court tiles, which cost $8 to $14 per sq.ft. installed. Tiles are typically made from composite materials and snap together easily over the base. They are ideal for outdoor courts and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Individual tiles can be easily replaced if damaged. Court tiles can be customized with a logo or another graphic, which is an added benefit over other court materials. However, they can be more slippery than other materials, so they are cheaper than hardwood floors and laminate.

Basketball Hoop Installation Cost by Type

Installing a basketball hoop can cost between $140 and $3,600, depending on how big it will be and its sturdiness. No basketball court is complete without at least one hoop, and there are many options from which to choose. Most backyard courts have two hoops, but you can also opt to install one. They are typically permanent, in-ground hoops. However, there are other options for the style of the hoop, rim, and backboard, all coming at a different cost. You can combine different hoops, backboards, poles, and rims to create the basketball goal you like. Here are a few options you have available and how much you can expect to pay for each.

Portable Basketball Hoop

Buying a portable hoop costs between $140 and $1,800. The big difference in cost is because this type of hoop is the most popular one, so there are many types from which you can choose. The main thing is the capacity of the base. Portable hoops come with a light base that can be filled with liquid or sand to keep the whole unit in place and stable. They can vary in size based on the support you prefer. The materials you select for the pole and the backboard and the backboard size affect the cost. They are the most common choice as they are easy to install and move around, giving homeowners the option to place them wherever they see fit. However, the drawback is that they vibrate and shake more than in-ground or wall mounted hoops since they aren’t heavily supported.

Mounted Basketball Hoop

Mounted basketball hoops cost $200 to $2,100 per unit. They were more popular in the past but became less popular because of the convenience of portable and in-ground hoops, so they are not so commonly used in courts nowadays. However, they are convenient to install for free shooting on buildings, homes, and other constructions where there is no place for full-sized or half-sized basketball courts.

In-Ground Basketball Hoop

An in-ground basketball hoop costs $400 to $3,600 for the unit only, depending on the type and brand you choose. As the name suggests, in-ground hoops are installed into the ground, making them the most stable type of hoop. Because of its stability, an in-ground hoop is less likely to move. On the downside, once it’s installed, it cannot be changed or moved to another location as a portable hoop. Another thing to note is that in-ground hoops require a concrete base to hold them firmly in place.

Basketball Hoop Cost by Part

Depending on the part you want to buy, you can expect the costs to range from $5 for a basic net and go up to $2,000 for a high-end backboard. There are different options for the style and design of the hoop, rim, pole, and backboard, all with different costs. You can combine different parts to customize the look of the basketball goal. Here is how much you can expect to spend on each hoop part.

Basketball Net

A basketball net costs $5 to $20 for the unit only. A net enhances your playing experience by making it more challenging. There are different basketball nets, the most popular being chain nets, nylon nets, and rope nets. Some nets can be difficult to install, but they are stable once they are in place. Whatever type of net you choose will enhance your basketball experience.

Basketball Rim

The cost of the basketball rim only is $25 to $300. Technically, the rim and hoop are the same. However, the term hoop or goal is often used to refer to the whole structure that includes the rim, net, backboard, and pole, while the rim is the circle part where the ball needs to pass through to score a point. There are three types of basketball rims: standard, breakaway, and spring-loaded. All three types of rims serve the same purpose: to give players a place to shoot the ball and score points. However, breakaway and spring-loaded rims offer an additional level of safety in case of player collisions or accidental falls.

Basketball Pole

Expect to spend between $100 and $1,500 for a basketball pole, depending on the type of pole you want and the material. The basketball pole is an important part of the game that supports the backboard and the hoop and gives its properties and height. There are three types of basketball poles: in-ground, portable, and mounted. Each type of pole has its advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to choose the type of pole that best meets your playing needs.

Basketball Backboard

Basketball backboards cost $150 to $2,000, depending on the type you want to install. The most common materials for basketball backboards are polycarbonate, acrylic, and tempered glass. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic that is sturdy and durable, making it resistant to outdoor elements. However, it is lower quality and does not provide the right bounce off for the ball, affecting the overall experience. Acrylic backboards are higher quality, which is why they cost slightly more. The ball bounces off better than polycarbonate backboards while providing the same durability and sturdiness. However, they are not considered professional level. Tempered glass is a professional-level backboard made of highly durable glass. It is installed on NBA courts and provides the most refined performance out of all backboards, making it most suitable for those who want a professional basketball playing experience.

Prep Work

Expect to pay about $2,500 to $5,000 for site preparation for a court on moderately graded land. The land needs to be leveled before the installation so that the court is smooth and does not have any slopes. At a minimum, you will likely need an excavator to level the ground and a compactor to help prepare the site, which is typically enough to prepare the land for a sports court. However, if you have a severely sloped yard, you may also need to reslope the area for $1 to $2 per sq.ft. to assist with drainage. You may also need to add a retaining wall to hold back the soil in the unexcavated areas beside the court, increasing your costs by $3,500 to $10,000 and higher because there will be significant preparation. The area must be accessible to large equipment, including dump trucks, excavators, compactors, and concrete mixers.

Once the land has been leveled, the professionals install a foundation that supports the court’s playing surface. The base needs to be made of a sturdy material that ensures the playing surface will last for a longer time, most commonly concrete. The concrete foundation is installed on ½-inch thick rebar and with 4-inch thickness to support the playing surface. This foundation typically costs $4 to $10 per sq.ft. installed or $18,800 to $47,000 for a full-sized court.

Labor Cost to Build Backyard Basketball Court

The basketball court installation price ranges between $3 and $15 per square foot, depending on the type of material you use. This means that of the average price of $32,850 for a half regulation court, around $18,800 can be attributed to the cost of labor. The rest of the cost is mostly for the base and material. Some of the cost is attributed to additional features and parts you will install.

Once the land is leveled and the playing surface installed, the next step would be adding all the features that make up a basketball court. The main thing is the basketball hoop, followed by the court lines, fencing, and all the extra elements you want to add to the court to improve your playing experience. This can include lights, rebounders, seating, and similar enhancements and improvements. Keep in mind that the more additions you install, the higher the overall project cost will be.

Painting Basketball Court Lines

Painting basketball court lines can range between $200 and $2,000 depending on the complexity of the lines you want to paint and the company you hire. If the court you are installing does not come in a kit with game lines factored in, you may want to have them painted. Lines are typically white, but you can have them painted in coordinating colors with your court. There are also painting kits you can purchase for a DIY project but if you want your court to look professional, make sure to hire a pro to do the lines. If you want to paint logos or specific drawings on your court, the cost may be higher.

Maintenance

Most backyard courts need little to no maintenance beyond keeping them clean, sweeping them to remove debris, and checking for cracks or drainage issues. However, depending on the material you have used on the court, you will need to do some regular maintenance and repairs. If you use a tile system, they tend to be fairly long-lasting without the need for repair. If you use a top coat, you may need to reapply every six to eight years because it may begin to wear in places, reducing ball play.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Colored Basketball Court

A colored basketball court can cost you anywhere between $400 and $1,000 depending on what type of customization you make. Adding custom logos and emblems is a great way to personalize your court and give it a personalized touch. You can choose the color on some types of court materials like tiles. In fact, in most cases, customizing the court tiles with a logo or picking a different colored tile comes at no additional cost.

Epoxy Floor Paint for Basketball Court

The epoxy cost depends on the type of epoxy used but typically ranges between $4 and $12 per sq.ft. If you want to stay on a budget or minimize the basketball court installation cost, you can use the cement slab foundation as a primary surface and cover it with epoxy. The epoxy acts as a protective coating that protects the concrete and provides the playing surface.

Multi-Purpose Basketball Court

You also have the option of making your basketball court a multi-purpose one by repainting the lines of another type of court for a cost of $200 to $1,000. This is a great option for people that wish to play other sports on the same court, such as tennis or badminton. Some surfaces allow you to paint them and put in other lines, while other surfaces come readymade with the extra lines printed.

Building a Basketball Gym

You can also install a home gym for an average cost of $3,500 to $25,000, depending on the setup you install. A home gym with several machines can be useful to improve your physical strength and benefit your overall health. It helps you attain the muscle strength and condition needed to perform better at basketball. Keep in mind that installing a basketball gym requires installing lights, an HVAC system, hoops, windows, and some other features in most cases.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Equipment delivery. Small gates in your property fencing can make it hard for the site preparation equipment to enter your property. In some cases, you may need to temporarily have the fencing removed or ask permission from your neighbors to enter another way.
• Resurfacing. Some materials require resurfacing after some time. For instance, tiled courts can last for years with minimal maintenance, but rubberized courts need to be resurfaced every six to eight years.
• Local weather. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, consider constructing an indoor court because the drainage system in an outdoor court could become problematic and expensive.
• Permit. You will likely need a permit to install a basketball court, ranging between $100 and $300. Some communities have restrictions about the size, proximity to your property, drainage, fencing, and lights. Make sure to speak with your town or city hall to learn more.
• Court position. While orientation or position is important for tennis courts, this is less of an issue with basketball courts. Install the court wherever it makes sense on your property.
• ROI. Basketball courts or any other type of sports court adds value to your property. It’s estimated that a basketball court adds around 10% to the overall value and often helps make a faster sale.
• Estimates. Before you settle for a specific contractor, make sure to get at least three estimates to understand what is done under this project. A backyard basketball court is a big investment. Knowing what is offered on the market won’t only bring you a better price, but it may bring you a better service as well.
• Temporary basketball court. If installing a permanent outdoor basketball court is not an option, you also have the option of installing a temporary one. Several companies sell interlocking sport bases that are easy to install and provide great shock absorption that prevents injuries.