In most cases, your professional playground installer will put down a playground surface before assembling the fun-filled system. However, you should ask your installer about this service before booking an installment date. Most playground equipment installation companies offer service add-ons like leveling the area, laying down a surface, building a border to keep the surface material contained, and setting up the swing set.

You can start by finding playground installers in your area that have amassed mostly positive reviews online. Next, search for the companies on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website to see if any consumer complaints have been filed. Once you rule out companies with poor reviews and a history of complaints, contact the remaining options and ask the following questions to find the right installer for you:

• Will you pull permits if required?

• Do you offer a warranty?

• How long do you expect the installation to take?

• Do you have experience working with the specific playground material I want?

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.

The time to install your basketball hoop depends on the type of hoop you're installing. 

For in-ground hoops, it's best to allow at least five days total for the entire process, which includes any utility marking, hole excavation, anchor placement, concrete pouring and setting, and final setup of the hoop itself.

The time to set up a mounted basketball hoop is significantly shorter, with most projects completed in just a few hours.