Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this LVL basketball court idea, using maple timber. It all started when I saw this awesome court online, and I was like, “I gotta try that!” So, I dove in headfirst.

The Prep Work

First things first, I had to get my hands on the materials. Finding the right LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) maple wasn’t as easy as I thought. I went to a couple of lumber yards, checked their stock, and finally found some decent-looking pieces. It felt like a treasure hunt, seriously! I made sure to carefully inspect it for Warpage and other defects.

I cleared out my garage because, let’s be real, this was going to be a messy project. I spread out a huge tarp to catch all the sawdust and wood scraps. Safety first, right?

The Cutting and Assembling

Next up, I started cutting the LVL into strips. My trusty circular saw got a real workout that day! I measured, and measured again, and then cut. It’s so important to use precise measurements when doing things like this. I cut those pieces of wood very carefully.

Once the strips were ready, I began laying them out in the pattern I wanted. This part was like putting together a giant puzzle. I used some wood glue and clamps to hold everything together while it dried. Patience is key here, I kept telling myself. No rushing!

The Sanding and Finishing

After the glue had dried, I had this rough, Frankenstein-looking surface. Time for sanding! I started with coarse-grit sandpaper to smooth out the major bumps and ridges. Then, I gradually moved to finer grits to get that super smooth, polished feel. My arms were definitely feeling it by the end!

Finally, I applied a few coats of polyurethane. This is what gives the court that nice, glossy finish and protects the wood. Each coat needed time to dry, so I had to resist the urge to jump ahead. In between the poly coats, I did some light sanding with very fine sandpaper to knock down any tiny imperfections.

The Outcome (So Far!)

Okay, so it’s not perfect. There are a few spots where I messed up a little, but overall, I’m pretty stoked with how it’s turning out. It’s definitely a learning process, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Would be a great place to practice my fadeaway!

• Lesson learned: Double-check those measurements!
• Next step: Thinking about adding some painted lines.
• Overall vibe: Totally worth the effort!

It’s still a work in progress, but seeing it come together is super rewarding. I just feel that this project has been well worth my time.