Alright, guys, let’s talk about my little adventure with LVL basketball hard wooden flooring. It all started when I decided our old practice court just wasn’t cutting it anymore. The surface was uneven, dead spots everywhere – it was a mess! So, I figured, time for an upgrade. I’d heard good things about LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), especially for its stability and how it handles moisture, which is a big deal in our humid climate.

First thing I did was a bunch of digging around. I checked out different suppliers, compared prices, and tried to get a feel for the quality of their materials. I mean, you don’t want to cheap out on something like this, right? It’s a long-term investment.

The Installation Process

Once I settled on a supplier, the real fun began – the installation. We ripped out the old flooring, which was a workout in itself, I gotta tell ya. Then came the subfloor preparation. This part is crucial. We made sure everything was level and clean, because any imperfections down there will show up on the playing surface.

Next up, the LVL panels. These things are pretty hefty, so we had to get a few extra hands to help maneuver them into place. We started laying them down, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions about expansion gaps. Wood expands and contracts with temperature changes, so you gotta leave some room for that. We used a special adhesive and nailed them down securely.

The trickiest part? Getting the seams just right. You want a smooth, continuous surface, so lining up the panels perfectly is key. We used a mallet and some tapping blocks to nudge them into place without damaging the edges.

• Step 1: Demolish old flooring.
• Step 2: Prep the subfloor (level and clean!).
• Step 3: Lay down the LVL, minding the expansion gaps.
• Step 4: Secure with adhesive and nails.
• Step 5: Make sure those seams are tight!

After the LVL was down, it was time for sanding. We went over the entire surface multiple times, starting with a coarse grit and working our way down to a fine grit. This gave us that super-smooth finish you want on a basketball court. The amount of sawdust was incredible, good thing that we all weared the masks.

Then came the finishing touches: sealing, painting the lines, and applying a few coats of polyurethane. This is what really makes the court pop and protects the wood from wear and tear. Seeing those crisp lines go down was super satisfying.

Honestly, the whole project took longer than I initially expected, maybe a couple of weeks with a small crew. But seeing the finished product, it was totally worth it. The court looks amazing, and the players love it. The bounce is consistent, the grip is great, and it just feels like a professional-grade surface. My little project turned out pretty darn good!