What Basketball Court Floors Are Made Of

The greatest NBA games of all time share one thing in common. The quality of the court was essential to the excitement and intensity of the game. If you’re building a basketball court for your home or business, selecting the right court floor is essential to its performance. This guide uncovers what basketball court floors are made of and how to make the choice that’s right for you. Read on to learn how to take your basketball court floor from ordinary to epic! 

Common Materials Used for Basketball Court Floors

So, what flooring is used for basketball? Early basketball courts were made from concrete. However, as anyone who’s played on one will tell you, this extremely hard surface caused no end of problems. Players often suffered injuries and joint strain and concrete’s susceptibility to extreme temperatures also caused frequent cracking. The transition away from concrete began in the 1930s and since this time, there have been significant advancements in court surfaces. Today, there are three leading options for you to explore.

Hardwood Timber Floors

Hardwood timber is often considered to be the gold standard in basketball court flooring. Maple is particularly well suited to indoor basketball court flooring, and has become an integral part of basketball’s history and an enduring favourite of players and fans. 

The reason for its popularity is a unique balance of grip and shock absorption​. Here’s what makes hardwood a winning choice: 

• Performance: Hardwood offers exceptional playing characteristics, including consistent ball bounce and ideal traction.

• Durability: Maple is a durable hardwood that can withstand the wear and tear of daily play.

• Aesthetics: The warm, natural look and feel of maple and other hardwood enhances the aesthetics of any court.

• Safety: The shock-absorbing properties of hardwood help reduce the risk of injuries.

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) sets guidelines around court surfaces to promote safe and consistent playing conditions. FIBA Level 1-approved courts set the standard that hardwood timber flooring needs to meet to be used in professional competition. This performance criteria includes: 

• Uniformity: The court should provide a consistent playing surface that ensures consistent ball bounce and player traction.

• Shock Absorption: The flooring should effectively absorb impact to protect the joints of players and reduce their risk of injuries.

• Durability: The flooring must withstand heavy use and maintain its performance over time.

• Moisture Control: Proper moisture management is crucial for hardwood floors to prevent warping and damage.

After decades spent playing and watching games on hardwood timber courts and installing them ourselves, we believe that domestic and commercial timber courts offer the perfect blend of performance and durability. 

Acrylic Courts

The 1970s saw the emergence of acrylic courts, although their widespread use only began in earnest in the 2000s. The development of acrylic was driven by a desire for improved performance, safety, and durability. Here are the top ten reasons why acrylic basketball courts stand out: 

1. Durability and Longevity: Acrylic courts are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a long lifespan.

2. Player Performance: Their consistent playing surface provides excellent shock absorption and traction.

3. Low Maintenance: Cleaning and maintenance is simple which also reduces upkeep costs.

4. Styles & Colours: Available in a wide range of colours and designs, acrylic courts allow complete customisation.

5. Safety Features: Slip resistance and cushioning protect players from injuries and joint strain. 

6. Versatility: Beyond basketball, acrylic courts can be used for a variety of sports, including tennis and volleyball.

7. Quick Installation: The efficient installation process needs minimal downtime. The entire process usually takes 2-3 months. 

8. Weather Resistance: Acrylic withstands harsh weather including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor courts. 

9. Cost-Effectiveness: Acrylic flooring is generally more affordable than traditional hardwood flooring. 

10. Eco-Friendly Options: Some acrylic flooring is environmentally friendly.

At DreamCourts, we’re proud to specialise in commercial acrylic courts. We back these courts for their playing performance, particularly their traction and shock absorption. Contact us to test our display courts for yourself!  

Modular Polymer Tiles

In recent years, modular polymer tiles have become a gamechanger for those seeking an affordable way to create a quality court. As the name suggests, these tessellating tiles interlock together like jigsaw pieces, allowing for quick and easy installation without the need for specialised tools and techniques. 

So when are modular polymer tiles the right choice? Here are four scenarios in which they excel:

• Outdoor Courts: Their weather-resistant properties make them perfect for outdoor installations. 

• Multi-Sport Courts: These versatile tiles can be used for various sports, making them suitable for multipurpose facilities.

• Budget-Conscious Projects: Polymer tiles often offer a more affordable option compared to traditional hardwood or synthetic flooring.

• DIY Installations: The interlocking design allows for easy installation by homeowners or DIY enthusiasts.

At DreamCourts, we choose to work with modular court tiles because they provide superior grip, noise reduction, and injury prevention, especially in residential and multi-purpose courts​. If you're looking for a flexible, durable, and affordable surface for your court, modular polymer tiles are an unbeatable option.

Key Considerations for Choosing Basketball Court Flooring

Choosing the right basketball court flooring is essential to the performance and safety of your players. It’s important to consider all the factors in play, such as budget, usage, location, maintenance, and the characteristics you need most, like shock absorption, traction, and ball bounce. At DreamCourts, we’re finding that traditional hardwood remains an enduring choice for its style and performance, but synthetic options like acrylic and modular polymer tiles are giving them a run for their money, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness.

Durability and Maintenance

One of the most important questions you need to ask is how your chosen court surface will stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. Here’s how the durability of each material stacks up: 

• Hardwood Flooring: While durable, hardwood floors do need regular maintenance, including sanding and refinishing, to maintain their performance and appearance. They can also be susceptible to damage from moisture and extreme temperatures. 

• Synthetic Flooring: Because of their excellent durability and minimal maintenance, synthetic materials like acrylic are a popular choice for both outdoor and indoor basketball court flooring.

• Modular Polymer Tiles: Highly durable and weather-resistant, modular tiles are the perfect choice for outdoor courts. Plus, they’re easy to install, repair, and maintain.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Court Surfaces

Are you planning an indoor or outdoor court? The unique conditions of each play an important part in your choice of surface. 

Indoor courts often feature hardwood flooring, particularly maple, because of its excellent playing characteristics and aesthetics. 

However, synthetic options like acrylic or modular polymer tiles are becoming increasingly popular for both indoor and outdoor courts. Their synthetic materials offer durability, versatility, and often lower maintenance than their hardwood counterparts.

Generally speaking, we find that the best basketball court flooring for outdoor use is acrylic or polymer. This is due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining playing performance.

Ready to Build Your Dream Basketball Court?

So here’s the takeaway. Understanding what basketball court floors are made of will help you to build the perfect facility that meets the needs of your players. 

The surface you settle on must deliver optimal performance on the court as well as affordability, durability and longevity. Developing a clear understanding of usage, location, and budget will be central to making the right decision. 

From traditional hardwood to durable acrylic and dynamic modular polymer tiles. DreamCourts offers the most comprehensive range of premium-grade basketball court flooring in Australia. 

Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote. Let's turn your dream court into reality!