Okay, so I’ve been wanting to create a portable dance floor for a while now. I do a lot of outdoor events and sometimes the surface just ain’t cuttin’ it for dancing. I saw some cool “dancing parquet” designs and thought, “I can do that!” I decided to go with LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) because it’s strong and relatively lightweight. Here’s how the whole thing went down:

Planning and Gathering

First, I figured out the size I wanted. I went with something manageable, not too huge, so I could transport it easily. Then, I made a rough sketch of the parquet pattern I envisioned – just a simple alternating square design.

Next up, materials! I hit up my local lumber yard. I grabbed a few sheets of LVL. I also picked up some wood screws, wood glue, and a heavy-duty sealant. Safety first, so I also made sure I had my safety glasses, gloves, and a good dust mask.

Cutting and Assembling

This was the longest part. I started by cutting the LVL sheets into the square sizes I needed for my parquet pattern. I used a circular saw – definitely recommend a good, sharp blade for clean cuts. My arms got a little tired, ngl. I did some test cuts to make sure they were even size.

Once I had all my squares, I laid them out on my garage floor to double-check the pattern and make sure everything fit nicely. It looked pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Then, I started assembling. I applied wood glue to the edges of each square and screwed them together to create larger panels. I made sure to clamp them down while the glue dried – super important for a strong bond. Don’t skip the clamping. Just, don’t.

I repeat many times for each square, then finally get a dance floor.

Finishing Touches

After the glue was completely dry (I gave it a full 24 hours, just to be safe), I sanded down any rough edges. I wanted a smooth, even surface, for safety dancing, no splinters!

Finally, I applied several coats of the heavy-duty sealant. This is crucial for protecting the wood from moisture, spills, and general wear and tear. I let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Patience is key here, folks.

The Result!

And that’s it! My very own portable, LVL dancing parquet wooden floor! It’s sturdy, looks great, and it’s totally transportable. I’ve already used it at a couple of outdoor gatherings, and it’s been a huge hit. Everyone loves it! My back kinda hurt after all that cutting and screwing, but it was totally worth it. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just be prepared for some work, and make sure you’ve got the right tools.