Everyone knows Michael Jordan’s iconic free-throw line dunk - it’s the stuff of basketball legend. Dunks like that aren’t just highlights, they’re the moments that get fans out of their seats. But try pulling off a slam on a cracked, worn-down court? Not happening. In fact, it can be downright unsafe. That’s why we put together this guide: the top 5 signs it’s time to upgrade your basketball court. Before diving in, let’s take a look at what you gain from upgrading or renovating your basketball court.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Basketball Court
When it comes to resurfacing basketball courts, both the players and the basketball court owner stand to gain a lot. It is important to maintain the court in its prime condition for an unbiased and competitive game.
Let’s take a look at some other benefits of getting your basketball court repaired regularly:
- Ensures player safety
Take it from a basketball court designer, regular basketball court repairs are crucial to ensure that the players are safe during a match. Improved surface conditions, and game equipment make sure that the players do not suffer any injuries or hurt their joints.
- Enhances gameplay
There is a lot that affects a game but with the exception of skill and experience, the condition of the gaming court is a major contributor to an impressive gameplay. Smooth, even court surface, proper drainage, and visible court markings, all improve and enhance the performance of the players.
- Improves ball bounce and traction
Timely basketball court renovations ensure that the players have an even playing surface. A hard and even basketball court surface supports higher ball bounce and improves the traction for a better player experience.
- Increases the court’s life span
Getting your basketball court refinishing done regularly, increases the life span of your court. With proper maintenance, you won’t have to replace your entire court surface too soon. This ensures players get proper practice sessions and time for skill development.
- Increased aesthetic and business appeal
Upgrading the basketball court is not just important from a player’s perspective but also from a business perspective. It improves the aesthetic and business value of your court with proper maintenance and upgradation sessions.
Wondering when is the right time for an upgrade? Read further to learn more!

A Basketball Court Creator’s 5 Signs to Upgrade the Court
Upgrading or renovating the court is not a one day affair, you need proper planning and dedicated time to execute it effectively.
Here’s your list of the top 5 signs to upgrade your basketball court:
- Visible cracking
One of the most clear signs that your court is in dire need of an upgrade is the presence of cracks. Any cracks or peeling of the court surface affects the gameplay by reducing the ball bounce and traction. It also hampers the safety of the players by causing them to twist their ankle or the uneven surface can hurt the players’ joints.
- Water Pooling
If you notice water logging in some areas of the basketball court, then it is yet another sign to upgrade your court. Improper drainage of water after a rain can cause the players to slip. Water logging over time further deteriorates the quality of the court, this affects the game and the overall cost of resurfacing the court.
- Faded Court lines
Court lines or markings are important for any player to know the playing field and devise a game strategy. Any faded lines affect the game by throwing off the winning shots due to poor visibility of markings. It also causes a lot of chaos and confusion during the name which is neither good for your court’s reputation nor for the players playing the game.
- Reduced bouncing of the ball
Take it from a basketball court designer, the uneven surface of the court affects the way the ball bounces. Harder surfaces allow the ball to bounce better but any cracks or unevenness can hinder the ball to bounce. This affects the gameplay, and can cause a player to lose their winning shot. Any misjudgements may also gravely injure a player.
- Worn or damaged equipment
In addition to the court surface, the poles, and backboards are yet another important aspect of a basketball court. Wobbly poles and damaged backboards negatively impact the gameplay and cause the players to lose out on goals.
PRO-TIP: Regular Maintenance is a Must
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the basketball court is important to make sure that you don’t have to renovate it too often. It is a cost-effective long term solution to retain the glory of the court. Not sure how to ensure proper maintenance of the court? Here’s a quick guide for you.
Tips for Basketball Court Maintenance
The below mentioned tips for basketball court maintenance will not just help you keep the court in its best shape, but will also resolve any underlying issues promptly. This will secure the safety of your players and save frequent resurfacing costs.
The maintenance tips are:
- Sweep the court surface to clean any debris or accumulated organic matter.
- Look out for any drainage issues, as it may further damage the court.
- Inspect the court regularly for any cracks or unevenness, and address it immediately.
- For indoor courts, clean any spills as soon as possible before it stains the court.
- Regularly repaint any fading lines to ensure a fair game and an attractive court.
- Use a mild detergent or a special cleaning solution to pressure wash the court every few months.
- Resurface every 5–7 years. Apply sealant annually to protect outdoor courts from rain, extreme heat, wind, and snow.
Takeaway
A basketball game is affected by more than just the skill and expertise of players. The surface of the court is also a major contributor to the success or failure of any team. Being an industry-expert basketball court creator, Pine State Courts offers customized basketball court designs and prompt resurfacing guidance and services. Reach out here to talk to our experts!
FAQs
- What is the cost to build a basketball court?
The cost of building a basketball court ranges from $15,000 for a small half-court to $75,000 + for a full court, but the price could increase depending on many factors. The actual price may depend on factors like the size of the court, its surface, whether it is indoors or outdoors, and the steps required for ground preparation.
- Can I make a custom basketball court design?
Yes, you can make a custom basketball court design. You can use online tools like the Pine State Courts’ custom court designer to build a basketball, tennis, pickleball or a multi-sports court.
- What are the standards for outdoor basketball court design?
The standards for outdoor basketball court design include the specifications for dimensions of the court, backboard, and rim height, etc. As per the guidelines of NBA and NCAA regulations, the size of a full-court should be 94 feet long by 50 feet wide, while half-courts should be 47 feet long by 50 feet wide.