Okay, so today I’m tackling a project I’ve been putting off for a while – installing batten basketball solid assembled wooden flooring. It sounds fancy, but really it’s just putting down a wooden floor that’s good for playing basketball on. I’ve got a space in my basement that I’m turning into a mini-court for my kids (and maybe for me, let’s be honest).

Getting Started

First thing, I cleared out the space. This involved moving a bunch of old boxes, a dusty treadmill, and a whole lot of “stuff” that I probably should have thrown away years ago. Anyway, after a good sweep and vacuum, I had a nice, empty concrete slab to work with.

Prepping the Subfloor

Now, the concrete was pretty level, but not perfect. I used a self-leveling compound to smooth out any dips or bumps. This stuff is like magic – you just mix it up, pour it on, and it finds its own level. I let that dry overnight, just to be sure.

Laying Down the Battens

Next up, the battens. These are basically just strips of wood that create a framework for the flooring. I used pressure-treated lumber, because the basement can get a bit damp sometimes. I laid them out perpendicular to the direction I wanted the floorboards to run, spacing them about 16 inches apart. I secured them to the concrete with concrete screws – making sure to pre-drill the holes first. This part took a while, lots of measuring and screwing.

Adding the Flooring

I used some pre-assembled wooden panels that came in large pieces and got to work fitting the pieces on the battens. Then I secured those panels with nails and a hammer, I thought about getting one of those electric hammers but didn’t bother, it’s more fulfilling this way.

Finishing Touches

I applied two coats of polyurethane, letting it dry completely between coats. It makes it look shiny and protects the floor.

The Result

And that’s it! My own mini basketball court. It’s not perfect, I’m no professional, but it’s solid, level, and the kids are already loving it. I’m pretty proud of myself, to be honest. It was a lot of work, but totally worth it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go shoot some hoops!