There are a few basic questions you’ll have to answer as you consider the setup for your new basketball court, and one of these is which kind of hoop setup you’ll use. While there are many sub-varieties available within them, the two primary formats for hoops on basketball courts today are in-ground hoops and portable hoops.
At Courts Unlimited, we’re happy to offer the very best selection of commercial and residential basketball courts in Utah, ensuring you get a safe, beautiful court for you and your family to enjoy. We can also offer expertise on any of the important features and accessories that are part of a court installation, including the sort of hoop you choose to utilize on your court. In this two-part blog series, we’ll discuss the key variables to consider as you select between these options.
Cost Considerations
Naturally, one of the first considerations between in-ground hoops and portable hoops is their cost. Generally, portable options are far more affordable upfront than the in-ground varieties. Portable hoops tend to range from around $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the size and scope of what you’re looking for, while an in-ground setup might cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
However, it’s important to think about these costs in terms of more than just up-front numbers. For instance, you might find that after a few years the portable hoop begins to wear out or break, while an in-ground hoop will require much less maintenance over this same time frame. Ultimately, cost should factor into your decision-making process, but it’s worth evaluating your investment in terms of more than just a single purchase price.
Safety Themes
One area where in-ground hoops tend to hold a notable advantage over their portable counterparts is in terms of safety. Portable hoops tend to be more easily moved, making them a potential hazard for children who might trip or otherwise injure themselves by running into them during play. On the other hand, an in-ground hoop is far less likely to be moved and provides a steady, secure surface on which to shoot hoops safely.
Adjustment or Movement Capabilities
Naturally, on the flip side, the fact in-ground hoops are set up to remain immobile means they can’t be adjusted or moved at all. If you need to lower the hoop’s height for younger players, for example, or if you want to move it out of the way quickly to make more room on the court, a portable hoop might be a better option.
In part two of our series, we’ll look at some of the other considerations when selecting between in-ground and portable hoops, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you’re looking for more information or assistance on basketball court setup, we can help! Contact us today at Courts Unlimited to learn about our commercial and residential court construction services in Utah. We look forward to hearing from you soon!