Okay, here’s my blog post about installing keel volleyball maple wooden flooring, written in a casual, personal style:

Alright, so I finally got around to tackling that project I’ve been putting off – putting down some new flooring in my makeshift home gym. I’m a big volleyball nut, and I wanted something that would, you know, feel like a real court. Plus, my knees aren’t getting any younger, so a good, sprung floor is a must.

I went with a keel system with maple – seemed like the way to go for that authentic volleyball court vibe. It’s definitely more involved than just slapping down some laminate, but I was up for the challenge.

Getting Started

First things first: clearing the space. This took longer than I expected. I mean, moving all that gym equipment? A workout in itself! Swept the concrete subfloor like crazy, made sure it was super clean. Any little bits of debris can mess things up later.

The Keel System

Then came the keel system. Basically, it’s these… well, keel-shaped pieces of wood that create the framework for the floor. They give it that bouncy, sprung feel. Laying them out took some planning. I wanted to make sure they were spaced correctly and, most importantly, LEVEL. My trusty level became my best friend during this stage. It’s really important to get this right or it, the bounce will be very odd.

• Checked the level constantly.
• Used shims (little wedges of wood) to make tiny adjustments.
• Took my sweet time. No rushing this part.

Laying the Maple

Once the keel system was solid and level, it was time for the maple. This was the satisfying part. Seeing those beautiful maple boards go down, one by one… It started to look like a real court! I rented a flooring nailer – a pneumatic one. Made the job WAY easier. If you’re doing this, don’t even think about hammering by hand. Seriously.

I made sure to stagger the joints between the boards – that’s important for stability and looks. And, of course, I left a little expansion gap around the edges of the room. Wood expands and contracts with changes in humidity, so you gotta give it some room to breathe.

Finishing Touches

After all the boards were down, I gave the floor a good sanding. Started with a coarser grit and worked my way up to a finer one. This is dusty work, so a mask is essential. Then came the finishing. I opted for a few coats of polyurethane – durable and gives it that nice, glossy sheen. Made it look super professional, even if I do say so myself.

Let it cure for a few days. No walking on it! This was the hardest part – the waiting. But it’s crucial to let the finish harden completely.

The Result

Finally, it was done! Stepping onto that finished floor for the first time… Man, it felt amazing. Solid, bouncy, and just… right. It was a lot of work, no doubt. But totally worth it. Now I’ve got my own little slice of volleyball heaven right in my house. And my knees are thanking me already.