Starting This Flooring Project
I saw folks playing volleyball at the park last weekend and thought, dang, my backyard grass is too lumpy for proper games. Decided to build a portable court that doesn’t wreck the lawn. Went to the lumber yard after work yesterday.
Material Hunt & First Mess-Up
Grabbed what I thought was maple – turned out half was birch! Clerk kept confusing the wood types. Ended up with:
- 15 planks of actual soft maple (about 6ft each)
- Rubber interlocking tiles for base
- A whole bucket of those snap-together floor connectors
Realized I forgot measuring tape halfway home. Had to borrow my neighbor’s.
The Assembling Disaster
Started laying rubber tiles at 6am. My dog thought it’s playtime – grabbed two tiles and bolted. Ran around for 20 minutes chasing that furball. When I finally lined up the maple planks:
- Forgot to cut notches for corner joints
- Hammered my thumb twice trying to force connectors
- Ended up with this wobbly H-shape that wouldn’t stay put
Making It Actually Removable
Scrapped the connector idea completely. Drilled holes near plank ends instead:
- Threaded ropes through like shoelaces
- Tied sections into 3x3ft panels
- Edges wrap with old bicycle inner tubes for grip
Survived my nephew’s jumping test! Works best on concrete – sinks a bit on grass after rain.
Final Thoughts & What Blew Up
Finished it around midnight. Took about:
- 8 hours total (would be 5 without dog interruptions)
- 3 bandaged fingers
- My last six beers
Real game-changer? You can literally kick panels apart when done. Just untie the ropes, stack ’em in garage. Next project: build wheels under this monster.
