So yesterday our weekend volleyball game got messed up cause the wooden floor near the center line was all busted. Big ol’ gap and some boards were smashed up. Coulda twisted an ankle easy. Figured I’d tackle this myself today before the next game. Here’s exactly how it went down:

Step 1: Checking the Mess

Started by sweeping off all the dirt and old leaves stuck between the broken planks. Kneeled right down and poked at the damaged spots with a pry bar. Felt three boards wobbling bad near the net pole. One was cracked clean through the middle. Ugh. Measured the worst section – about 4 feet long and 2 feet wide needed replacing.

Step 2: Ripping Out the Rotten Stuff

Grabbed my hammer and crowbar. Jammed the bar under the edge of the first busted plank and gave it a solid wiggle. Heard nails screeching like angry cats. Popped that sucker out after some grunting. Did the same for the other two bad ones. Sweat was dripping into my eyes already. Found some soggy old newspaper stuffed under there – probably from the last shoddy fix years ago. Gross.

Step 3: Hunting Down Wood & Tools

Rummaged through my shed like a raccoon. Needed:

• Pressure-treated 2x6s (same thickness as original)
• Galvanized deck nails (rust-proof!)
• Circular saw & measuring tape
• Level & carpenter’s square
• Hammer & safety goggles

Dug out some decent planks I’d stashed after last year’s deck project. Thank god I keep scrap wood.

Step 4> Cutting New Boards

Measured the gap between the good floor joists – exactly 45.5 inches. Marked my fresh planks with a fat pencil line. Set up the saw on sawhorses. That screaming buzz always makes my teeth itch. Cut three pieces slow and steady, checking each end with the square. Test-fit them loose in the hole – nice and snug.

Step 5: Locking It All Down

Placed the first new board flush against the joist. Smacked it level with a rubber mallet. Started nailing like a madman – bang bang bang – two nails per joist end. Did the same for the others, leaving a pinky-width gap between boards for swelling. Checked the whole patch with the level. Spot on! Hammered down any proud nail heads until smooth.

Step 6: The Jump Test

Swept sawdust off my new section. Stomped right on the center of the fresh boards. Solid as a rock. No creaks, no bounce. Even did a little fake spike jump. Felt better than the rest of the dang court. Packed up tools grinning like an idiot.

Total time? Bout four hours with coffee breaks. Cost me zero bucks – had everything. Now bring on Saturday’s game! Just gotta convince Steve not to dive near center court…