Holding Court: Hoops Hardwood We’re Madly in Love with

While the game of basketball has evolved since Dr. James Naismith invented it back in 1891, one thing has remained constant: the use of hard maple as game’s playing surface. In fact, the first court built in the gymnasium of the Christian Workers Building in Springfield, Massachusetts, featured a hard maple floor — and today, the same hardwood is used for nearly all basketball courts across the country.

The durable wood — harvested from the forests of Michigan and Wisconsin — makes for a prime playing surface that holds up to running, jumps and dribbles, while the light color makes the ball easier to see and brightens up arenas.

And most importantly, in our opinion: the maple is beautiful.

With March Madness getting ready to tip-off, let’s pay homage to some of our favorite hardwood hoops courts.

Classic Form: Assembly Hall, University of Indiana

 

 

 

 

When it comes to classic college basketball teams, the University of Indiana must make the list — and so does its court. Simple and clean, this beauty lets the hardwood be the star. Hoosier fans are serious about keeping this timeless look and rightfully raised objections when the Big 10 required its teams to imprint the conference logo on its otherwise clean and paint-free court. This is a court where you can see the blondes, golds and true lightness that maple brings.

Buzzer-Beating Blacktop: Athletics Center O’rena, Oakland University

 

 

 

 

Veering away from the light maple looks, the court at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, takes it to the hoop by bringing a call back to the blacktop-feel street ball. The dark stained wood is a fresh take on the typical court design by giving the court a full bath in a darker tone. The effect is dramatic and brings rich, deep, color that is certainly different.

Points for Pattern: Barclays Center, Brooklyn Nets

 

 

 

 

We’re big on patterns (have your seen our Manhattan Chevron Engineered Hardwood?), and so naturally, we love the Brooklyn Nets herringbone hardwood pattern. This is such a unique look for a court — rarely do you see patterns play so well courtside, aside from Boston’s TD Center parquet floor. Plus, we are all in on that gray, weathered stain, which gives the look a sophisticated and stylish swish.

Bold Ballin’: FedEx Forum, University of Memphis

 

 

 

 

OK, we understand this court may be a bit too much. But, sometimes it’s fun to go bold with floors that make a statement — and this maximalism look does just that. While this floor won’t bring the cool and calming vibe that our blue-ish Paris Blue Pine Rigid Vinyl Plank presents, we love how this blue hue lets the grain flow. Plus, the two-tone color set also lets the light maple portion of the floor shine even brighter.

Slam Dunk Staining Power: CU Events Center, Colorado University in Boulder

 

 

 

 

With enhanced staining technology comes new ways for basketball courts to show more personality and connection to the team and its city. Certainly, this theme can go be over-embraced (we’re looking at you, Oregon), but we think the University of Colorado made a slam dunk with its court that features the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The artistic take on the Rockies looks classic and cool, plus nicely reflects Boulder’s geography.

Hoops fan or not, we would love to hear what team you think has the best looking court! Tell us using #LLStyle!