So today I wanna share how I built that shock absorbing volleyball court with larch wood flooring from scratch. Actually got the idea last month when my cousin busted his knee playing on concrete – figured there had to be a cheaper DIY solution than those fancy sports floors.

The Wood Hunt

First drove around three lumber yards comparing prices. Larch’s pricey but lasts forever outdoors. Nearly choked when they quoted me, ended up haggling with the manager near closing time. Got 20% off by promising blog coverage – you’re welcome!

The Assembly Struggle

Layered it like lasagna but man did I screw up the shock pads. Measurements look easy till you’re sweating under the sun with a crooked tape measure. Had to redo the entire base when I realized:

• Mistake 1: Forgot expansion gaps between planks – wood started buckling after rain
• Mistake 2: Wrong shock pad spacing – felt like jumping on concrete

Pro tip: Use chalk lines religiously. Saved my butt on take two.

The Eureka Moment

After four weekends of cussing and splinters, finally got that sweet rebound effect. Dropped a volleyball from shoulder height – watched it bounce like it was doped. Neighbors came over thinking I installed trampolines!

Testing phase got wild – made the kids jump on it while I filmed slow-mo. That rubber-pad-larch sandwich combo absorbs shocks crazy good. Only regret? Not buying knee pads for the assembly phase – still picking wood chips outta my palms.