Whether building a playground or installing a pre-made one is more affordable depends on the materials of each. In most cases, it’s more affordable to build a wooden playground than it is to buy one and have it professionally installed, but it might be less expensive to invest in a pre-made plastic playground, even if you pay a professional to install it. Wooden playgrounds tend to last longer, but as children age, they will become less valuable. Overall, it may be most affordable to have a pro install a pre-made plastic playground.

If you want to know from the outset how much you’re likely to pay to install an outdoor basketball court, create a budget breakdown that lists the following expenses:

• Labor: How many work hours will you need, and what is the average price of labor in your area?

• Materials: What material do you plan to use, and what is the average price per square foot?

• Drainage, grading, and laying cement slabs: Do you need to level or prep your area? Have a professional evaluate your property to determine what you will need to pay a contractor to do this work.

• Hoops, lighting, fencing, painting lines, and other extras: What extras are non-negotiable? Create a list of all of the extras you want your court to have.

There are many different types of basketball hoops available to choose from. 

• Portable hoops are fully moveable and generally do not require assistance with assembly. 

• Semi-portable in-ground hoops have an anchor cemented in the ground and a removable post.

• In-ground hoops are fully built into the ground as one piece and cannot be relocated after placement. 

• Wall-mounted hoops do not have a post or pole and work well when space is limited.

Children can become interested in playset activities as young as two years old, and many start to lose interest between ages nine and 12. Backyard playsets can grow and adapt as the children age and playtime interests change.