So my backyard volleyball pad flooring was looking rough after last season. You know how it gets – cracks collecting dirt, that shiny sealant wearing off near the net line. Figured I’d finally tackle it before summer leagues kick off. Grabbed stuff from the garage: basic broom, bucket of warm water mixed with dish soap, an old toothbrush, sandpaper, leftover wood sealant from the initial install, and some rags.

The Step-by-Step Mess

First, I swept like crazy. Dust and grit get everywhere between planks. Used that toothbrush to dig out mud packed in the corner joints. Felt like archaeology. Next, dumped the soapy water over a small section. Important: don’t flood it! Just enough to loosen the gunk. Scrubbed the planks one by one with a stiff brush, focusing on sticky spots near where folks stand to serve. Rinsed quick with the hose, but kept it light – no puddles!

Let it dry overnight. Big mistake last year: I patched cracks while damp. The sealant bubbled up. This time, waited a full sunny day.

Patch time. Found hairline cracks near the boundary lines. Sanded those areas gently with fine grit sandpaper – just enough to rough up the surface so the new sealant grips. Wiped away dust with a damp rag. Took the leftover sealant (same stuff used originally!) and dabbed it thin into those cracks using my finger. Yeah, messy. But a brush wasted too much. Wiped excess with a rag instantly.

Final coat. Didn’t do the whole floor – waste of sealant. Just the high-traffic zones: the net line, serving spots, and under the post bases. Applied a thin layer with a foam roller. Thin! You want it to soak in, not sit on top like plastic. Took maybe 10 minutes per section. Done.

Keep it Alive Tips

• Sweep that sand out after every damn game. It grinds the finish down.
• Blow off leaves, especially wet ones. They stain.
• Ice or big spills? Wipe quick. Don’t let it soak in.
• Every couple months, check the joints. If dirt builds up deep, toothbrush time again.
• See a tiny crack? Patch it NOW. Don’t wait for rain to swell the wood.

Took most of a weekend with drying times, but feels solid now. Not brand-new glossy, but good for spikes and dives all summer. Easy stuff, just gotta keep up with it!