How to Make a Temporary Dance Floor

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Things You'll Need

  • Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)

  • Scrap carpet

  • Eye protection

  • Work gloves

  • Glue

  • Level

  • Foam

  • Rubber pads

Making your own temporary dance floor can save you money

Clubs provide a wide variety of services, anonymity and the opportunity to meet new people, but for some nothing can rival a private and cozy dance party in someone's home. Temporary dance floors can change your living room into a club for the evening, will protect your feet and knees with cushioning and will keep your floor protected from trampling feet. Building a temporary dance floor will cost less than purchasing or renting one and will allow you the flexibility to host dance parties or galas whenever you like.

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Step 1

Determine the size of your dance floor. Single tap dancers who are simply looking for a temporary place to practice steps at home may only need three square feet, while people who are planning a dance party will need an area as large as their space will accommodate. Make precise measurements of the space you have determined.

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Step 2

Purchase MDF and scrap carpet at a hardware store specific to your measurements. Standard MDF will be 3/4 inch thick and will be cut into 4 feet by 8 feet pieces. You should have the MDF cut into pieces that will fit easily into your space. Purchase the same amount of scrap carpet to place underneath the MDF.

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Step 3

Glue the scrap carpet to the underside of the MDF. This will prevent your floor from being scratched and will provide cushioning for your feet and knees.

Step 4

Place the MDF boards on the floor with the cushioned side down. Place each piece as close as possible to the next piece to avoid gaps where dancers can trip. If your floor is level and you have glued the cushioning material evenly, your dance floor should also be level. Use the level to ensure that this is the case. If it is not level, use foam to even the floor out.

Step 5

Test your floor by dancing, sliding and jumping on it. If an area is slipping, glue rubber pads to the underside to keep it stable.

Tip

To enhance the atmosphere of your dance party secure long, over-the-door mirrors along your walls and hang a disco ball from your ceiling.

If you are hosting a number of dance parties or banquets you may want to consider treating and staining the floor to improve its look and durability. Treating it will protect it from spilled drinks, and staining it will make it look more professional.

Warning

Whenever working with wood, use proper eye and hand protection, especially as MDF can splinter easily.

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