Okay, here’s my blog post about installing batten dancing solid wooden flooring:

Alright, so I’ve always wanted that classic, warm look of solid wood flooring, especially for a little dance practice area I’ve been dreaming of setting up. I finally decided to go for it and, let me tell you, it was a project. I went with the batten system because it seemed like a good way to get that real solid wood feel without, you know, completely breaking the bank or my back.

Getting Started

First things first, I cleared out the room. Everything out! Then, I made sure the subfloor was as level as humanly possible. This is super important, guys. I used a long level and some self-leveling compound to fill in any dips or low spots. Took a while, but it’s worth it in the long run. Trust me.

Laying the Battens

Next up, the battens. These are basically just strips of wood that the flooring will sit on. I used pressure-treated lumber, just in case of any moisture issues down the line. I spaced them out evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and screwed them down securely to the subfloor. I used a chalk line to make sure everything was nice and straight. A crooked batten means a crooked floor, and nobody wants that!

The Fun Part: The Flooring!

Now for the actual wood! I let the wood acclimate in the room for a few days. This is crucial so it doesn’t warp or buckle later on. Then, starting along the longest wall, I began laying the first row. I used spacers to leave a small gap around the edges of the room – this is for expansion and contraction, because wood, you know, moves.

I worked my way across the room, row by row, making sure each board was snug against the previous one. I used a flooring nailer to secure the boards to the battens. This was a bit tricky at first, but I got the hang of it. Pro tip: rent a good quality nailer. It makes a world of difference.

• Cut the last board in each row to fit, leaving that expansion gap.
• Staggered the joints between rows, you know, for a more natural and stronger look.
• Try to make the installation look good.

Finishing Touches

Once all the flooring was down, I installed baseboards around the perimeter of the room to cover up those expansion gaps. I also added a threshold where the wood floor met the other flooring in the hallway.

Finally, I applied several coats of polyurethane finish. Sanding lightly between each * protects the wood and gives it that beautiful, glossy * is dancing floor, do not apply slippery coat!

And that’s it! It was a lot of work, I won’t lie, but seeing that finished floor, and knowing I did it myself, is incredibly satisfying. Now I’ve got a perfect space for practicing my moves, and it looks amazing too!