Okay, folks, let’s dive into my little project from the other day. I’ve been wanting to set up a small basketball area in my backyard, and I figured a portable wooden floor would be way cooler than just playing on the grass.

First, I gathered all my materials. I had some leftover plywood sheets from a previous project, which was a good start. I also picked up some 2x4s for the framing and keel, and a bunch of screws. Oh, and of course, I needed some outdoor wood sealant to protect everything from the elements. Safety first, so I also made sure i use my safety glasses.

Building the Base

The first real step was building the frame. I laid out the 2x4s and started screwing them together to make a rectangular frame that was the size I wanted for my playing area. It wasn’t huge, just big enough for some casual shooting and dribbling.

Then, I added the keel. This is basically just more 2x4s running down the center of the frame to provide extra support. I made sure they were evenly spaced and securely attached to the outer frame. It’s like the spine of the whole thing, keeping it from sagging in the middle.

Attaching the Floor

Next up, I laid the plywood sheets on top of the frame. I had to trim a few of them down to size with my circular saw, which always feels a bit nerve-wracking, but I managed to keep all my fingers!

I screwed the plywood down to the frame and the keel, making sure to use plenty of screws so it wouldn’t wobble or come loose. I didn’t want any tripping hazards, you know?

Finishing Touches

Once the plywood was all secured, it was time to seal the wood. I brushed on a couple of coats of the outdoor sealant, letting it dry completely between each coat. This is super important, especially since this thing is going to be sitting outside in the rain and sun.

• Gathered Materials: Plywood, 2x4s, screws, outdoor sealant.
• Built the Frame: Created a rectangular frame with 2x4s.
• Added the Keel: Provided extra support with additional 2x4s.
• Attached the Floor: Secured plywood sheets to the frame and keel.
• Sealed every thing: Applied outdoor sealant for protection.

And that’s pretty much it! It’s not the fanciest setup, but it’s solid, and it does the job. I can move it around the yard if I need to, and it’s way better than playing on uneven ground. Plus, I built it myself, which always feels pretty good. I took my ball to try it out, and it was so great!