Okay, let’s get started. I’ve been wanting to upgrade my home basketball court for a while, and I finally took the plunge. Here’s how I installed laminate basketball soft maple portable wooden flooring.

First, I cleared out the old surface. This was a bit of a pain, as it was some old, cracked concrete. I used a sledgehammer and a pry bar to break it up and haul it away. This took a good chunk of a Saturday, and my back was definitely feeling it!

Next, I leveled the ground. I didn’t want any bumps or dips messing with my dribbling. I brought in some crushed stone and used a hand tamper to really pack it down. Then, I checked it with a long level to make sure it was all nice and even. I had to add a bit more stone in a few spots, but eventually, I got it perfect.

The Flooring Arrives!

Then the exciting part – the flooring arrived! It came in these big boxes, and each piece was surprisingly heavy. I carefully unpacked everything and laid it out to get a feel for how it would all fit together. It was like a giant jigsaw puzzle.

The actual installation was pretty straightforward. The pieces had this click-lock system, so you just kind of line them up and push them together until you hear a “click.” It was surprisingly satisfying. I started in one corner and worked my way across, row by row. I used a rubber mallet to gently tap some of the stubborn pieces into place.

• Start in a corner: This helped me keep everything square.
• Use a rubber mallet: This was key for getting a tight fit without damaging the flooring.
• Take breaks: My knees and back were definitely feeling it after a while!

It took working on my rest time, and I had to finish it, Finally, I added some finishing touches. I installed some trim around the edges to give it a nice, clean look. And then… I stepped back and admired my handiwork.

It looked amazing! Seriously, it was like having a professional court right in my backyard. The soft maple finish was beautiful, and the bounce was perfect. I couldn’t wait to get out there and shoot some hoops. My kids were super excited, too. We spent the rest of the evening playing, and it was awesome.

Overall, I’m super happy with how it turned out. It was a lot of work, but it was totally worth it. Now I have a fantastic place to play basketball whenever I want, and it’s going to be a great spot for family fun for years to come. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, I say go for it! Just be prepared for some hard work, and make sure you have a good helper (or two!).