How to Make a Dance Floor

Regular access to a dance floor is a must for the serious dancer. If you don't have access to a dance studio or don't want to pay the fees, you can make your own dance floor with little more than an electric screwdriver and a box of screws. This project lets you build a dance floor of almost any size and shape. It can be done by one person but is best completed with a helper. Two people working together can finish almost any size dance floor in one afternoon.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch thick sheets of medium density fiberboard (MDF) 2-inch-wide strips of 3/4-inch-thick MDF 1-inch flat top screws Electric drill or screwdriver with pre-drilling bit

Instructions

1. Ensure the surface to receive your dance floor is flat. You can either build on a pre-existing floor or in a recessed well so that your new dance floor lays flush to the rest of the flooring.

2. Position the sheets of MDF in what will be their final location and trim them, if necessary, to the desired dance floor size. Mark where the edges of the sheets come together on the floor with tape.

3. Remove the MDF sheets and lay the 2-inch strips of MDF out so that they run along the edge-joinings for the MDF sheets you marked. Lay the MDF sheets on top of the strips and make sure the strips are lined up directly underneath the joins.

4. Pre-drill holes, about 1 foot apart, through the MDF sheets and strips. Make sure screws are placed near the corners of the MDF sheets also.

5. Screw the MDF sheets in place, one sheet at a time. Once you reach the edge of the floor, line the 2-inch MDF strips up flush underneath the edge of the MDF sheet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can place foam padding underneath the MDF sheets and strips to help deaden vibrations and help protect your original flooring from scratching. The finished dance floor will be too heavy to move but can be easily deconstructed and put away.

• Always use eye protection and follow manufacturer instructions when working with power tools.