The Problem With My Volleyball Court Floor

So my backyard volleyball court’s wooden flooring got wrecked after winter. Planks were warped, gaps big enough to trip on, and some boards cracked clean through. Looked like a drunk carpenter put it together.

Digging Into the Mess

First I yanked out all the damaged boards with a crowbar. Man, half those nails snapped right off! Sweated buckets prying up the worst pieces near the net where everyone jumps.

Then I eyeballed which boards needed replacing. Marked ’em with red spray paint – looked like a crime scene out there. Took measurements with my old tape measure while dodging carpenter ants crawling everywhere.

Hardware Store Run

Drove to town for supplies:

• Treated pine planks (same thickness as the old ones)
• Two boxes of those spiral nails that grip better
• Waterproof wood glue
• Cheap rubber mallet from the discount bin

Assembly Headaches

Started by hammering the new boards into place near the serving line. Had to beat ’em like they owed me money to get flush with the old floor. Glued every joint where wood met wood.

The worst part? Those end pieces near the boundary poles. Had to saw angles by hand, test fit, saw again. Messed up three boards before getting two that actually matched.

Filling & Finishing Touches

Found all the gaps wider than my pinky finger and shoved in wood shims dipped in glue. Smashed ’em deep with the mallet till they were snug.

Spent two hours stomping around checking for squeaks or movement. Put extra nails anywhere I felt bounce. Swept sawdust and ant carcasses off the surface – good enough!

Final Slam Dunk

Invited neighbors for a test game next morning. Ball bounced fine and nobody ate dirt. That spongy feel underfoot? Still there. Tossed ’em some beers and played till sunset. Floor didn’t creak once – solid like a bowling alley now!