How to Build a Tap Dancing Floor

Tap dancing requires a special floor. You can't tap on most surfaces because the taps will damage the flooring. On some surfaces, the taps echo or their sound can be muffled. That can destroy a very fun part of tapping. Here's how to build a tap dancing floor.

Things You'll Need

• Duct Tape
• Closed Cell Foam
• 1/2 Inch Spacer Blocks
• Pull Bar
• Hammer
• Baseboard Molding
• Floating Floor Planks

Instructions

1. Clear the selected area of all carpeting or other other flooring. Cover the surface with closed cell foam underlaying. Tape the edges of the foam with duct tape. Make sure the edges are flat.

2. Trim the plank edges to fit the corners and ridges. Lay the first plank against the wall. Place 1/2 inch spacers between the wall and plank.

3. Lay the next plank down. With a hammer and tapping block connect the end joint of the plank to the first plank. Continue on like this (repeating step 3 with all the planks) until you've reached the last two floating planks.

4. Install the last two planks with a pull bar. Hold the edge of the plank under the lip of the bar and set it down then tap it in gently. Check all the flooring to make sure everything is smooth and flat. Look for any gaps that you may have missed. If you find any try to correct them the best you can.

5. Remove the 1/2 spacers from the wall edges. Install the base molding. It should fit perfectly with the new flooring. That's it. Congratulations, you just installed a floor to tap on!

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time when building a tap dancing floor. You want to make sure to do it the right way.

• Don't allow there to be any cracks or seams in the wood