So I got this crazy idea last month to build a DIY basketball court in my backyard, right? Mainly ’cause my kids been buggin’ me nonstop. Thought it’d be simple – just some rubber tiles slapped down. Man, was I wrong.

The Eye-Popping Quote Phase

First thing I did? Called up some fancy contractors. Nearly choked when they answered. One dude straight up said: “For proper rubber court floorin’ with wooden base? Gonna run ya four grand minimum, bro.” Four. Thousand. Bucks. Felt like somebody kicked me in the gut. Told him thanks but no thanks, hung up real quick.

Scrounging For Cheap Stuff

Okay, panic mode activated. Started diggin’ everywhere:

• Checked every darn hardware clearance section in town – found some ugly off-brand rubber tiles for like a buck fifty each. Snatched ’em all.
• Found warped wood planks at a salvage yard – looked like somebody stored ’em underwater. But dirt cheap! Haggled hard, got enough for the base layer.
• Scoured secondhand sites daily – almost got scammed twice. Finally scored decent underpadding from some guy who quit his home gym project.

Took me three whole weeks just huntin’ this junk down. Garage looked like a construction site exploded in there.

Slappin’ It Together

Then came floor day. Oh boy.

First mistake? Didn’t level the ground right. Got halfway through layin’ those warped wood planks, realized the whole thing wobbled like a drunken sailor. Had to rip up half of it, re-pack dirt under the joists with a shovel. Sweat buckets.

Second mistake? Rubber tiles fought me tooth and nail. The edges kept bulgin’ up no matter how hard I stomped. Had to duct-tape ‘em down like some mad scientist invention. Looks janky as hell, but hey – the ball bounces straight!

Final Damage Report

• Rubber tiles: $187 total (ugly but functional)
• Crappy wood planks: $120
• Used padding: $45 (smelled weird but aired out)
• Duct tape, tears, bandaids: Priceless

Grand total? Under $400 bucks. Saved like 90% doing it my broke-dude way. Kids been playin’ nonstop for weeks. Would I do it again? Heck no – but seeing ’em shoot hoops? Worth every second of cussin’ at those warped boards.