3 Things To Consider When Renovating Your Gymnasium's Basketball Court

A basketball court wears out over the years. The floor doesn't have the spring it used to have. The baskets get loose. The court begins to take on a dingy appearance.

There comes a time when renovation is needed.

If you have decided to renovate the basketball court in your facility—or if you're considering it–you have three key areas to consider.

1. FLOORING
Hardwood is the traditional choice. It is the ideal for basketball court flooring. Hardwood is expensive and requires diligent maintenance, but it definitely offers the best player experience. The hardwood (maple is typical) is covered with a protective sealant to maintain appearance and prolong its life.

Another option is synthetic flooring composed of materials such as rubber, PVC, or polyurethane. Synthetic flooring is typically less expensive than hardwood, is easier to install, and requires less maintenance than hardwood. Synthetic flooring is also more flexible than hardwood, easing stress on players' feet and knees.

A company familiar with basketball court renovation can help you answer questions such as whether you can install on top of an existing court and what type of flooring makes the most sense for your needs and budget.

2. BASKETS (BACKSTOPS, BACKBOARDS, RIMS, AND NETS)
Be sure to buy a quality backboard that provides a crisp rebound. For a gymnasium, the only real choice of backboard material is glass. And the preferred shape is rectangular, as opposed to curved fan designs.

For rims on courts that will be used at the high-school level or above, it's best to buy breakaways, although they are more expensive.

In selecting backstops, backboards, rims, and nets, it's often best to buy each from the same manufacturer to ensure compatibility. It's also wise to choose an established manufacturer that's known for its quality, such as Spalding.

If you have a school gym, be sure to pay attention to NHFS- National Federation of State High School Associations, NCAA and NCFE regulations regarding goals.

3. PAINTING
This is an area in which you can get a lot of "bang for your buck" in terms of appearance. Multicolor schemes can be used in the court lining and out-of-bounds areas to highlight school colors and display logos and team names.

Your use of paint colors can elevate your gym's appearance from ordinary to striking. (You can also use accessories such as gym padding with logos to enhance appearance and promote school spirit.)