Okay, here’s my blog post about installing a keel basketball maple wooden flooring, written from my personal experience:

So, I finally decided to get that basketball court feel in my basement. I’ve always loved the look and sound of a real maple floor, and I figured, “Why not?” It’s a big project, but I’m pretty handy, and I like a good challenge. Plus, I’ll have the coolest basement in the neighborhood, hands down!

Getting Started

First things first, I had to clear out the entire basement. That was a workout in itself! I moved all the furniture, the old ping pong table, everything. Then, I gave the concrete floor a thorough cleaning. I swept it, vacuumed it, and even mopped it to make sure it was spotless. Any little debris under the floor can cause problems down the road, so I wanted it perfect.

The Keel System

Because it’s a basment and could have some moisture issue, that is why I decided to go with a keel system.

I laid down a vapor barrier, overlapping the seams and taping them securely. This is super important to prevent moisture from seeping up from the concrete and ruining the wood.

Then came the keel system itself. I chose a floating keel system.

So, it’s time to place the keel, to make sure there is enough support and bounce, I followed the guildeline to install the keel one by one. It can be a bit of a puzzle at first, making sure everything is level and aligned, and properly placed.

Laying the Maple

Now for the fun part – the maple! I started in one corner, carefully placing the first row of boards. It’s crucial to leave a small expansion gap around the perimeter of the room, because wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity.I followed the guideline and measured to confirm.

I used a flooring nailer to secure the boards to the keel. It’s a bit noisy, but it makes the job so much easier and faster.

Row by row, I worked my way across the room, making sure each board was tightly fitted to the next. I used a tapping block and a mallet to gently nudge the boards into place without damaging * staggered the seams for a more natural and stable look.

Finishing Touches

Once all the maple was down, I gave the floor a good sweeping and vacuuming to remove any sawdust or debris. Then, I carefully applied several coats of polyurethane finish, sanding lightly between each coat. This is what gives the floor its shine and protects it from wear and tear.

The Result

It took a few weekends, and a lot of sweat, but it was totally worth it! The finished floor looks amazing. It’s smooth, shiny, and has that perfect “basketball court” sound when you bounce a ball on it.

My kids love it, and I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of myself. It’s not perfect, there are a few minor imperfections here and there, but that’s part of the charm of a DIY project. Now, time to shoot some hoops!