Basketball systems can mount on any wall that provides sound attachments, such as framing members or grouted masonry. Depending on the particular room or area, the ideal system might be one that allows you to remove the goal when it's not in use. Save time and the cost of additional materials by using a manufactured goal that includes the backboard, hoop and net. An experienced DIY person can fabricate a mount using everyday workshop tools and install the system with the help of an assistant.
Mount
Step 1
Construct a rectangular mount using 2-by-4-inch utility lumber that you cut with a circular saw. Measure the height and width of the backboard and deduct 2 inches each way. Mark the 2-inch insets on the back of the board at the four edges for reference.
Step 2
Measure and cut the top and bottom pieces so they fit between the corresponding vertical marks at the sides of the backboard. Cut the side pieces of the mount by referring to the marks on the top and bottom of the board. Miter the ends of each piece 45 degrees using a miter gauge and the circular saw.
Step 3
Assemble the rectangular mount using pairs of 3-inch wood screws at each of the mitered corners. Offset the screws at each side of a miter. Drive the screws firmly using a power drill with a screw-tip attachment.
Step 4
Stand a stepladder at the wall. Measure and mark a point on the wall 10 feet from the floor for a hoop at regulation height. Measure from the 2-inch mark at the bottom of the board to the location of the hoop. Refer to this measurement and mark the location of the bottom of the mount on the wall.
Step 5
Position another stepladder at the wall. Ask your assistant to hold the mount in place as you attach the mount to the wall. Attach the mount using 4-inch wood screws into framing members or 4-inch embed anchors into a concrete or masonry wall. Drill the appropriate size holes for embed anchors using a masonry bit. A minimum of three attachments at each leg of the mount provides the best results.
Installation
Step 1
Assemble the hoop and backboard using the provided carriage bolts, washers and machine nuts. Tighten the nuts with a socket and ratchet. Cut the ends of each bolt flush with the nuts using a hacksaw. Attach the net to the hoop.
Step 2
Stand another stepladder at the area of the mount. Ask your assistant to help lift the backboard into place. Align the board with the mount, making sure the 2-inch offsets at the sides and bottom of the board are uniform. Ask your assistant to stabilize the backboard as you make the attachments.
Step 3
Attach the backboard to the mount using 2-inch wood screws that you drive through the face of the board with the power drill and screw-tip attachment. Drive the screws at 4-inch intervals, making sure the heads are flush with the face of the board.
Tips and Warnings
- Suspend the backboard away from the wall using a universal bracket that you mount with wood screws or embed anchors.
Things You'll Need
- Stepladders
- Measuring tape
- 2-by-4-inch utility lumber
- Circular saw
- Miter gauge
- Power drill with screw tip attachment
- 3-inch wood screws
- Wood drill bits or masonry drill bits
- 4-inch wood screws or embed anchors
- Hacksaw
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