Getting Started with the Beech Floor Project

So I wanted this sports flooring for my garage gym, right? Saw pictures online where folks had these smooth beech wood courts. Looked fancy but I thought – how hard can it be? First thing, measured my garage space after moving all the junk out. Took like three tries because I kept messing up the tape measure. Ordered the raw beech planks online – showed up two weeks later smelling like a lumber yard.

The Messy Installation Phase

Laid out the planks on the concrete and immediately noticed trouble. Some boards curved like bananas! Had to soak the worst ones in water overnight with bricks on top. Borrowed my neighbor’s industrial sander – thing nearly ripped my arms off when I turned it on. Dust went everywhere even with windows open. Spent two whole days sanding while coughing like a chimney.

Then came the fitting part:

• Cut boards using a jigsaw that kept jamming
• Realized gaps near the wall needed trim pieces
• Knocked over the stain can (dark walnut shade)
• Panic-wiped it with rags creating ugly blotches

Finishing Touches and Regrets

Applied sealant with this roller thing that shed hairs onto the floor. Had to pick them out one by one while the coating dried. Final layer looked decent until my dog ran across it with muddy paws next morning. Deep scratches everywhere! Ended up using area rugs to cover the worst spots. Now it’s functional… sorta. Ball bounces fine but man, I should’ve just hired someone.

Major lessons learned:

• Raw wood warps like crazy in humidity
• Power sanders are terrifying beasts
• Dogs and fresh sealant don’t mix

Would I do it again? Hell no. But the blisters and stains make good stories at barbecues now.