OT- advice on backyard basketball court

[StatLine]

Just pretend a stop sign is the basket

[supra2k8]

Backyard fences are typically built on or very close to the property line, therefore I doubt you'd be able to extend the fence back, as you'd basically be squatting on whoever's property was behind yours... what's beyond your backyard?

Actually the side of my backyard is facing the road, with lots of grass and no sidewalk, it's an entrance to a court/crescent. Our house is on the corner.

Here is all I could get with google maps

side street view/fence


Two aerial shots to give you guys an idea of how little room we have, and which way to attempt to lay the court.

Option #1= wider court, goal is to level the ground with the pool ground so it can be used for dribbling the ball, it's pretty smooth.



Option #2= much narrower court, but it can be 50' long

[supra2k8]

Not sure if the photo is strictly for illustrative purposes but if it's not let me be the bearer of bad news and say its unrealistic to shoot hoops outdoors during Canadian winters. The cold temperature effects the air pressure within the basketball itself, making it a bounceless pumpkin. It's a noble attempt to launch long distance jumpers in the dead of winter, but you'd be better suited indoors.

Definitely not planning to play during the winter, only reason I posted that image was to show these courts are suppose to be Canadian weather proof, with their 15 year warranty. So the snow and rain shouldn't damage it that fast.

Your neighbours are going to love this

Only have one neighbour really that will be close to the court, others are on the opposite side of the house or across the street.

Just pretend a stop sign is the basket

have done that plenty of times and always score

[ender]

I built my backyard court on the cheap.

I have a significant slope to my driveway and did not want to deal with running into traffic as my bricks often ricochet at multiple angles off the backboard, rim, post...you get the idea.

I ended up building a small court behind my garage which was perfect for my 8 year old son to mess around. It is out of traffic, private and multipurpose...he can ride his bike, play with friends, shoot hoops, play hockey, etc...

I plotted out a 30' X 40' area and levelled it using high performance base. I purchased it from my local garden center. It is basically .5cm gravel that is supposed to be easy to level and does not need to be compacted. I spread it out, levelled it and angled it away from the house to deal with drainage.

I then went to a local brick yard to shop for the least expensive interlocking stone that looked half decent and placed an order. I choose a wide rectangular brick so I would end up with straight edges and would not need to cut anything. Once the base was levelled, I dropped the bricks into place, fixed the open edges with edging and that was it.

Including the cost of materials and delivery, total cost was around $650.

[tms]

i.m honestly psyched for this, dude. takes me back. good for you . obvs challenges wrt levelling and prox 2 pool, but... its def worth it. should invite the board for a lil 3v3 tourney. good luck

[supra2k8]

I built my backyard court on the cheap.

I have a significant slope to my driveway and did not want to deal with running into traffic as my bricks often ricochet at multiple angles off the backboard, rim, post...you get the idea.

I ended up building a small court behind my garage which was perfect for my 8 year old son to mess around. It is out of traffic, private and multipurpose...he can ride his bike, play with friends, shoot hoops, play hockey, etc...

I plotted out a 30' X 40' area and levelled it using high performance base. I purchased it from my local garden center. It is basically .5cm gravel that is supposed to be easy to level and does not need to be compacted. I spread it out, levelled it and angled it away from the house to deal with drainage.

I then went to a local brick yard to shop for the least expensive interlocking stone that looked half decent and placed an order. I choose a wide rectangular brick so I would end up with straight edges and would not need to cut anything. Once the base was levelled, I dropped the bricks into place, fixed the open edges with edging and that was it.

Including the cost of materials and delivery, total cost was around $650.

This sounds pretty good, I would love to see a picture of it, if you by any chance can take/post one or if you already have one, that would be great.

i.m honestly psyched for this, dude. takes me back. good for you . obvs challenges wrt levelling and prox 2 pool, but... its def worth it. should invite the board for a lil 3v3 tourney. good luck

Thanks, I'm psyched too, hopefully it happens, I have lots of cousins/friends that love basketball, but no real courts around us, only crappy ones on the back of schools. If this works out, it'll be a lot of fun and probably get used daily during the summer.

[SCourGe OF GoD]

Only problem is it will be a pain if the ball keeps going over the fence....unless the fence is like 12 ft or something. The pool looks like its constricting the full potential of the court but id say option #2 looks the best and alot safer since u wouldnt have ur back to the pool/concrete edge/steps. later

[Hendrix]

Not sure if the photo is strictly for illustrative purposes but if it's not let me be the bearer of bad news and say its unrealistic to shoot hoops outdoors during Canadian winters. The cold temperature effects the air pressure within the basketball itself, making it a bounceless pumpkin. It's a noble attempt to launch long distance jumpers in the dead of winter, but you'd be better suited indoors.

In my younger days I shot some hoops in the winter, and you're right that the ball deflates with the colder air. Worked better if you went outside in the cold to let it deflate, and then pumped it up even more out in the cold. Though it was like a rock if you brought it inside after that.

[SFour]

Not sure if the photo is strictly for illustrative purposes but if it's not let me be the bearer of bad news and say its unrealistic to shoot hoops outdoors during Canadian winters. The cold temperature effects the air pressure within the basketball itself, making it a bounceless pumpkin. It's a noble attempt to launch long distance jumpers in the dead of winter, but you'd be better suited indoors.

In my younger days I shot some hoops in the winter, and you're right that the ball deflates with the colder air. Worked better if you went outside in the cold to let it deflate, and then pumped it up even more out in the cold. Though it was like a rock if you brought it inside after that.

Don't forget the wind...or how your hands get cold/wet...also it can be slippery. Playing basketball in the winter is alright but it's more enjoyable in the summer.

[LifeBaller11]

I'm currently researching this idea myself.

I found sportcourt.ca as a competitor to flexcourt so you got something else to compare it to.

This kind of investment I guess is gonna be whoever you feel comfortable working with to build this for you. But keep me posted on the process.

[vexen]

Funny I was just thinking of putting in a count as well, please let us know what happens with yours, thanks OP

[DarkKnight]

There are other options as well. Check out http://www.rymarrubber.ca/Home.aspx?categoryID=24 or http://www.barbersport.ca/ or http://www.torontoputtinggreens.com/bas ... courts.php

[junot111]

can I come over?

[TheAlchemist]

It'll cost around 7000$.

You will get to play for a couple of months in the summer, and maybe some warm falls.

In the winter you'd be ludacris to play outside, considering basketball is so taxing on the joints, God forbid if you slip cause of some ice/snow.

On top of everything, after a while, once or twice a week is how much people usually run games. The older you are the worst your joints become, playing more then 3 times a week. On top of that a full time job, commitment with the family, will bare you down.

I can't really sit here and say you won't run games, but the likelihood that you use the court to it's full advantage is really low.

I'd just get a membership to an LA fitness, Hoopsdome, or even rent out a TDSB school gym. Saves a lot more money and you can actually run in the winter. I know it's annoying that Gyms do get packed, and you can't work on your moves/skills. But if you really are dedicated, go in the mornings.

IF we didn't live in Canada, I'd tell you to do it asap. But unfortunately we do, which is like 7 months of the year will have snow or freezing cold conditions. Even in the spring/summer, the weather is unpredictable.

[J-Roc]

As someone else pointed out, wherever your fence is now is the property line. In this case, the other side by the street is city property. Just to move the fence illegally would be a pain since you will need utility locates. Nevermind all the tree cutting. You wouldn't get away with this at all.

[ender]

I built my backyard court on the cheap.

I have a significant slope to my driveway and did not want to deal with running into traffic as my bricks often ricochet at multiple angles off the backboard, rim, post...you get the idea.

I ended up building a small court behind my garage which was perfect for my 8 year old son to mess around. It is out of traffic, private and multipurpose...he can ride his bike, play with friends, shoot hoops, play hockey, etc...

I plotted out a 30' X 40' area and levelled it using high performance base. I purchased it from my local garden center. It is basically .5cm gravel that is supposed to be easy to level and does not need to be compacted. I spread it out, levelled it and angled it away from the house to deal with drainage.

I then went to a local brick yard to shop for the least expensive interlocking stone that looked half decent and placed an order. I choose a wide rectangular brick so I would end up with straight edges and would not need to cut anything. Once the base was levelled, I dropped the bricks into place, fixed the open edges with edging and that was it.

Including the cost of materials and delivery, total cost was around $650.

This sounds pretty good, I would love to see a picture of it, if you by any chance can take/post one or if you already have one, that would be great.

[/URL]

The court is 20'x30' not the 30'x40' I quoted before. Seemed bigger when I was building it!

[Strategist1]

A private court is worth it IMO ...even if you get all of your usage in just the summer and some spring/fall days here and there.

As a kid growing up, it was just a lot of fun to play on the driveway even if the court was weird looking/not flat.

We would set up our adjustable net just enough so that we can dunk it... Having immediate access to the bbq and just lounging in the yard for breaks...is also great.

For casual summer play, nothing beats it. Especially if you have kids. Playing ball at HOOPDOME and the YMCA cannot duplicate that type of summer experience.

....
Makes me want to get a house with a lot of land. Unfortunately, it's difficult to get a house with a huge LOT (in my preferred neighborhoods)...UNLESS you have the $$$$$$.

[TripleMKE]

Man, I wish I had my own private basketball court. Used to play b-ball so much when I was a kid, some of my best memories. Good for you, must feel awesome knowing anytime a friend questions your skills, you can just take him to the backyard.

can I come over?

this

[ForeverTFC]

I work in construction and concrete, so I might be able to help you out here.

There would have to be a concrete slab poured before installing the court. Earth is live, and without a sub-base, you will see your court crack within a couple of years. It seems that you are looking for this to add value in the long term, so I'd do it right from the beginning.

I would recommend that you get in touch with a contractor or two and ask for some quotes. It may be best to excavate the area a bit, compact the soil, pour a shallow concrete slab and then install a rubberized surface. If you want the lines painted on, I'm sure they can do that as well. Take a look on the internet for contractors who have had experience with "playground" projects.

I'd also recommend looking into trench drains around the court, so that you can drain the water where it makes sense and slope your court accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than an undulated surface to play sports on, and water pooling will ruin the surface.

Hope this helps.

[Smitch]

Here is another idea worth $ 7000 dollars.
If you only need the court for the summer, why dont you just go to any public school outdoor courts.
In our area all secondary and high schools have at least two nets.