So I’ve got this backyard space that’s been sitting empty for ages, and I thought why not turn it into a permanent volleyball court? Sounds simple? Nah, took me three weekends of sweat and swearing to get it right. Here’s how it went down.

The Wood Debacle

First mistake: buying cheap decking planks. Hauled home a truckload from the lumber yard thinking “how hard can it be?” Well, half of ’em were warped like bananas. Had to return two batches before finding decent oak boards that wouldn’t buckle under pressure. Pro tip: check every single plank at the store unless you enjoy making extra trips.

Leveling Nightmare

Thought my yard was flat. It wasn’t. Dug out the turf with a shovel until my back screamed – took two full days just to clear the patch. Then came the fun part: dumping five bags of gravel, wetting it down, and stomping around like a madman to compact it. Kept checking with this wobbly level tool until I wanted to chuck it over the fence.

Frame Assembly Disaster

Cut the joists too short first try. Then too long. Finally got ’em right on the third round, but forgot to treat the wood. Had to disassemble everything to slap on weatherproofing stain. Used these beefy steel brackets from the hardware store:

• Mistake: Pre-drilled holes like a dummy
• Fix: Snap two drill bits before learning to drive screws slow

By day two, I’m sunburnt and covered in sawdust like a powdered donut.

Plank Puzzle Hell

Laying the boards looked easy in YouTube videos. Reality? Different story. Had to:

• Shuffle planks to avoid putting knotted spots under jump zones
• Set exact gaps with pennies between boards
• Counter-sink every screw then fill holes like a woodworking dentist

Splintered three boards when my drill slipped – cue creative swearing combinations.

The Final Hurdle

After sanding the whole thing smooth (felt like polishing an elephant), the finish bubbled up when humidity hit. Sanded again, wiped with mineral spirits, applied thin coats like I was painting the Mona Lisa. Let it cure for 48 hours while guarding it from leaves and squirrels with a broom.

Finally played the first game yesterday. That solid thump when the ball hits? Pure satisfaction. Worth every splinter and sore muscle. Next project? Building benches so spectators stop stealing my patio chairs!