So I decided to finally tackle that home gym project I’ve been putting off for months. Needed proper sports flooring, the wooden kind you see in real gyms. First thing I did? Just typed “sports wood flooring near me” into Google. Big surprise – loads of options popped up but no clear winner.
The Legwork Phase
Started calling around to local building supply spots. First place quoted me this crazy high price – like are they coating these planks with gold dust or what? Second spot had decent prices but when I drove over, dude straight up told me they don’t actually stock it despite what their website said. Wasted my whole afternoon right there.
The Game Changer Moment
Remembered my buddy Mike renovated his garage gym last year. Called him up and he goes “Oh you want XYZ Suppliers, they’re the real deal for this stuff.” Never heard of them before but took his word for it. Called XYZ next morning and this guy Greg answers – actually sounds like he knows what he’s talking about for once.
- Greg asked all the right questions – what sport will you play on it?
- How thick do you need it?
- Got kids or pets that’ll mess with it?
- Even suggested I come see samples first
Field Trip to the Warehouse
Drove out to their warehouse Thursday. Place smelled like fresh cut timber – good sign. Greg shows me three different types:
- Cheap one felt flimsy underfoot
- Mid-grade had nice springiness
- Premium one – wow you could drop weights and it barely made a sound
Priced them out right there on Greg’s clipboard. Wasn’t cheap but way better than first quote. Decided mid-grade would work fine for my needs.
The Waiting Game
Delivery took forever – like 11 days when they promised 7. Greg kept apologizing, said their supplier had shipping delays. Annoying but he threw in free delivery and 5 extra boxes of those little foam pads you put under the planks. Decent save.
Installation Blunders
Tried doing it myself weekend before last. Big mistake. Turns out:
- My concrete floor wasn’t as level as I thought
- Those interlocking edges are trickier than YouTube makes it look
- Made some ugly gaps in the corners
Called Greg Monday morning whining. Got his crew out here Wednesday – took them 3 hours to fix my 2-day mess. Charged me half-rate labor too. Bless that man.
Now it’s done? Feels like walking on clouds when I do yoga. Ball bounces proper for basketball drills too. Worth every penny and headache honestly. Moral of the story? Get the guy Greg on the phone from day one.
