How to build a dance floor out of plywood
How to Build a Dance Floor Out of Plywood?
Building a backyard dance floor out of plywood can sound like a daunting task, but it isn’t that difficult if you follow a few basic rules.
There are many man-made materials you can make a dance floor out of. But it makes sense to build a DIY outdoor dance floor with plywood, as it is affordable, and you only need a handful of materials and tools.
In this project, we are not going to build a professional dance studio. We will make a dance floor outside on the grass.
Why Should You Consider Wood?
Wood is an excellent option for a dance floor because it gives a little. This, in turn, does a better job at protecting your ankles, knees, and your other joints.
Wood is both comfortable to dance on and protective of your joints. Concrete, linoleum, and ceramic tile can’t provide that. In dances with a lot of pounding, this is especially important.
When it comes to wood, plywood seems to be a great choice. Plywood is inexpensive yet provides the right amount of giving versus stability to take good care of the people who dance on it.
How to Calculate the Size of the Dance Floor
If you just need a small dance floor so you can practice on it, a four-foot square piece of plywood will likely be enough.
But if you need a dance floor for an outdoor wedding, for example, you’ll have to go with a different plan. Size the floor based on how many guests you will have and how much space you have available.
According to industry standards, the dance floor should be large enough to accommodate 30 to 50% of your total invitee list at one time. Calculate 4.5 square feet per dancer on average.
Now let’s do the math:
- The dance floor will be occupied by 30-50% of the guests simultaneously. Let’s use 40 % as our average.
- Each person requires 4.5 square feet (9 square feet for a couple).
- A party with 100 people is likely to have 40 people or 20 couples on the dance floor at any given time.
- This means we will need a dance floor of approximately 180 square feet (17 square meters) for an event with 100 people.
However, there are other factors to consider as well:
- What is the ideal size and location for your outdoor space?
- How much time are you willing to allocate to building a floor?
- How much are you ready to spend? The bigger the dance floor, the more money you will shell out (the total cost of wood material for a floor with six sheets can go up to $350).
Plywood sheets Sizes
Plywood sheets are universally sized at 4 by 8 feet (48 x 96 in., 1.22 x 2.44 m). That is around 32 square feet (3 square meters).
Practical sizes for a dance floor made of plywood are:
- 2 plywood sheets: 8 x 8 feet (2.44 x 2.44 m), 64 square feet (6 square meters)
- 3 plywood sheets: 8 x 12 feet (2.44 x 3.66 m), 96 square feet (9 square meters)
- 4 plywood sheets: 8 x 16 feet (2.44 x 4.88 m), 128 square feet (12 square meters)
- 6 plywood sheets: 12 x 16 feet (3.
66 x 4.88 m), 192 square feet (18 square meters) - 8 plywood sheets: 16 x 16 feet (4.88 x 4.88 m), 256 square feet (24 square meters)
What Plywood Type to Choose?
Wood floors are great for certain types of dancing, such as country, western, and ballroom. Other types of dancing may require a different kind of floor.
Consider this:
- Is the plywood the dance floor itself?
- Or is it a subfloor for something else to be put on top of it?
If the plywood is going to be used without any floor covering, it’s best to go with sanded softwood plywood, such as an AB or AA sheet of 1/2 inch plywood. Here you can find more information about plywood grades.
Note: 1/2-inch is the nominal thickness, actual thickness is 15/32 inch.
If the plywood is a subfloor for another flooring, like linoleum tile, you can use less expensive plywood if you like.
Steps to Build DIY Dance Floor on Grass
We certainly have some challenges when building a dance floor on grass.
First, the ground is uneven; second, the individual plywood panels must be securely connected together.
Let’s have a look at how to do this.
Step 1: Determine the size and the location
Select an area that is level and large enough to accommodate the dance floor. Allow space around the dance floor for people to move around.
Step 2: Collect materials and tools
Obtain the correct number of 4 x 8 feet plywood sheets of 1/2-inch (1.2 x 2.4 m x 1.2 cm).
For the frame, purchase 2 in x 3 in x 8 feet wood studs (5.1 x 7.6 cm x 2.4 m).
Note: 2 x 3 is the nominal size. Actual size is 1 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches (38 x 64 mm).
Each plywood sheet requires 4 wood studs. 2 pieces go along long edges, 2 are cut to form shorter support pieces of 45 in (114.3 cm).
If you build a 12 x 16 feet (3.66 x 4.88 m) dance floor, you need 6 plywood sheets and 24 joists.
Step 3: Build the framework
For each plywood sheet, construct a supporting framework:
- Set one sheet on the ground to help with measurement.
- Align two joists along the long sides.
- Cut two posts to retain four shorter support pieces of 45 in (114.3 cm) each.
- Set them inside the two longer joists.
- Screw the pieces together with 3-inch screws.
- Build one unit for each sheet of plywood you have.
Step 4: Attach the plywood sheet to the framework
After the framework is built, attach the plywood to it using either countersunk screws or nails.
It might also be good to glue the plywood to the supporting structure. That way, the plywood won’t separate from the system when moving it.
Step 5: Attach the units to each other
To attach the units, you have two options:
- Drill through the adjacent frame pieces, then bolt the units together. Other option is to use corner braces. Flipping over the floor after being bolted together is the trickiest part of this option.
- Attach mending plates to the outside corners of the units. The floor will then be fastened together through those plates.
By doing this, you do not have to flip the unit over when you are done.
Step 6: Finishing
Finally, you can finish the floor with varnish to make it last. If you find any holes or voids in the surface, fill it with a wood putty made explicitly for flooring.
You can also mount vinyl flooring (like this checkerboard vinyl flooring), or a vinyl dance mat, like in the image below, to the plywood to make it look more professional.
Plywood Dance Floor on Hard Surface
If you build your wooden dance floor on a hard surface, like stone or concrete, it needs to be cushioned to protect the dancer’s ankles and knees.
The easiest way for a dance floor like this is a roll of closed-cell foam subflooring. You can also choose foam panels instead if that’s what you prefer.
Ready-made Dance Floor Kits
If all this sounds too complicated, you can always rent a dance floor, or get a ready-made dance board kit. You set up the floor from the tiles like this:
Extra Items to Spruce up Your Backyard Dance Floor
1.
Entrance to Your Dance FloorAdding an entrance to an outdoor wedding is a nice touch. A wedding arch makes a stunning entrance to the dance floor. You can also use it for other events like birthdays. You only need to change the decoration on the arch.
2. Fencing
Another way to add style is with fences. Fences are also a great way to decorate, and you can even attach lights to them.
3. Lights
As the sun sets, the backyard lights add a lot of charm to the dance floor and whole area.
These Outdoor lights can be used all year round for a variety of reasons.
This type of lighting can be used on special occasions, like weddings, or just to brighten up a dark area of your backyard.
If you are hanging those string lights around the dance floor, and there are no trees, learn more about how to hang outdoor string lights without trees.
These sound-activated outdoor party lights can liven up any party or get-together.
4. Folding chairs and tables
The convenience of folding chairs and tables makes them easy to transport to any location.
The otherwise dull white folding chairs can be easily decorated for an outdoor wedding.
The Bottom Line
Dancing in the grass is not possible with heels. In other words, if you want a low-key event, arrange the dance on the grass, but have the guests bring flip flops (or provide them yourself).
If you want a proper dance floor on grass, you can rent one or build one from plywood. Making a dance floor from plywood can be simpler than you thought.
How to Build a Dance Floor
Home / Latest Posts / Life / Party Ideas / How to Build a Dance Floor
By: Leigh Anne Wilkes
This tutorial will show you how to build a dance floor using 2 x 2’s and sheets of plywood.
So easy and less expensive than renting one.
I shared with you in a previous Wedding Carnival post the story of our dance floor. When we decided to book a live band for the Wedding Carnival I thought we needed a dance floor. My husband did not. We have a large backyard and plenty of grass and he thought dancing on the grass would be just fine.
I am not easily dissuaded or discouraged.
I got on line and immediately started pricing dance floors from rental companies. They are not cheap, between $700-800 for the size we needed. It wasn’t in the budget so I decided I needed to get creative.
To make a somewhat long, 5 month long story short, I had a dance floor and then I didn’t have a dance floor, I had a dance floor and then I didn’t. In fact I thought I had a dance floor until the Sunday before the Wedding Carnival. It fell through – five days before the event.
Remember I am not easily discouraged so I decided we were going to build a dance floor.
Or rather my daughter Cali and her friend Hannah were going to build me a dance floor (with some help from dad of course.)
By this time I had totally broken Jim down and he agreed so we headed to Home Depot on Monday night (the Wedding Carnival was Friday).
Dance Floor Supplies
- 6 sheets of 1/2″ plywood
- 30 eight foot long 2 x 3’s – cut 18 of them into two 45″ pieces (you will have pieces leftover) This will leave 12 of the boards 8 ‘ long. They cut them for free for you at Home Depot.
- Nails and hammer
- Floor Paint and supplies for painting
- Painters Tape
- 6 Mending plates to join the pieces together
How Big is the Dance Floor?
The dance floor measured 12 x 16 and was created out of 6 sections that were 4 x 8 which is the size of a sheet of plywood.
How to Build A Dance Floor
The whole neighborhood got involved or enjoyed watching the process taking place out in front of our house.
The above photo is about how involved Tessa got – she held a hammer for a photo but she was working full time so we need to cut her some slack.
- Create 6 frames from the 2 x 3’s that measure 4′ x 8′.
- Add four support pieces to each frame
- Nail a sheet of plywood to the top of each frame. Nail it down along the edges and across the support pieces.
- The moms got involved in this step of the process. Had to bring in the big muscles!
How to Paint a Dance Floor
The next step was the painting process. I decided that I wanted the floor to be checker board to go along with the carnival theme so I purchased black and white floor paint. We primed the boards first and then added a coat of white paint to each section.
Yes, I sat in a chair and watched it dry! I like watching paint dry.
After it was dry, the girls used blue painters tape to tape off the squares. The squares measured 24″ x 24″ so each 4 x 8 section had 2 x 4 squares.
Using small foam rollers the girls rolled the black paint into the taped off squares.
We waited for the paint to dry, removed the tape and we had a dance floor!
Finally, we numbered the pieces so that we knew how to put it back together once we moved it into the backyard.
The mending pieces were hammered into to hold the pieces together.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dance Floor
Total Cost of Dance Floor (including paint but not including labor) Approx. $300.00.
It was perfect and it was a wonderful addition to our carnival and YES, we needed a dance floor. Even my husband admits that now. It added such a fun element to the carnival and really got people dancing.
Who wouldn’t want to dance on a black and white checkerboard dance floor!!!
Reader Interactions
Dance Studio Owner | December 2022
Step Draft floor "Springstep". share Tweet share Comments
Here the experts at Stagestep Flooring Solutions share their advice on building your own dance system for your studio.
Creating your own dance floor system starts with preparation, planning and asking the right questions. Do this, and as a result, you will have a successful project, saving time and money.
wade robinson dance
The dance system system consists of three elements:
- Plate - Your foundation
- Black floor - for absorption of energy
- dance floor
There are many options that should be taught many options that should be taught. , both in what elements are needed to meet your needs, and in how these elements are combined.
Questions you should ask yourself:
- How will the space be used? Just dance? Multipurpose? Parties and other non-dance related events?
- What dance style(s) and how often will the space be used?
- Is this a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent installation?
- What is your budget?
Springstep IV Subfloor by Stagestep
In addition, you will need to decide if you will do it yourself from scratch, use a ready-made system for self-installation, hire someone on site to install it, or have the manufacturer do it all for you.
you.
Once the questions have been asked and answered, you will have a plan of action. Whether you make it yourself or give it to a farm, you need to know the following so you don't miss any important steps.
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Slab must be level and vapor barrier, especially if it is concrete. If it is uneven, you may need to apply a degreaser to it.
Floating Subfloor is available in many configurations. You will need to decide, based on features, installation instructions, budget, and performance in terms of resilience and cushioning, which type of subfloor is right for you. Make sure you have a floating subfloor and not a raised subfloor. Floating means air under all points on the surface. Foam has air.
Dance floor surface can be vinyl (gauze) or wood. Within each category, there are a variety of options based again on budget, appearance, usage, required maintenance schedule, and whether the flooring needs to be moved (e.
g. to a concert stage).
Take your time and make decisions without first exploring all options, knowing your needs, talking to "experts" and other owners who have similar needs or have gone through the process.
For the purposes of this lesson, let's say we're in a studio for a few dances with a long-term arena (or we're the owner) and we have the ability to do it ourselves.
Woodstep dance floor installation by Stagestep.
First we check the stove. If it is uneven, broken in places or uneven, it must be repaired. If it is a new construction, a moisture test (a so-called "calcium chloride test" available at a hardware store) should be performed to check the moisture percentage and moisture pressure in the slab. A concrete slab needs a vapor barrier with a liquid or viscous vinyl coating. It is easy to install or apply.
The basic versatile floating subfloor for multi-purpose dance classes is called the Springstep II. .
Items required:
- High Density Foam Blocks or Styrofoam Cubes (52-100 per bottom plywood)
- 2 plywood with ½" backing - top ply to be A/C (finished on one side), bottom ply B / C (unfinished on both sides)
- 50-75 top plywood screws
- 1" decking screws threaded to head
- wood filler
- sander
- electric screwdriver
- circular saw
- tape or glue to attach the floor to the subfloor
vertical position, curled up on a cardboard or plastic base.
The first step is to roll out the subfloor on the floor for 24-48 hours so that it can acclimate. Always use an industrial cutting tool (not a box cutter) to cut the floor.
There are four ways to install: temporary (top tape), semi-permanent (up to two years with 2" or 4" double-sided tape), permanent semi-permanent (ReUseIt 2.0), and permanent (adhesive). Professional installation is required for permanent installation.
The rest of the options you can do yourself.
Routes are available online at www.stagestep.com. They are simple and do not require special skills. This will take time, but you can save up to $2.00 per square foot. Other options include Springstep IV, a prefabricated floating subfloor that eliminates the use of screws, sanding and wood filler, and plywood. This will save you up to 80 percent assembly time.
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Remember that preparation, planning, and asking the right questions will ensure that the studio floor is right for your students, your schedule, and your budget.
Reviews about the Plywood / Faner bar in St. Petersburg
General score
7.1
kitchen
6.5
Interior
6.1
Service
004 10 Negatives
- In novelty
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- with photo
Reviews 9000
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March 9, 2016
Kitchen -
Interior1
Service1
1.0
Do not sing songs if you do not place an order for a decent amount, in the expense of service fee, but I would not leave a penny for such service
Came there on March 8, 2015 by chance, I wanted to sing songs, they gave me 2 songs to sing in five hours! They explained this by the fact that we ordered a little booze, but we did not want to drink! The mood was spoiled, the attitude of the staff is terrible, for this there is also an obligatory tea in the bill - yes, I would not leave a penny for this!
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March 8, 2016
Kitchen1
Interior1
Service1
1.0
Poliben -Vezhniy
All Caraoke Bar is better than this institution
1) For 5 hours of location) there we sang 3 songs, the presenter was asked when it was already possible to sing, he answered the queue, and after each song sung, the DJ turned on 2 songs for dancing, I came to karaoke to sing very dissatisfied, but I had to listen to the DJ
2) They waited a very long time for food, sushi was prepared for 50 minutes.
..
3) The guards, impudent, grab me (grabbed me strongly by the arm because I entered the hall in outerwear), rude -
February 1, 2016
Kitchen10
Interior10
Service10
10
atmospheric
security needs to be brought up
Initially, we learned about Plywood from the neighbors. When my husband and I just got into the institution itself, we could not even think that we would write a positive review later. At first, Plywood seemed to us a too homely place, as if we had just moved from the bedroom to the living room) The hall is small, 15 tables of the same size, sofas and armchairs. The table accommodates from 4 to 7 people in a comfortable fit. All singing people will be pleasantly surprised by the sound, very good quality. The work of a sound engineer at the highest level. We don't use backing vocals, so we can't judge, they asked us not to sing along, because we don't like it; I liked that the girl accepted our request without any offense.
Her customer service is excellent. Constantly turned on the people, arranged some kind of competitions, asked to applaud. Didn't get bored in general. The waiters are very polite and attentive. I liked that there are no limits in the work of the staff. It was as if they didn’t come to work, but invited their friends home and are trying in every possible way to please them, that is, all of us) The main joy was that the list of songs was completely updated. We did not even expect that in St. Petersburg there is a karaoke, which update the database regularly. I also liked the work of the administrator. It was clear that there were regular guests in the hall, maybe even directors, and with all this, they were not given more attention than the rest of the guests. The institution, like any other, of course, has its drawbacks. But all that sincerity, all the comfort that is created for guests is much more valuable than some minor flaws. In our personal rating, Plywood is included in the list of the 3 best karaoke rooms in St.
Petersburg, and I can safely say that it is the best in terms of atmosphere and comfort. -
October 24, 2015
kitchen1
Interior1
Service1
1.0
No
All
did not get there. Security said that they don't let you in sneakers. Let it even be the original New Balance. What a surprise when you see people in "sneakers" in the hall there. What are security guards guided by? We see the intellect. In general I don't make anyone go there. You play the lottery. The place is average.
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October 24, 2015
Kitchen1
Interior1
Service1
1.0
SOME
who want to perform songs very few .. Inadequate persons are not able))
STATE below the average!! Hosts just suck, no respect for guests. All this is strange, but in much more expensive institutions with paid performance of songs, there are much more people who want to sing than in here .
. In general, I do not advise you to go there .. -
October 20, 2015
Kitchen10
Interior10
Service10
10
We liked everything!
little space .
We were a company 10/17/2015 had a great rest!!! Great bar, I highly recommend!
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September 1, 2014
Kitchen3
Interior1
Service1
1.7
Was at the establishment on 08/31/2014. There is only one toilet for the entire bar (meaning one toilet bowl)! In a bad condition. The wardrobe is always closed. Although when I was there, there were not so many people, but the wardrobe was closed ... The audience is always good, the girls are nice, the guys are adequate. In general, the only advantage of this bar is the visitors.
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August 17, 2014
Kitchen7
Interior6
Service3
5.3
We went to this wonderful bar with a small group. It was jam-packed, Friday evening, that's understandable.
And everything seemed to be fine, they sang a couple of songs, but closer to midnight it turned out exactly how this institution makes money.
If at first the order of performance was in a normal circular order, then after a while the presenter in a cheerful tone announced such a wonderful thing as a "song out of turn" from the "crazy menu" for only 2 tr. Tipsy visitors (it is possible that they were nominees) at a couple of tables immediately began to actively use it, not giving the rest the opportunity to sing anything without spending extra money. Naturally, after a dozen extra songs, the rest of the tables joined in, wanting to perform at least something. In short, milking clean water.As a result, 3.5 hours have passed since the performance of the second song, the queue was listed as 4 songs out of turn and 5 songs in the queue out of 10 tables.
P.S. it seems that the DJ in Plywood has hearing problems, because due to the twisted volume in the meat, he had to put on headphones so as not to become deaf corny, not to mention the fact that even a scream in his ear was not always audible.
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October 18, 2011
Kitchen6
Interior4
Service4
4.7
What can I say about this bar? For a karaoke bar, the selection of music that plays during pauses when there are no people who want to perform songs is very strange. And very loud. And when they perform songs, the sound is also to the fullest. Perhaps this option is suitable for people with hearing problems. It's difficult to communicate.
We went with women, took cocktails and salads. Salads are good. Cocktails are so-so - little alcohol, a lot of syrup.
The dance floor is small. Went on a Saturday and the place was full. On the dance floor - if only to push with your elbows.
I was also puzzled by the toilets - only two, one of them did not close, dirty, without separation into boys and girls.
There must be some advantages..Yes, the salads were not bad, as I said.
I don't think I'll go there again. -
May 10, 2011
Kitchen3
Interior3
Service1
2.
3 Terrible establishment! There was an attempt to celebrate a birthday in the specified bar (08.05.11)!
I'll tell you right away - an unsuccessful attempt! Basically, a bar with karaoke was chosen, as lovers of singing gathered. The choice was from five names of bars, but according to the territorial basis and the specifics of the establishment, it fell on Plywood. Yes, of course, we didn’t have to expect anything supernatural from the karaoke bar, but we couldn’t even imagine that everything would be so unsatisfactory, otherwise we would have chosen another institution so as not to spoil our holiday!
Let's start in order:
The holiday fell on a Sunday. The site indicates that on Sunday all the songs are free, but taking into account the long weekend, we decided to clarify this point with the administrator. We called twice and received confirmation that the songs are free on this particular Sunday.
2. The table was booked for 20.00, because The program was announced from 22.
00. Just had time to talk to this time and forward!
That's how we came with our friendly company in anticipation of the holiday!
At first we were puzzled by the completely empty hall!
Ordered food and drinks and while waiting for the order tried to communicate - no matter how! Slotting zhuuutko loud music put an end to this lesson. Shouting over each other at the table turned out to be an unpleasant experience. And in the process, it felt like the music was only being made louder. For the whole evening, in addition to ours, only one table was occupied in this bar (!) Most likely, this indicates the "popularity" of the institution.
In general, further in brief. At 22.00 we did not wait for the program, it turned out to start at 23.00. After the very surprised eyes of the waitress on our list of songs, we decided to clarify the moment with their "freebie". But no, and here a miss - each for 250 rubles. Our timid attempts, but how so, we checked with the administrator had no effect.
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