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.

If you decide an in-ground or wall-mounted basketball hoop is best for you, you should consult a basketball hoop installer. They will have the necessary tools and experience to install these correctly and safely. If you were to try to install these yourself, there is a risk of injury or improper installation, which could lead to damage to the hoop or your yard.

It may be tempting to DIY the construction of a swing set to save money, but we don’t recommend it. Since children will use the swing set, the entire system must be solid and safe, meaning the cost savings aren’t worth potentially endangering them. Plus, most DIYers will have to build their swing sets out of wood, which won’t last as long as metal or vinyl and introduces the risk of splinters. Instead, hire a local playground equipment installer to ensure the swing set is built safely and efficiently, setting up your kids for fun for years to come.