How to make a basketball hoop

You don’t have to be Mark Wahlberg to win the jump ball in this swish build. This champion hoop sits over the door and can be made in an afternoon. Go the three-pointer from down the hallway!

Step 2

To round corners on top section, use base of a small paint tin to get shape. Mark 4 corners and use jigsaw to cut corners.

Step 3

To determine size of hoop, measure top diameter of your bucket. Cut a piece of plywood that is this dimension (here, 270mm) x the same dimension plus 20mm (here, 290mm). Place bucket upside down on hoop so it meets 3 sides and trace around it. Turn over and place centrally in this circle, then trace around the bottom. Use jigsaw to cut out inner circle and half of outer circle where it touches the sides, leaving the straight edge.

Step 4

Cut rectangular block for brackets. On 2 opposite corners, measure 40mm along side going towards the same corner. Join these points and cut along this line to create angle on bracket. Screw to backboard so overall width of brackets is 20mm less than hoop.

Step 5

Sit hoop on brackets so it overhangs evenly. Screw through backboard into hoop and through hoop into brackets.

Step 6

Fill screw holes on hoop. Allow to dry and sand smooth. Apply 1 coat of undercoat. Allow to dry. Apply 2 coats of Bright Delight, allowing to dry after each coat.

Step 7

Run painter’s tape around perimeter of backboard. Also create a rectangular(ish) shape above hoop. Seal edges of tape with Bright Delight and allow to dry. Paint backboard in Black acrylic paint. While wet, remove tape.

Step 8

Screw cup hooks to underside of hoop so they are evenly spaced and match number of loops on net. Attach basketball net to cup hooks.

Step 9

Use hacksaw to trim 1 side of an ‘over drawer hook’. Predrill and countersink long side of this shortened hook. Screw to backboard. Repeat with other hook. Hang backboard on door.