Okay, here’s my blog post about installing LVL Volleyball parquet timber, written from a personal, hands-on perspective:

So, the old gym floor was looking sad. Really sad. Scratched, dull, and just generally uninspiring. We decided to go big and install a new LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) volleyball parquet timber floor. Let me tell you, it was a project, but the results? Totally worth it.

Getting Started

First things first, we cleared out the entire gym. Everything. Benches, equipment, you name it. It had to be a completely empty space. Then came the demolition. Ripping up the old floor was… satisfying, to say the least. It involved a lot of crowbars, sweat, and maybe a few choice words.

Prepping the Subfloor

Once the old floor was gone, we had to make sure the subfloor was perfect. This was crucial. We spent a good chunk of time leveling everything out. We used a self-leveling compound, which was kind of messy but did the trick. It’s like pouring a giant pancake, then hoping it settles perfectly flat. We also had to check for any moisture issues, because nobody wants a warped court.

Laying the LVL

This is where the magic started to happen. We started laying down the LVL panels. These things are heavy! It definitely took a team effort. The LVL acts as a super strong and stable base for the parquet.

• Align the First Row: We spent ages making sure the first row of LVL was absolutely straight. Get that wrong, and the whole floor is messed up.
• Secure the Panels: We used a combination of construction adhesive and screws to secure the LVL panels to the subfloor. Overkill? Maybe. But we wanted this floor to be rock solid.
• Stagger the Joints: Important tip we learned, always stager the joints, it add strength!

The Parquet Puzzle

Now for the fun part – the parquet! It’s like a giant, beautiful jigsaw puzzle. We carefully laid out the parquet pieces, making sure the pattern was consistent and that everything fit snugly. We used a special flooring adhesive, applying it with a notched trowel. That part was kind of therapeutic, actually.

• Tap, Tap, Tap: We used a rubber mallet to gently tap each piece into place. This ensured a tight fit and helped the adhesive bond properly.
• Watch the Gaps: We had to leave a small expansion gap around the perimeter of the room. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so this gap is essential.

Finishing Touches

After the parquet was down, it was time for sanding. We rented a big, industrial floor sander. Let me tell you, that thing is a beast! We went over the entire floor multiple times, starting with a coarse grit and working our way up to a fine grit. This created a super smooth surface.

Finally, we applied several coats of polyurethane finish. This protects the wood and gives it that beautiful, glossy shine. We had to wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next, which was the hardest part because we were so eager to see the finished product!

The result? A stunning, professional-quality volleyball court. The difference is night and day. It’s springy, responsive, and just looks fantastic. The whole process was a lot of work, but seeing the players’ faces when they first stepped onto the new court made it all worthwhile. Would I do it again? Absolutely. (But maybe with a slightly bigger team next time!)