For an indoor home basketball court, you need space for the playing area, and if you can make it work, a little extra room for safety and movement; a half-court is popular, often around 30x50 feet, while smaller courts can fit in spaces like a converted 2-car garage (around 20x25 ft), but aim for a high ceiling, ideally 17-20+ feet, for comfortable play. Regulation full courts are much larger (94x50 ft), but residential setups usually shrink this down significantly.

Common Indoor Court Sizes:

• Small/Kids' Play: 20x25 feet (fits in a large garage space).
• Half-Court (Popular): 30x50 feet (provides good room on a regulation width) or 42x50 feet (high school size).
• Multi-Sport/Larger: 30x60 feet or more.

Key Considerations:

• Ceiling Height: Crucial for shooting; aim for at least 17 feet, with 20 feet or more being ideal for a more open feel, especially if using scissor trusses for height.
• Location: Often built under suspended garages or as additions, requiring space planning within your home's footprint.
• Buffer Zone: Not a necessity, but if you can, add extra space around the perimeter beyond the lines for safety, dribbling, and comfortable movement.

For your home gym (like a garage, basement, or dedicated indoor space), several types of basketball hoops work well, depending on your ceiling height, available space, wall/ceiling strength, and how seriously you plan to play.

Here are the main options:
1. Wall-Mounted Hoops (Most Popular for Home Gyms)

These attach directly to a sturdy wall (like garage studs or brick) and save floor space while providing great stability and rebound.

- Pros — No floor obstruction, excellent for limited spaces, pro-like feel with minimal vibration, many adjustable from 7.5–10 feet.

- Cons — Requires professional installation on a strong wall; fixed overhang (usually 2–4 feet).

- Best for — Garages or basements with open walls. Look for models with acrylic or polycarbonate backboards (durable indoors) and breakaway rims for dunking.

2. Ceiling-Mounted Hoops

These hang from ceiling joists or beams—ideal if walls are limited but you have high ceilings (at least 17 feet for safe play). Usually, this can only be done on new construction barns, pole buildings, or pre-manufactured steel buildings, that are engineered to bear the load of these heavy units.

- Pros — Maximizes floor space, can fold up for multi-use rooms, good for full-court feel in larger gyms.

- Cons — Complex installation (needs structural reinforcement), less common for homes, potential sway if not heavy-duty.

- Best for — High-ceiling garages or converted spaces.

3. Mobile Hoops (Indoor-Friendly Models)

Freestanding with a weighted base (fill with water/sand)—easy to move or store.

- Pros — No installation needed, adjustable height (often 7.5–10 feet), flexible positioning.

- Cons — Takes floor space, can tip if not heavy-duty, less stable rebound than mounted.

- Best for — Multi-purpose rooms or if you rent/don't want permanent fixtures. Choose indoor-rated ones to avoid rus

Quick Tips

- Height → Regulation is 10 feet, but adjustable down to 7.5–8 feet is ideal for families/kids.

- Backboard → Acrylic or tempered glass for best rebound (polycarbonate is budget-friendly and shatterproof).

- Safety → Get a heavy duty flex rim if you'll dunk. Ensure at least 2–4 feet overhang for safe play under the basket. For a jump shooting only application, a 1' overhang is acceptable.

- Installation → For wall/ceiling mounts, consult with the FTW team or structural engineer to check structural support.

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As a flooring professional with years of experience installing home gyms, I'll give you straightforward advice on the best options. The ideal flooring depends on your workouts—whether it's basketball-focused, multi-sport, or pickleball heavy, or a mix—and factors like budget, space, and maintenance.

I'm particularly fond of **Sport Court-style modular suspended flooring** (like the Response systems) because it delivers outstanding performance for athletic spaces, but we also install premium hardwood, cushioned vinyl synthetics, and rubber surfaces to fit every need.

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1. Modular Suspended Sports Flooring (My Top Recommendation – e.g., Sport Court)‍

This is interlocking polypropylene tiles with a raised/suspended design that provides built-in shock absorption and "lateral forgiveness" to reduce stress on joints during quick cuts and jumps.
Pros:‍

- Excellent ball bounce and traction similar to pro hardwood

- Superior safety (up to 50% fewer injuries in some studies)

- Low maintenance (no refinishing ever)

- Moisture-resistant

- Customizable colors/logos

- Multi-sport ready (basketball, pickleball, volleyball, etc.)‍

Cons:‍

- Realistic, "wood-look" options have a higher upfront cost, though often comparable to or less than full hardwood over time.

Best for: Dedicated basketball or multi-sport home gyms where performance matters most. It's what I recommend first for serious players—feels like a real court but with better forgiveness and durability. Pickleball works on a recreational level with the proper Pickleball.

2. Hardwood (Maple Sports Flooring)

The classic choice—beautiful northern maple with a sprung subfloor for cushioning.

Pros:

- Unmatched authentic feel and ball response

- Timeless aesthetics

- Great for pure basketball

Cons:

- Requires ongoing maintenance (sanding/refinishing every 10-15 years)

- Sensitive to humidity/moisture

- Higher long-term costs

Best for: Clients wanting that pro gym look and feel, and who are committed to maintenance. I install a lot of these and they're stunning, but not always the most practical for busy families.

‍3. Cushioned Vinyl or Synthetic Sports Flooring

Rolled or plank vinyl designed specifically for sports (often with foam backing).‍

Pros:

- Good shock absorption and uniform play

- Lower cost than hardwood

- Easy to clean

- Can mimic wood looks

- Multi-purpose friendly

Cons:

- Less premium ball bounce than modular or hardwood

- Can wear faster under heavy use

Best for: Budget-conscious multi-sport setups or gyms that double as living spaces.

If your home gym is primarily for **basketball** or fast-paced sports, I'd lean heavily toward modular Sport Court flooring—it's safer, lower-maintenance, and performs incredibly well long-term. For a classic vibe, hardwood is hard to beat. Tell us more about your space (size, ceiling height, main activities, budget range), and we can give a more tailored recommendation! We'd be happy to provide a free consultation and quote.