So today I finally got around to putting together that shock-absorbing wood flooring setup for my volleyball sessions. Wanted something solid but gentle on the knees, y’know? Let me walk you through the whole messy process.

Unpacking the Chaos

First, ripped open the boxes expecting neat stacks of wood. Big mistake. Rubber shock pads were tangled like spaghetti, wooden planks scattered everywhere, and screws? Forget about it – felt like digging for treasure in a sandbox of frustration. Had to lay everything out in the garage just to see what pieces I actually had. Took a whole hour just to sort and breathe.

Measuring & Leveling Nightmares

Cleared the backyard spot, wiped sweat, grabbed the level. Figured it’d be simple. Ha! The ground looked flat until that bubble wouldn’t sit still. Dug a trench here, piled dirt there – felt like a confused gopher. Finally got it “close enough” after kicking dirt around like a kid making mud pies.

Slapping Down Shock Pads

Those rubber mats felt heavier than they looked. Hauled ’em over, dropped ’em where the wood frame would go. “Should interlock,” the cheap diagram said. Yeah, right. Corners bulged up like stubborn toast. Ended up jamming my knee into them while hammering at the edges with a mallet. Still not perfect, but at least they stayed put.

Wood Plank Puzzle

Started clicking planks together near the pads. Click-snap-hiss. Easy? Nah. Some boards didn’t line up, had gaps you could stick a finger through. Pulled ’em apart five times, sanded rough edges with gritted teeth. Splinters? Oh yeah, picked three out before lunch. Finally muscled the last plank in with a crowbar and a grunt. My knuckles might never forgive me.

Varnish Disaster

Thought I’d be smart and protect the wood with a quick coat. Opened the can, stirred it, brushed on a patch. Looked like runny honey drying in weird globs. Five minutes later? Sticky mess with bubbles popping. Scraped it off with a putty knife before it hardened completely. Looks rustic now. That’s what I’m calling it anyway. Rustic.

Test Jump & Reality Check

Stood at the edge, bounced on my heels. Felt… spongy? Different anyway. Dropped the volleyball, watched it thud with less echo. Took a few digs myself. Knees didn’t scream instantly – small win, I’ll take it. But yeah, still felt a splinter poking near corner one. Work in progress.

• Moral of this mess? Wood fights back.
• Actual shock absorption? Maybe 30%?
• Would I do it again? Only if someone pays me in beer.

At least the ball bounces. Mostly. Back to work tomorrow.