Started this volleyball floor project last month after joining a local rec league. My garage was just sitting there full of junk, so I figured why not turn it into a proper court? Heard hardwood’s best for indoor volleyball, but man, did I underestimate the work.

The Messy Beginning

First, cleared out all the junk – old tools, broken chairs, yeah that was a weekend right there. Swept the concrete floor like crazy because even tiny pebbles ruin everything. Then I hit the first snag: the floor wasn’t level. Like, seriously uneven. Had to:

• Rent a concrete grinder (dust everywhere, wore two masks!)
• Fill cracks with epoxy filler
• Wait 48 hours praying it’d dry right

Wood Panic Mode

Bought maple planks because everyone online said it’s tough stuff. Opened the delivery – planks were way thinner than I expected. My heart sank. Did a dumb thing: tested one by spiking a ball on it. Put a dent immediately. Returned everything, went for ¾-inch oak instead. Way heavier, way pricier. My back still complains.

The Real Struggle

Laid moisture barrier plastic first, taped seams like my life depended on it. Started nailing planks at 4 AM thinking “this’ll take a day.” HA. Problems popped up like crazy:

• Nail gun jammed every 5th plank
• Cut boards too short near the wall (twice!)
• Ran out of spacers, used pennies instead – worked but felt stupid

Sweat dripping, knees bruised, I was crawling by hour 10. Only got halfway done.

Sanding Disaster

Once all planks were down, rented a floor sander. Thing was a monster. First pass left gouges deeper than my regrets. Called my buddy Dave – who actually knows stuff – he showed up with beer and fine-grit sandpaper. We redid it by hand over 3 nights. Arms felt like jelly.

Finish Line Chaos

Applied water-based polyurethane because oil yellows over time. Did two coats thin. Smelled awful, garage door stayed open for a week in February – neighbors thought I’d lost it. Final coat bubbled in one corner. Almost cried. Sanded just that spot gently, reapplied while holding my breath.

Now? Got the nets up finally. Ball bounces like it should, knees ache, but man that first spike on real hardwood? Pure satisfaction. Worth every splinter. Next time though… I’d just pay someone.