So last weekend I decided to finally tackle this basketball court project for my backyard. Been wanting shock-absorbing flooring that won’t wreck my knees, but everything premade costs crazy money. Figured I could build it cheaper with hevea wood – that rubbery stuff’s supposed to be springy, right?

Gathering Stuff

First thing Saturday morning, I hauled my rusty pickup to the lumberyard. Grabbed:

• Those thick hevea planks everyone uses for gym floors
• A whole pallet of foam padding squares
• Enough weatherproof glue to drown a horse

The cashier straight-up laughed when he saw my cart. “Building a spaceship?” Yeah buddy, a knee-saving spaceship.

Prep Work Chaos

Cleared the backyard spot first – ripped out weeds and half-dead bushes. Leveled the dirt with my kid’s sandbox shovel cause my real shovel broke. Classic move.

Then unrolled the foam pads like giant puzzle pieces. Wind kept blowing ’em around while I was taping seams. Neighbor’s dog ran through twice. Nearly threw my hammer at that mutt.

Wood Glue Nightmare

Started slapping glue on foam, pressing hevea planks down. Glue oozed everywhere – got in my hair, on my shoes, dog stepped in it too. Planks wouldn’t line up straight. Had to redo the first three rows like five times. Sweat dripping in my eyes. Looked like a toddler did it.

Finally said screw it and just stomped them together with my work boots. Stomping actually worked better than the mallet.

Finishing Touches

Sanded edges rough cause splinters suck. Slapped some clear sealant on top – didn’t care about streaks anymore. Threw the basketball at it before it dried. Left a funky imprint but bounced great!

Why Bother?

My knees already feel better playing on this springy nonsense. Yeah it looks janky up close, but saved like 80% doing it myself. Kid tested it for three hours straight – that’s the real review.

Would I do it again? Only if someone invents glue that doesn’t stick to everything except what you need.