How to Build an Outdoor Dance Floor

There are a number of places that you can rent an outdoor dance floor, but you can also make one yourself with some time and effort if you are a bit crafty with tools.

Making your own dance floor for an event can save you time and money, and you will be able to store the floor in sections for it to be used again.

If you are a wedding planner, party planner, DJ or you run an outdoor events venue, it may come in handy to have a floor available to rent as an up-sell item for your customers.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Lumber cross-braces
• Closed cell foam or carpet padding
• Safety goggles
• Knee pads
• Wood screws
• Screwdriver
• Wood glue
• Plastic and foam glue
• Caulking gun
• Clamps
• Tape measure

Instructions

Building an Outdoor Dance Floor

1. Gather the layers:

   A solid dance floor will consist of three layers. Note that the floor that will be outlined here will be 8 feet by 8 feet.

   Top Layer: 1/2-inch plywood, MDF or particle board. Use 4 by 8 feet sheets. Plywood flooring is recommended for strength.

   Middle Layer: 1- by 2-inch cross braces. Use 1- by 4-inch braces where the plywood floor overlaps.

   Bottom Layer: 1/2-inch closed cell foam strips or carpet padding cut into strips.

   Use full sheets of plywood in whatever pattern is suited to your area size. This will eliminate cutting and makes the measurement math for the lattice and necessary supplies much easier to figure and manage.

2. Build a lattice support:

   Create a support lattice with 16- by 16-inch squares using 1-inch lumber.

   You will use 1- by 2-inch lumber to make the lattices, but on the edges, overlap the sheets with the 1- by 4-inch lumber.

3. Attach the lattice to the bottom of the plywood using screws, wood glue and caulking guns to apply the glue.
   Glue is an option, but for extra strength and stability, it is recommended.

4. Cut the foam pads into long, 1.5-inch strips and glue them to the bottom of the lattice using the same caulking gun and glue designed for use with foam and plastics.

   Build the floor in 4- by 8-foot sections and assemble them all at once.

   Note: Instead of foam, carpet padding also provides shock protection, although the foam will provide more. A lattice system is highly recommended for consistency and stability.

Tips & Warnings

• For safety, allow all glue products to dry for 24 to 48 hours before you use your dance floor.

References

• Dance Floor Building Tips