So, last summer, I got really into playing volleyball with friends at the park, but the ground was always uneven or muddy. That got me thinking: why not build a portable wooden floor that I could take anywhere? Figured oak wood would be tough enough to handle some rough games. Started sketching ideas on an old napkin – just basic squares that could snap together and come apart easy.

Scouting for Stuff

First thing, I headed to the local hardware store to hunt for materials. Needed oak planks since they’re heavy-duty for all that jumping around. Grabbed a few boards, some heavy-duty hinges for folding, and cheap wood glue to keep things tight. Also picked up a measuring tape and a simple saw because my garage tools were all dusty. Took me a solid hour just to pick through the stacks – kept worrying I’d get the wrong size or forget something important.

Cutting and Sanding

Back home, I unloaded everything and cleared space on the workbench. Measured out each plank to about 2 feet square – big enough to step on but small to carry. Cut them one by one with the saw; it was messy work, with wood chips flying everywhere. Made a few mistakes and had to recut a couple pieces, which wasted time. Then, sanded the edges down smooth to avoid splinters during games. Used rough sandpaper first and then fine stuff – took forever, but it felt good to see them looking neat.

Putting It Together

Now for the assembly. I laid out the planks and attached the hinges to connect them side-by-side. Glued the joints lightly to keep them from wobbling, but didn’t go overboard so they’d stay removable. Took it slow to line them up straight – one piece was slightly crooked, and I had to pry it apart and redo it. Once all snapped together, I tested folding it into a bundle. Surprised me how compact it rolled up, like a giant scroll, ready to toss in the car trunk.

Trying It Out

After finishing, I hauled it to the park for a real test. Unfolded it on the grass – clicked into place with a satisfying snap. Set up a net nearby and had friends over for a quick match. Held up well during spikes and dives, but the oak was heavier than expected; almost tripped carrying it back. Ground stayed solid, no wobbles, and cleanup was a breeze – just undid the clips and folded it away. Felt proud but realized it ain’t perfect. Next time, I’ll use lighter wood or maybe add rubber pads for grip.

Overall, this whole project was a blast to tackle step by step. Learned a lot about woodwork – patience pays off, especially when you mess up and fix it on the fly. Now I’ve got my own portable volleyball court for impromptu games anywhere, and it’s way better than fighting the muddy ground.