Okay, here’s my blog post about installing keel, volleyball, and oak wooden flooring:

Alright, folks, let’s talk about floors! Specifically, the awesome new oak floor I put in my home gym. I wanted something tough, good-looking, and perfect for, well, working out and maybe even a little impromptu volleyball (don’t judge!). I went with a keel system, solid oak, and let me tell you, it was a journey!

Getting Started: The Prep Work

First things first, I had to rip out the old nasty carpet. That was a workout in itself! Underneath was just plain old concrete, so I knew I needed a solid subfloor. This is where the keel system comes in. Basically, it’s like building a little framework under your floor to give it support and a bit of “bounce” – perfect for sports.

I spent a good day just clearing out the room and making sure the concrete was level. I used some self-leveling compound in a few spots where it was a bit uneven. You don’t want any dips or bumps messing up your beautiful new floor!

Building the Keel System

Next up, the keels! I used pressure-treated lumber for this. I laid out the main runners, spacing them according to the instructions I found (can’t remember specifics, to many things in my head.). I should find the instructions for this specific type, Then I cut and installed cross pieces to create a grid. Think of it like a really low, sturdy deck frame.

It was a lot of measuring, cutting, and screwing. I rented a nail gun, which saved my arms a ton of work. Make sure you use the right kind of screws and nails for pressure-treated wood – you don’t want them rusting out on you!

• Measure twice, cut once! Seriously, this is the golden rule.
• Use a level! Constantly. You want this thing as flat as humanly possible.
• Don’t skimp on the materials. Good quality lumber is worth it in the long run.

Laying Down the Oak

Once the keel system was solid and level (and I mean really level – I checked it a million times), it was time for the star of the show: the oak flooring. I let the wood acclimate in the room for a few days before I started. This is important because wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity. You don’t want it warping after you install it!

Laying the first row was the trickiest. I made sure it was perfectly straight and aligned with the walls. Then, it was a matter of fitting the tongue-and-groove planks together and nailing them down. I used a flooring nailer for this – another rental that was worth its weight in gold.

It took time, patience, and a lot of knee pads. But seeing that beautiful oak floor take shape was incredibly satisfying. I did have to make some tricky cuts around the door frame and a couple of corners, but nothing a jigsaw and a little bit of “creative problem-solving” couldn’t handle.

Finishing Touches

After all the flooring was down, I filled any nail holes with wood putty and sanded the whole thing smooth. Then came the fun part: applying the finish! I chose a durable, water-based polyurethane finish that’s designed for high-traffic areas. I applied three coats, letting each coat dry completely and sanding lightly in between.

The Result!

The finished product? Amazing! It’s a rock-solid, beautiful oak floor that’s perfect for everything I want to do in my home gym. The keel system gives it just the right amount of give, and the oak is tough enough to handle whatever I throw at it (or drop on it!). It’s been a few weeks, and I’ve already had a few intense volleyball games on it, and it’s holding up great.

It was a big project, no doubt about it. But it was totally worth it. I learned a ton, saved a bunch of money doing it myself, and now I have a fantastic floor that I’m incredibly proud of. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, go for it! Just be prepared for some hard work and a whole lot of satisfaction.