Attaching some 4x4s to cinder block wall

[Homerboy]

What would be your approach to this. I need to horizontally attach a couple of 2' sections of pressure treated 4x4 to my cinder block garage wall. Would you just counter sink down about 2" then use some 3"x1/4" (or so) tapcons the rest of the way to secure it?

 

[boomerang]

It would probably be helpful to state the purpose of the 4x4's.

 

[Homerboy]

It would probably be helpful to state the purpose of the 4x4's.

Just to hang a little basketball hoop on. Not a full sized hoop, a "mini hoop"
So it's not going to be holding much weight.

 

[Humpy]

If the block is hollow I'd probably use snap toggles.

If it's core filled I'd use lag bolts and shields set as deep as I could get.

 

[ElFenix]

Just to hang a little basketball hoop on. Not a full sized hoop, a "mini hoop"
So it's not going to be holding much weight.

if you're not going to be hanging off it, just use double sided tape

 

[vi edit]

Is a 4 x 4 necessary? That seems excessive for a small hoop unless there is something else I'm missing about the install. I'd go with a 2x6 ledger and use some sleeve anchors. Be sure to hand tighten to snug and not overtighten them. They will pop the block if you torque them too much.

 

[Homerboy]

Is a 4 x 4 necessary? That seems excessive for a small hoop unless there is something else I'm missing about the install. I'd go with a 2x6 ledger and use some sleeve anchors. Be sure to hand tighten to snug and not overtighten them. They will pop the block if you torque them too much.

Yeah - the 4x4 was "necessary". This is basically one of those glorified, overgrown Nerf hoop so it has one of those "door hangers" on the back to hang it from. I basically mounted the 4x4 to the cinder block and cut a slot down the center of the 4x4 lengthwise so the hoop could be taken up/down as wanted. I then had to actually put another 4x4 at the bottom of the backboard to support it so when the ball it it, it didn't just bend backwards and rattle around. It was horrible overkill for such a silly thing, but I did it with my son so he learned something. He and his friends have been loving it. It's an eyesore, but so be it.

 

[Greenman]

Yeah - the 4x4 was "necessary". This is basically one of those glorified, overgrown Nerf hoop so it has one of those "door hangers" on the back to hang it from. I basically mounted the 4x4 to the cinder block and cut a slot down the center of the 4x4 lengthwise so the hoop could be taken up/down as wanted. I then had to actually put another 4x4 at the bottom of the backboard to support it so when the ball it it, it didn't just bend backwards and rattle around. It was horrible overkill for such a silly thing, but I did it with my son so he learned something. He and his friends have been loving it. It's an eyesore, but so be it.

If your kids like it and use it instead of being glued to a computer screen it's not an eyesore, it's a huge win and worth ten times the effort you put into it.

 

[Homerboy]

If your kids like it and use it instead of being glued to a computer screen it's not an eyesore, it's a huge win and worth ten times the effort you put into it.

Yeap - no complaints at all. I would do it 100x over again. That being said, rest assured, he gets PLENTY of time in front of a computer screen too. He's sixteen and I think it's hilarious he and his buddies love this mini-basketball like they do.

 

[Red Squirrel]

4x4 seems overkill for this. Put a piece of 1x6 or 2x6 with sleeve anchors and construction adhesive, then if you need the net to be further out just build a small "arm" out of more 1x6.

It's going to be lighter too. once the construction adhesive sets it will be very strong. I would not recommend hanging off it, but you probably could.

 

[Muse]

If your kids like it and use it instead of being glued to a computer screen it's not an eyesore, it's a huge win and worth ten times the effort you put into it.

I loved the basketball setup my folks had. It was standard at 10' height. I'd shoot and shoot out there by myself and developed a great shot, would practice a lot of moves. "Nothing but net!" This was before the home computer, but no matter. If you could do that, do it!

 

[Scarpozzi]

If you go with a 1x6 or 1x8 section to attach directly to the block, it'll take only a few 3/8" or 1/4" Tapcon anchors to hold it snugly...use wet/green lumber since it's touching masonary and try to countersink them. From that, you can attach another 1x6 or 1x8 to bring it out to the same thickness as a 4x4.

The issue with a 4x4 is the weight distribution and surface area is pretty tight. I see Red Squirrel says a 1x6...I feel like those will be more likely to split when you torque the anchors down.