Okay, here’s my blog post about installing cushioned volleyball flooring, written in a casual, personal style, and using simple HTML tags for formatting:

So, I finally got around to tackling that project I’ve been putting off for, like, ever – putting down some decent flooring in my makeshift volleyball practice area. I’ve been using this old concrete slab in my backyard, and let me tell you, it’s rough on the knees after a few dives. I wanted something with a bit of give, you know? Something that wouldn’t make me feel like I was 80 years old after an hour of practice.

I did some digging around, and it seemed like the “cushioned” hard maple was the way to go. It apparently gives you that solid wood feel, but with some hidden shock absorption underneath. Sounded perfect!

The Prep Work (Ugh)

First things first, I had to clear out the area. This involved moving a bunch of old flower pots, a rusty grill, and a whole lot of random junk that had accumulated over the years. It was like an archaeological dig, uncovering layers of forgotten outdoor projects.

Then came the real fun: cleaning the concrete. I rented a power washer from the local hardware store, and let me tell you, that thing is a beast! It blasted away years of grime and dirt. I felt like a superhero, wielding a weapon of mass cleanliness. Important note: wear eye protection! I learned that the hard way.

Once the concrete was clean and dry (which took a surprisingly long time – I had to wait a couple of days), I rolled out a vapor barrier. This is basically a big sheet of plastic that keeps moisture from seeping up from the ground and messing with the wood. I taped the seams together with some heavy-duty tape, making sure there were no gaps.

Laying Down the Cushions

Next up were the cushion things. These were like…rubber blocks, for lack of better word. I arrange these blocks based on the instructions. These provide the “bounce.” It’s surprisingly simple.

• Lay the rubber blocks down.
• Make sure they’re evenly spaced.

Putting Down the Wood

Finally, the moment of truth: laying down the actual maple flooring. I’d ordered these interlocking panels, which were supposed to make the whole process easier. And they mostly did, I guess. It was still a bit of a puzzle, figuring out how everything fit together. There was a lot of tapping with a rubber mallet (my new best friend), and some occasional cursing when things didn’t quite line up.

I started in one corner and worked my way across, row by row. It was slow going at first, but I eventually got into a rhythm. Pro tip: use knee pads! Even with the cushioned flooring underneath, kneeling on hard wood for hours is no joke.

The Finished Product

After a few days of solid work (and a few sore muscles), it was finally done! And I have to say, it looks pretty darn good. The maple has this nice, warm color, and it feels so much better underfoot than the old concrete. I did a few test jumps and dives, and the difference was amazing. No more jarring impacts! My knees are thanking me already.

It’s not perfect, mind you. There are a few spots where the panels aren’t quite flush, and I’m sure a professional installer would have done a much neater job. But hey, it’s my DIY project, and I’m proud of it. Now, who’s up for a game?