Build a Dance Floor

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Build a Dance Floor

If anyone in your household dances, whether it's an 8-year-old taking ballet classes or senior citizens learning to foxtrot, you need a dance floor. If you can't afford to have a contractor install a sprung dance floor (one with a little give to make dancing more comfortable) you can build one yourself using fiberboard and lay it on top of your existing floor. Depending on the size, you may even be able to pick up the dance floor after you build it and store it out of the way until you're ready to dance.

Challenge Steps

Measure the space where you want to put your dance floor and make a sketch of the floor you want to build. Have the lumber store pre-cut sheets of MDF, or medium density fiberboard, for you. Plan to place the full sheets of MDF in the center of the floor and partial sheets on the periphery. Have the lumber store cut 2-inch strips of MDF to put under the edge of the dance floor all around, and 4-inch strips of MDF to place under the floor where the MDF sheets join. Cut more strips to place under the center of the sheets (cross braces) to form a lattice for the dance floor to sit on.

Lay out the floor in the space where it will be used and pre-drill the holes for the screws, which will go through the MDF sheets and the strips underneath. Make sure you pre-drill space for the screw heads as well, so the screws won't stick up and catch the dancers' feet. When the floor is completed, you may want to use wood filler to cover the screw heads.

Cut strips of closed-cell foam to attach to the strips and use glue to attach them. The sturdier the foam you use, the longer the floor will last before it loses its springiness and becomes less comfortable for the dancers to use.

Attach the strips to the MDF sheets with wood glue and screws. If the floor is very large, you will have to assemble it in place rather than assemble it upside-down and then turn it over.

Place the floor in the desired location and ensure that it's level and smooth. Make adjustments as needed by trimming the foam strips slightly or adding shims or other material under the floor.

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