Okay, here’s my blog post about setting up that portable volleyball court:

Alright, so I finally got around to putting together that Keel Volleyball Maple portable wooden flooring I ordered. I’ve been wanting a decent practice space in my backyard for ages, and this seemed like a good solution. Let me tell you, it was a bit of a project, but totally worth it in the end.

Getting Started

First things first, I cleared out a big, flat area in the yard. This was probably the most boring part – picking up rocks, pulling weeds, and making sure it was all level. I used a rake and a leveler, you know, those long, flat things. I even used a big roller that I filled it with water to make the earth more solid.

Unpacking and Laying the Foundation

The flooring came in a bunch of boxes, and man, were they heavy! It is highly recommended to ask someone for help. I managed to lug them all to the backyard myself, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend it. I opened everything up and sorted the pieces. There were the main floor panels, these big maple squares, and then a whole bunch of smaller pieces for the edges and the keel system underneath.

The keel system was like a giant puzzle. It’s basically a framework of interlocking pieces that creates the support for the floor. I started by laying down a moisture barrier – basically a big plastic sheet – to protect the wood from the ground. Then, I started snapping the keel pieces together. It took some figuring out, but the instructions were pretty clear. It was like building with giant LEGOs, only heavier.

Putting Down the Floor Panels

Once the keel was all set up, it was time for the actual floor. These maple panels were beautiful – smooth and perfectly finished. They clicked together along the edges, which was super satisfying. I started in one corner and worked my way across, making sure everything was lined up perfectly. I did one row and I checked if everything was correct, and then I continued.

• Tip: Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the panels together. Don’t whack them too hard, or you might damage the edges.

It took a while, but slowly but surely, the floor started to take shape. I had to make a few cuts around the edges to fit the space perfectly. I just used a regular circular saw for that – nothing fancy.

As each part was adjusted, I took out my measuring tape to see if they met my requirements.

Finishing Touches

With the main floor down, I added the edge pieces. These were smaller and angled, to give the court a nice, finished look. I also installed the net posts – I had to dig a couple of holes and set them in concrete to make sure they were sturdy.

Make sure you get some help for this part.

The Final Result

And that was it! It took a good chunk of a weekend, but I finally had my own portable volleyball court. I strung up the net, grabbed a ball, and started practicing. It felt amazing to have a dedicated space to work on my game. The floor felt solid and springy, just like a real indoor court. Seriously, if you’re thinking about getting one of these, do it! It’s a bit of work, but totally worth the effort.