With the recent success of your Toronto Raptors, Canada, every kid and their dog wants to have their very own basketball hoop. Sure, the kids can play in the basement or garage, but why not give them a more authentic experience?
Help your kids be like their favorite players by installing a basketball net. But which one do you need? Furthermore, how do you narrow down the options? Here’s a quick starter’s guide to the type of net that’s best for you. If you need help with installation Odd Job is here.
1. Vintage Cool: The Classic Garage-Mounted Basketball Hoop
Back in the nineties, there was nothing more ubiquitous in suburbia than a Garage-Mounted Basketball Net. After all, they are the easiest types of nets to install, and the most cost-effective.
Materials Required:
- an out-of-the-box basketball net kit, like this one, from Amazon.
- mounting brackets: available from Home Hardware (other fine retailers are available), these should be large enough accommodate the size of your hoop kit.
- a solid wall. In an ideal basketball world, the backboard should be bolted to studs for stability. NBA regulation hoop-height is 10-feet from the court’s surface.
- power drill, screwdriver, tape measure, level, crescent wrench, tall ladder. You may also want to caulk around the bolts to prevent rust.
Time: 2-3 hours for assembly and mounting.
Downsides:
- make sure the netting or chain clears the garage door to prevent a different kind of jam.
- over-eager players may dunk themselves straight through the door.
2. The Permanent Pole: In-Ground Basketball Nets
If you prefer a backyard court, or you don’t have a garage, this is the system for you. These sets require a hole to be dug (easier in a garden or grass surface, a little more difficult on a paved surface) and concrete to be poured.
Materials Required:
- pole kit, as sold by the fine Canucks at Canadian Tire.
- concrete mix, water, and a plastic tub for the two to get to know each other.
- gloves and safety goggles, people!
Time: 1 day to prep and pour concrete, 2-7 days for concrete to dry.
Downsides:
- expensive.
- requires concrete to be mixed and poured.
- long installation time.
3. The Full Court
This option is exactly what it says on the tin: a full- (or half-) court installation, complete with painted lines and a basketball hoop or two. However, this is really only viable if you have a large property with no existing paving or concrete surfaces, or if you’re aiming to be drafted by the Raptors in a few years.
You can find more in-depth description of the task at Home Advisor.
Materials required:
- large area to be leveled.
- concrete, asphalt, drainage system … honestly, a professional crew is the way to go here.
Time: 3 days to prep and 1-3 days to pave, install nets, and paint lines.
Downsides:
- you’re building a basketball court in your backyard. So, you’re losing grass, patio space, and possibly a garage. You’re also going to be spending a lot of money.
- requires professional help, and for days. This is not a “weekend warrior” project
Also check out these other weekend projects for the summer:
Stay Cool and Slash Your Air Conditioner Bill
Backyard Clubhouse – Handyman Style
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