Alright folks, let’s talk about putting down that larch wood floor for the rubber court. Straight up, it ain’t rocket science, but you gotta do things in order. Here’s how my day went doing it step-by-step.

Getting Started & Prep Work

First thing, I grabbed my buddy Steve early Saturday. Figured we needed manpower. Unloaded the larch planks from the truck – heavier than they look, lemme tell you! Tossed ’em carefully near the rubber base, trying not to scratch anything. This rubber stuff is pretty soft.

Started by sweeping the whole rubber court surface like crazy. Tiny rocks, dust, even dead leaves – gotta get it all off. Used a stiff broom and finished with a damp mop rag. You DO NOT want bumps under your wood floor later. Took longer than I thought honestly.

• Cleaned like mad: Swept three times over, wiped damp cloth twice. No shortcuts here.
• Stacked wood wisely: Didn’t just dump the planks. Put ’em where they wouldn’t get wet or walked on.

Setting Things Up Right

Time to get things straight and level. This part requires patience. We pulled out the long level – crucial tool. Placed it all over the rubber surface in different spots. Saw a few low areas under the level. Frustrating! Had to mix some thin, soupy concrete patch we brought. Scooped it into the low spots with a trowel, smoothed it out best we could like frosting a cake – a crappy cake. Waited like 3 hours for it to dry mostly.

Unrolled the moisture barrier stuff like a big plastic carpet. Made sure it overlapped at the seams by several inches. Taped those seams down real good with this wide construction tape. Didn’t want ANY moisture sneaking up from below later.

The Real Work – Planking Time

Now the fun began. Started along the longest straight wall. Remembered the expansion gap rule! Used those little plastic spacers against the wall – about the width of my pinky finger between the plank and wall. You HAVE to leave this gap for the wood to move. Forgot once years ago on a deck – bad mistake!

Started clicking the tongue-and-groove planks together. Whacked them gently with a rubber mallet and a tapping block. You hear a satisfying “click” when they lock in tight. Got a rhythm going: Place plank, check it’s flush, tap into place, repeat. Steve cut planks at the ends with the circular saw – man, sawdust flew everywhere! Needed goggles for that job.

• Gaps are friends: Used spacers religiously on every row near the wall.
• Whack gently: Too hard and you crack the groove. Patience pays off.
• Cut cautiously: Measure twice, or heck, three times. Larch ain’t cheap.

Finishing Touches & Oops Moments

Near the end, had this odd triangular patch to cover. Measured it carefully, drew it on a plank like a puzzle piece. Steve cut it slow, following the line, fingers well clear. Popped it in – fit perfectly! High-fives all around.

Didn’t go smooth everywhere. Had to pry out one whole row near the end because it somehow got crooked. Tapping block slipped or something. Added an hour for sure. Cursed a bit. Finally got the last plank down. Installed the trim pieces around the edges to hide the gaps – felt amazing hammering that last trim nail.

Stepping Back & Breathing

Pulled all the plastic spacers out. Swept everything again – so much sawdust hidden. Went over the whole court, walking, jumping slightly. Felt solid! That tight “click” during install showed its worth. Stood there looking at it, dusty and sweaty. Cracked open a couple cold beers with Steve right there on the new larch wood.

Honestly? Tiring day, but seeing it finished? Worth the sweat. Do it step-by-step, prep matters most, don’t rush whacking those boards together. It holds up.