Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this idea for a basketball court in my backyard. I’m not talking about a full-sized NBA thing, just a decent space to shoot some hoops and maybe have some friends over for a game. The big question was: what material should I use for the surface?
The Research Phase
I started by looking at what other people were doing. Concrete seemed like the obvious choice, it is durable. But it’s also a pain to install, and I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of a giant slab of grey in my backyard. Asphalt was another option, but eh, seemed kind of industrial. I even looked at those modular plastic tiles, but they looked a bit, well, plastic-y.
Then I stumbled onto this idea of using LVL timber. You know, that engineered wood stuff? It’s usually used for beams and structural things, so it’s gotta be strong. And “pine timber” just sounded…nicer. More natural.
Digging Deeper into LVL
So, I did some more digging. Turns out, LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) is pretty darn tough. It’s made by gluing thin layers of wood together, which makes it stronger and more stable than regular lumber. And pine, while not as hard as some other woods, is readily available and relatively affordable.
The Pros:
- Strong and durable (it’s used in construction, after all).
- More “natural” looking than concrete or asphalt.
- Potentially easier to install than a concrete slab.
- Cheaper than concrete.
The Cons:
- It’s still wood, so it’s susceptible to moisture and rot.
- It will require regular maintenance (sealing, staining, etc.).
- Pine might not be best choice because of wood hardness.
- Might need a solid sub-base to prevent warping.
My (Very Preliminary) Plan
Based on my initial research, I started sketching out a rough plan. Here’s what I’m thinking:
- Clear and Level the Area: This is the boring part, but essential. I need to get rid of any grass, rocks, and make sure the ground is reasonably level.
- Build a Frame: I’m picturing a simple rectangular frame, maybe using pressure-treated lumber, to contain the LVL planks.
- Lay Down a Sub-Base: This is crucial to prevent the wood from warping and rotting. I’m thinking of using a layer of compacted gravel, maybe with some landscape fabric underneath to prevent weeds.
- Install the LVL Planks: I’ll need to figure out the best way to fasten them together and to the frame. Probably screws, and maybe some construction adhesive.
- Seal and Protect: This is where the real work begins. I’ll need to apply a good quality sealant to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and general wear and tear. I’m also thinking about staining it to give it a nicer look.
Next Steps
To make sure the timber is suitable for basketball, I need to test the ball’s bounce and the level of the assembled timber first. I will go to the timber shop to find a few pieces of discarded LVL pine timber to do my experiment.
I’m still in the very early stages of this project. It’s more of a “thinking out loud” exercise at this point. I’ll keep you posted on my progress (or lack thereof!).
