How to Choose the Best Basketball Backboard for Your Situation

Basketball backboards come in six different materials: tempered glass, acrylic, steel, fiberglass, aluminum and wood. We'll discuss each type individually, starting with the highest-quality systems.

Tempered Glass Backboards
Tempered glass backboards are generally the most expensive, but definitely the highest quality backboard available. Tempered glass provides the best ball response on rebounds and are the best choice when quality is more important than price. For that reason, they're the official choice of the NBA and collegiate level facilities. The term "glass" can be deceptive, because these heat-tempered materials are durable and break-resistant.


Polycarbonate Basketball Backboards
Similar in appearance and performance to acrylic backboards (see below), but with greater durability. This can be an issue in mid-level basketball goal systems, where the thickness of the backboard is usually less than 3/8's of an inch. If you expect heavy use and rough play, but can't afford a glass backboard, then polycarbonate is a good option.

Acrylic Backboards
Acrylic basketball backboards have the translucent appearance of glass backboards, but don't provide the same rigidity or responsiveness on rebounds. Made from plastic materials, they are a more economical alternative to glass backboards and are a good choice if you want a quality system at a lower price. Unlike tempered glass, acrylic does tend to yellow when exposed to the sun over a period of several years. Acrylic backboards are the most common material in residential basketball hoop systems.

Steel Basketball Backboards
Steel backboards are the most durable and vandal-proof of basketball goals. They're a good choice for public parks, but tend to make a clanging noise when contacted by shots. They're standard equipment for street-ball. Steel backboards are usually only found as part of an inground basketball goal in an institutional setting.

Fiberglass Backboards
Fiberglass backboards are opaque in appearance. They're inexpensive, but tend to dampen rebound response. Like steel backboards, they are usually only seen in institutional settings. They are usually used indoors, but if used outdoors, they should be weather-sealed to prevent moisture rot.

Aluminum Backboards
A less-expensive, version of steel backboards. They provide excellent durability, but are lightweight and prone to excessive vibration. As a result, they dampen rebounds.

Molded Plastic Backboards
A low-quality, opaque material found on the least expensive goal systems. Allows a great deal of vibration upon contact with the ball and therefore dampen rebounds. They're not particularly durable, because they can mildew and crack in outdoor conditions. Best suited for children's basketball hoops. Sometimes known as graphite, composite or polyethylene.

Wooden Backboards
The original material for basketball backboards. Your basic homemade solution. A sheet of plywood, cut , painted and nailed to the barn or garage wall can provide a good backboard for your backyard hoop.

Conclusion
So, if you're looking for the highest quality backboard, for high-level play, tempered glass backboards are your best bet. If you want a mid-level system, , but durable, then go for a polycarbonate backboard. Acrylic backboards aren't as durable as polycarbonate and aren't as responsive with rebounds, but they are light, inexpensive and are suitable for home use. Steel, fiberglass, aluminum, molded plastic and wood can all be used but are more appropriate for players who just want to have some fun in the backyard or playground.