Okay, folks, let’s talk about my little adventure with basketball court flooring. It all started with a dream – a backyard court where I could shoot hoops anytime. I’m no pro, but I love the game, and having my own space? That’s the dream.

First, I measured the space. I wanted a decent-sized half-court, nothing too crazy. Gotta make sure it fits without taking over the entire yard, you know? I grabbed my trusty tape measure and got to work, marking out the dimensions. I even used some spray paint to visualize it better.

Next up, the ground. This was a grassy area, so I knew I couldn’t just slap some wood down. I dug out the whole area, about six inches deep. It was a workout, I’m telling you! Shovels, wheelbarrows, the whole nine yards. Then, I leveled it all out, making sure it was nice and even. A slight slope for drainage, that’s important!

Choosing the Wood

Now, the fun part – picking the wood! I did some digging (online, this time) and found that maple is pretty popular for courts. It’s strong, looks good, and can handle a beating. I found a local supplier and checked out some samples. They had different grades, and I went with something mid-range. Didn’t want to break the bank, but also didn’t want something flimsy.

Before laying down the wood, I put down a layer of gravel for drainage, and then a vapor barrier. This helps keep moisture away from the wood, extending the life, I guess. Don’t ask me the details about it, I am not a pro at all!

Installation Time!

• I rented a nail gun – a lifesaver!
• Started laying the planks, one by one. It was like a giant puzzle.
• Made sure to leave a small gap between each plank for expansion and contraction. Wood moves, who knew?

I use tongue and groove to connect the planks and nail them down.

After the wood was down, it was time for sanding. I rented a big floor sander and went to town. This smoothed everything out and got it ready for the finish. It created a TON of dust, so I made sure to wear a mask.

Finally, the finishing touches! I applied a few coats of polyurethane. This protects the wood and gives it that nice, shiny look. I also painted the lines – free throw line, three-point line, the whole shebang. I used a special court-marking tape to get those lines crisp and straight.

And there you have it! My very own backyard basketball court. It took some time, some sweat, and a bit of money, but it was totally worth it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go shoot some hoops!