Alright, so I had this project to install some solid hardwood flooring, the kind with the keel basketball court setup. It was a bit more involved than your typical flooring job, so I figured I’d share how it went down.

Getting Started

First things first, I cleared out the entire area. Furniture, rugs, everything had to go. Then, I gave the subfloor a good sweeping and vacuuming. You don’t want any dust or debris messing with the installation.

Checking the Subfloor

Next, I checked the subfloor to make sure it was level. Used a long level for this – any dips or bumps more than, say, 1/8 inch over a few feet, and I’d have needed to use some self-leveling compound. Luckily, it was pretty good, so I just moved ahead.

Because it’s a basketball setup, a vapor barrier is very important. I had to prevent future buckling and moisture issues.

Laying Down the Keel System

This is where it gets different from a regular floor. Instead of laying the planks directly, I had to install this keel system. It’s basically a framework of interlocking pieces that create a floating subfloor. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions, snapping the pieces together. It was like a giant puzzle.

• Snap the keel pieces together, section by section.
• Make sure they’re tightly interlocked.
• Check for level as you go.

Installing the Hardwood

Once the keel system was in place, I could finally start laying the hardwood. I started along the longest wall, leaving a small expansion gap (about 1/4 inch) between the flooring and the wall. This lets the wood expand and contract with temperature changes without buckling.

I used a flooring nailer to secure the planks to the keel system. You gotta make sure you’re hitting the keel supports, not just nailing into the air gaps! I worked my way across the room, row by row, making sure the seams were staggered for a natural look.

Finishing Touches

After all the planks were down, I installed the baseboards to cover the expansion gap. A little bit of caulk and some paint, and it looked pretty sharp. Then, I gave the whole floor a good cleaning.

The Result

It was a bit of work, but seeing that finished basketball court floor was totally worth it. The keel system gives it that nice bounce and feel, and the solid hardwood looks fantastic. It was a fun project, and I’m pretty stoked with how it turned out.