Mount a Basketball Hoop Above Your Garage

The shadow of a basketball net on a garage door
  • 1-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-1,000

Practice some home court advantage with a basketball hoop mounted to your garage. If the play area in your driveway is big enough, you'll have an ideal court for shooting games of "Horse," practicing free throws, or engaging in a little one-on-one play.

Step 1 - Decide Where to Mount the Basketball Hoop

Before deciding to install a basketball hoop, first investigate the area in which it will go. The best court area should be close to level and fairly smooth. Driveways in front of double garages are ideal for the wide playing area. Other things to consider:

The mounting surface needs to be a secure and solid wall. Attaching the bolts to studs will keep the basketball hoop from drooping or shaking.

The mounting area of the garage should be flat and not obstructed by the roof line. In the NBA, the regulation backboard size is 72 by 42 inches, but small backboards can be purchased.

Regulation height for the rim in the NBA, WNBA, and NCAA is 10 feet from the playing surface. A regulation rim is 18 inches in diameter, and the net hangs 18 inches from the rim’s hooks. While not required for a home playing area, these standards will help guide you. Smaller sizes are available for purchase depending on the space available. If smaller children will be playing, feel free to lower the basketball hoop to an appropriate height.

Be sure the net clears the garage door area so it does not get caught on any mechanisms.

Basketball hoops for garage installations are available to purchase at sporting good stores, department stores, as well as mass retailers. Be sure the basketball system you purchase is for a wall-mount application. This may require additional mounting brackets that are sold separately.

Step 2 - Install the Garage Basketball Hoop

The first step is to measure the area and mark on the garage the spots where the mounting brackets will go. Aside from a ladder, the tools needed are a tape measure, power drill, crescent wrenches, and a level. Additional tools may be needed as specified by the instructions that came with the basketball hoop kit.

Secure the mounting brackets according to the kit's instructions. Most kits include adjustable brackets that allow for roof pitch and any other garage face adjustments.

Attach the backboard, preferably with the help of a friend, using a series of nuts and bolts. Seal any holes or opening with a water resistance caulk to prevent the bolts from rusting. Once the backboard is secure, check it with the level for straightness and adjust as needed.

Attach the net securely to the rim.

If the basketball hoop is attached securely to the garage, the ball will bounce properly off the backboard, rather than at odd angles. A secure hoop will provide years of fun and entertainment.