Modular Basketball Court Tiles: Ideal Choice for Schools and Commercial Sports Centers
If you’ve been searching for a modern approach to updating your basketball court, modular basketball tiles might be the answer. This type of surface is easy to install and can give your court a fresh look in no time at all.
In addition, modular tiles are designed to withstand the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for schools and commercial sports centers.
Here’s a closer look at why modular basketball court tiles are the perfect choice for your next court update.
Try our outdoor sports court cost calculator to get a customized cost estimate for your modular basketball court installation project.
What are modular basketball court tiles?
To best understand why modular basketball court tiles are perfect for schools and commercial sports centers, we need to understand what they are.
Simply put, modular court tiles are individual pieces that interlock to create a cohesive playing surface. Most use a 6-point locking system that fits the pieces together much like a jigsaw puzzle.
This type of flooring is easy to install and can be done much more quickly than traditional materials like wood or concrete.
What are the benefits of modular basketball flooring?
For most school administrators and facility managers, budget is a top concern when it comes to athletics. Each purchase, improvement, and decision needs to be carefully weighed against cost.
That’s one of the reasons modular court tiles are such an attractive option. Although the initial investment may not be the cheapest option available, the benefits of modularity pay off in the long run.
Here are some of the top reasons to choose modular court tiles:
Low Maintenance
You can cut down on labor, cleaning supplies, and other maintenance costs when you choose modular court tiles. That’s because this type of flooring is designed to be low-maintenance, durable, and easy to clean.
You can easily sweep, rinse and mop the surface, and it will look good as new in no time. In addition, modular tiles are resistant to staining, so you won’t have to worry about permanent marks or damage.
Superior Grip
Safety is one of the most crucial components of choosing a sports flooring material — especially for schools. When you choose a modular tile floor for your basketball court, you are getting one of the best gripping surfaces available. This will cut down on slips, falls and other accidents.
In addition, the superior grip of modular court tiles will help athletes perform at their best. The tiles provide just enough give to reduce the impact on joints while still providing the stability needed for quick movements.
Up to 50% Cooler than Asphalt
If you’re designing an outdoor basketball court, temperature can be a major concern. If the court is too hot, it can be uncomfortable to play on and can even lead to heat-related injuries.
Modular court tiles can help solve this problem. Many types of modular tiles are up to 50% cooler than asphalt, making them much more comfortable to play on in warm weather.
Durability
If you’ve ever spent time playing on an old asphalt court, you know cracks, indents, and slopes can really impact your game.
With a modular system, those problems are a thing of the past. Modular court tiles are extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. In addition, modular tiles are designed to flex with the ground, so they won’t crack or chip as concrete or asphalt surfaces can.
Completely Customizable
One of the best things about modular court tiles is that they are completely customizable. You can choose from a variety of colors, textures, and patterns to create a court that is unique to your school or facility.
You can also add logos, team colors, and other graphics to create a court that really shows off your school spirit.
Quick Draining
Especially if you are installing a modular tile basketball court outdoors, its quick draining capabilities are a major bonus. Rain, spills, and puddles will quickly drain away, so you don’t have to worry about them affecting the surface of the court.
How to install interlocking tiles for outdoor basketball courts?
All of these benefits make modular court tiles an excellent choice for outdoor basketball courts.
But what about installation?
Fortunately, modular court tiles are easy to install. There are four stages to most projects:
1. Site preparation
This involves leveling the ground and making sure it is free of debris. Whether you are installing over an existing court or creating a new facility from scratch, there will be some work involved to set your space up for success.
2. Base installation
A concrete base is installed to provide a stable foundation for the tiles. This is a vital step to ensuring the durability and longevity of your court.
3. Tile installation
The modular tiles are laid down in the desired pattern and “snapped” or “locked” into place. In the future, if a tile is damaged or you want to change the look of the court, individual tiles can be removed and replaced without affecting the rest of the surface.
4. Amenities
Lastly, you need to decide on the add-ons you will need for your court. Do you need bleachers, lighting, windscreens, or other accessories? These are all installed and added at the end of the installation of your court.
Modular basketball court tiles vs other surface options
As you can see modular basketball court tiles sound great, but how do they compare to other more traditional options?
Modular Basketball Court Tiles Vs. Concrete or Asphalt
One of the biggest advantages of modular tiles over concrete or asphalt is safety. We’ve all fallen down while playing basketball — it’s an unintended outcome of playing hard.
When you fall or trip on concrete and asphalt the surface is usually unforgiving, which can lead to serious injuries. Modular tiles, on the other hand, are designed to be flexible and give a little when you fall on them. This can help reduce the severity of injuries sustained during play.
Modular Basketball Court Tiles Vs. Rubber or Polyurethane
Another common surface for outdoor basketball courts is a rubber or polyurethane poured-in-place system. These are usually less expensive to install than modular tiles, but they don’t offer the same level of durability, performance, or customization.
Rubber and polyurethane surfaces also require more maintenance than modular tile systems. They need to be regularly cleaned and resurfaced to maintain optimal playing conditions.
Important considerations
Can modular basketball court tiles be installed over grass/gravel/concrete?
In short, no, experts do not recommend installing modular basketball tiles over grass or dirt. The reason for this is these types of surfaces are rarely flat enough to accommodate sports tiles. In order for your new court to function properly, you need to have a completely flat surface.
Even with some preparation of the site, grass and gravel can shift over time leading to complications and unevenness. However, if you use gravel pavers, you may be able to achieve the desired results.
Hard materials like concrete, asphalt, or even wood are the preferred substrate for modular tiles. These types of surfaces provide a robust and stable foundation for your new court. If you’re not sure what type of subfloor is right for your court, talk with your installation company. They will be able to explain the differences and benefits of each.
Design factors
Customizing your court is one of the most fun and exciting parts of choosing a modular basketball floor. However, the more customizations you choose, the more your final costs will be.
We suggest choosing a nice mix of default and custom colors, logos, and branding to achieve a unique look without breaking the bank.
You’ll also need to consider line markings in your customization design. If you plan on hosting sports other than basketball, your initial design should accommodate these other games.
How to raise money for a basketball court installation project?
There are many ways to finance your new basketball court, that don’t require having all of the funds upfront.
The first is grants. Many organizations, including the NBA, offer to grant money to help offset the cost of new court installations. You can also look for other local organizations that may offer grants for community projects like this. Check out our grants section for opportunities.
Another way to finance your project is through fundraising. This could be a bake sale, car wash, or even a GoFundMe page. Getting the community involved in your project is a great way to raise awareness and funds.
Finally, you can look into financing options through your installation company. Many companies offer financing for larger projects like this, which can help make your dream court a reality.
No matter how you choose to finance your new basketball court, modular tiles are a great option for any budget.
How to choose the right installation company?
Finally, you need to choose the best installation company for your project. This is quite possibly the most important decision you have to make in the process. Ask for referrals and examples from past projects, and make sure you learn about their warranty.
We recommend securing at least three quotes for your project, to ensure you’re getting the best possible price. You should also make sure that the company you choose is properly insured and licensed to work in your area.
How much does it cost to install a modular basketball court?
There are three main factors that impact the final cost of installing a modular basketball court at your school or sports facility.
The size of your court, the number of courts, and the type of base layer you choose are crucial components of your final price.
In general, you can expect to pay between $30,000 – $70,000 for a completed court at your facility. However, it’s best to start talking with a trusted expert early in the process to ensure you are planning for the right amount.
If you’d like to get started today, you can use our simple cost calculator. Input some basic information and we’ll give you an estimate you can use in your planning. Plus, we’ll connect you with several of the top installers in your area!