Getting Started with the Floor Project

So I decided to tackle this removable dance floor project in our spare room last weekend. First thing I did was measure the whole area with this old tape measure I’ve had forever. Went corner to corner three times because I kept doubting myself. Turned out it was about 12 feet by 14 feet – smaller than I thought honestly.

Why I Picked This Oak Flooring

Saw these oak click-together planks at the hardware store and thought “perfect!” They looked real sturdy but weren’t crazy expensive. Plus that oak wood grain pattern caught my eye – looked classy but not too fancy. Sales guy said they’d handle dancing weight fine and could come apart easy later. Sold!

Prepping the Space

Cleared out all the junk first – man that took longer than expected! Found missing LEGO pieces under the sofa I swear disappeared years ago. Swept the concrete floor like crazy, even got down on my knees to wipe dusty spots with a damp rag. Laid out that squishy underlayment stuff that came with the planks. Cut it to size using kitchen scissors like a savage.

The Tricky Installation Part

• Started in the corner like the instructions showed. First row went smooth – click click done!
• Then came the second row… some boards wouldn’t lock right. Had to whack them with a rubber mallet. Whack whack WHACK! Neighbors probably thought I was building a coffin.
• Cutting around door frames was brutal. Measured wrong twice before getting it right. Sawdust everywhere – my wife wasn’t thrilled.
• Halfway through I realized the pattern was drifting crooked. Panicked for five minutes before prying up six rows to fix it.

Finishing Touches and Dance Test

Slapped on those last planks near the wall – needed a crowbar to jam them in tight. Installed transition strips where it meets carpet. Took a deep breath and tried my first shuffle step.

HOLY COW it felt amazing! Solid underfoot with just enough bounce. Did some stupid dance moves just to test it. Not a single squeak or shift. Then my kid jumped on it – nothing budged.

Final Thoughts

Took me two full days with coffee breaks and swearing included. Back’s sore but man seeing that smooth oak floor shining under the lights? Worth every splinter. Next weekend’s project? Teaching myself the foxtrot on this beauty!