Okay, here’s my blog post about assembling that oak basketball flooring:

Alright, so the other day I tackled this project – putting down some batten basketball oak flooring. I’ve done some flooring before, but this was my first time with this specific type. It was a bit of a learning curve, but hey, that’s half the fun, right?

Getting Started

First things first, I cleared out the entire room. Furniture, rugs, everything. Gotta have a blank canvas, you know? Then I gave the subfloor a good sweep and made sure it was level. This part is super important, because any bumps or dips will show up in the finished floor. I am very serious about this.

The Prep Work

Next, I rolled out the underlayment. this project use the moisture barrier and provides a little bit of cushioning. It’s not rocket science, just roll it out and tape the seams * looks easy, I did it.

Laying the First Few Rows

Okay, this is where it gets real.I am nervous about it. I started by laying out the first row of planks along the longest wall, leaving a small expansion gap (about 1/4 inch) between the planks and the wall. Used some spacers to make sure the gap was consistent. Then, I carefully connected the first few rows, making sure the tongue-and-groove joints fit * needs my patience. I took my time and used a tapping block and a rubber mallet to gently tap the planks together. Don’t go crazy with the hammer, or you’ll damage the edges!

The Main Event

Once I had the first few rows down, things started to pick up speed. It was just a matter of connecting the planks, row by row, and tapping them into place. The key is to stagger the joints, so you don’t have a bunch of seams lining up. It looks better, and it makes the floor stronger. I get that!.

• Cut the planks at the end of each row as needed, using a saw.
• Measured carefully to ensure a tight fit.
• Double-checked my work after each row, just to be sure everything was lined up and secure.

Finishing Touches

After all the planks were down, I installed the baseboards to cover the expansion gaps around the edges of the room. Then, I gave the whole floor a good cleaning to remove any dust or debris. Finally,I can have a rest.

And that’s it! It was a solid day’s work, but totally worth it. The new floor looks fantastic, and it’s going to be awesome for shooting some hoops. My kids are thrilled, and my wife says she likes it. I’m thinking of tackling the living room next…maybe. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and try something new!