Alright, let’s talk about this LVL basketball court flooring project I tackled. It wasn’t some huge professional gig, just a personal project, but I learned a ton.

Getting Started

First things first, I measured the area. I wanted a decent-sized court, but I also needed to make sure I had enough space in my backyard. Then came the fun part – research! I spent hours looking at different flooring options, from traditional hardwood to synthetic materials.

I decided to go with LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) because I liked the idea of using engineered wood – seemed durable and kinda eco-friendly, you know? Plus, I’d seen some cool courts made with it online.

The Dirty Work

Next, I got down to business. I cleared out the area, making sure it was level and free of any rocks or debris. This part was probably the least exciting, lots of digging and hauling, but super important for a good foundation.

Then, I built a simple frame using some pressure-treated lumber. This was to contain the gravel base I was going to put down. I’m no carpenter, but I managed to get it pretty square and level. Felt pretty proud of myself at that point!

After the frame, I dumped in a bunch of gravel. I rented a compactor to make sure it was all packed down tight. This was crucial for drainage and to prevent the court from shifting later on.

Laying the LVL

Now for the main event – the LVL! I ordered the panels, and they were delivered right to my driveway. They were heavier than I expected, so I enlisted a buddy to help me carry them to the backyard.

We started laying the panels, making sure they were snug against each other. I used construction adhesive and screws to secure them to the frame and to each other. This part took some time and patience, making sure everything was aligned properly.

Finishing Touches

Once the LVL was down, I sanded the entire surface. This was a dusty job, but necessary to get a smooth finish. I used a rented floor sander, which made things a bit easier. It got rid of any rough edges and made the court ready for finishing.

Then I applied several coats of polyurethane. This was to protect the wood from the elements and give it that nice, shiny basketball court look. I let each coat dry completely before applying the next, which took a couple of days.

Finally, I painted the lines. I used a special court marking paint and a lot of masking tape. This was probably the most nerve-wracking part, but it turned out pretty good!

I added the final touch – a basketball hoop! I installed it securely, making sure it could handle some serious dunking action (even though my dunking days are probably over).

And that’s it! My DIY LVL basketball court. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. Now I can shoot some hoops whenever I want, and it’s a great place for the kids to play. My biggest achievement? I did it all myself, with my limited knowledge, I made a basketball court!