Okay, so tackling this DIY fixed volleyball court floor, the wooden kind you piece together yourself – yeah, that one. Wanted something permanent outside instead of the usual temporary nets. Let me tell you, it looked way easier scrolling through the pictures online than it actually was when the boxes showed up at my doorstep.
Getting Stuck In
First off, just wrestling those big boxes off the truck was a workout. Heavy buggers. Dragged them all down to my backyard spot, right where I wanted the court. Had to clear out some weeds and level the ground underneath best I could – didn’t need lumps messing up my beautiful floor later, right?
Opened up the first box. Holy parts explosion! All these different wooden slats, edge pieces, connectors, screws, tools… all staring back at me. Honestly, felt a bit dizzy just sorting them out. Started laying out the main support beams first, the big ones that form the rectangle frame. Followed the instruction paper they gave, step by step. Connecting those beams took some elbow grease getting them tight and straight.
Slats Galore
Then came the actual flooring panels. This is where the ‘hard assembled’ part truly kicked in. Each panel’s got these little interlocking bits on the sides. You gotta sorta tilt them just right to lock into the support beams below and snap them together with the neighbor panel. Sounds simple? Ha.
- First, got about five panels laid down feeling smug. Then realized one wasn’t properly locked. Had to backtrack, lift them off, jiggle that bad panel until it finally clicked.
- Then, keeping everything perfectly straight? Man, you lose focus for two seconds and suddenly you’re laying panels diagonally. Needed constant eyeing and measuring.
- Weather decided to mess with me too. Sun beating down hard. Sweat dripping, making the wood slippery.
Working towards the edges meant cutting panels to fit. Scary first cut! Used their template thing to mark it, but still nervous I’d wreck it. Used my own big saw cause theirs seemed flimsy. Got through it okay, just took time. Seemed like forever getting those perimeter pieces fitted tight.
Locking It Down & The Final Faff
Once all the main panels were finally down and clicked together, time to really lock it in place. Drove these heavy-duty screws down through special holes in the edge panels right into the beams underneath. Took serious muscle with my wrench to get them sunk deep and firm. Didn’t want any bounce or shifting later.
Finally, attached the outer edging trim pieces. These just screw onto the outer frame, hiding the raw edges. Felt like the home stretch! Went all the way around.
Honest Look at the Finish
Stood back. Looks pretty darn solid! Has that nice, proper wooden court feel. But is it perfect? Nah. Got a couple of small gaps between panels where maybe the cuts weren’t laser-precise, but they’re tight enough. One corner edge piece sticks out maybe 3mm – probably hammer it down later. Surface is nice and flat where it matters. Jumped up and down on it a bunch – feels rock solid, no wobble. Kids ran across it – no problems. Mission accomplished.
Biggest takeaway? Patience is key, no rushing. And good tools help. My shoulders are definitely aware of the work done. Took the best part of a sweaty day and a half. But hey, got my own fixed wooden volleyball court now!
