Okay, so I finally tackled that dance floor project in my garage this weekend. Been staring at that concrete slab forever – my knees ain’t what they used to be after all those tap classes. Figured I needed something softer but sturdy.

Started by measuring the whole area twice ’cause last time I eyeballed it? Disaster. Ordered this shock absorbing dancing maple flooring kit online. Boxes arrived looking all fancy, but man were they heavy. Hauled ’em inside grumbling the whole time.

Prep Work First

• Swept the concrete like crazy – even found a 10-year-old washer under there.
• Laid out the foam underlayment stuff. Unrolled it slow, trimmed edges with a box cutter. Felt like gift wrapping a giant rock.
• Cut around the poles using my wife’s sewing scissors. She still don’t know.

Assembly Time!

Opened the first box of maple planks. Had that fresh wood smell. The locking system clicked easy at first – slide one tongue into the groove, tap gently with a rubber mallet. Felt like a genius… until I hit the third row.

• Misaligned a whole section. Had to disassemble half the damn row.
• Realized I forgot the expansion gap by the wall. Added pennies as spacers since my spacers went missing.
• Trimmed the last plank with my jigsaw. Blade caught twice – nearly threw the thing.

Testing Phase

Kicked off my shoes and tried a basic shuffle. Immediate difference! That cushiony foam took the edge off. Did some stomps – zero floor shake. Then my kid charged in full-speed, slid across in socks yelling “IT’S BOUNCY!” Nearly had a heart attack, but not a single plank shifted.

Took me two full days with breaks for pizza and cussing. Back’s sore, but standing here watching sunset light hit that maple grain? Worth every splinter. Can finally practice without feeling like I’m wrecking my joints.