Hello everyone! My daughter is an avid tap dancer and I am looking to install a dance floor in a 10x10 space I have free in the garage. I have looked into the prefab tile systems (swisstrax, etc), but most are not the right surface material for tapping. She typically dances on marley floors at her studio (which looks like just a vinyl covering installed on wood), so I would like to use the same material.

I'm not a DIY pro, so looking for some ideas on how to do this without breaking the bank, yet having a stable floor.

I have thought about laying hardwood/laminate style flooring with the marley over it, but even for the small space it is pretty expensive. Also with only 1 edge of the dance floor being up against a wall, not sure if the floor would stay secure.

Currently I'm thinking about T&G OSB instead of hardwood. Maybe putting an underlay beneath that? Any thoughts? Also, what would be the preferred way to secure the OSB to the concrete?

Happy to entertain different suggestions as well -- I've got until Christmas holiday to get this project done.

Thanks in advance!
Ryan

 

Try checking with party rental stores in your area. Dance floors are often constructed for weddings & parties. The flooring comes in modular sections and you might be able to get four (8' x 8') or nine used pieces (12' x 12') and have a removable dance floor. The dance floor sections are expensive when purchased new but you might get lucky and find a rental store that wants to get rid of their old floor.

If you want to build it up yourself I would consider a premium underlayment like Advantech. It (Advantech) is much stronger than normal OSB sheets and is more moisture resistant. Just bring a friend to help lift the sheets as they are not light. I would go for 3/4" thick.

 

Thanks Dane! Appreciate the advice on the Advantech, will check it out. Unfortunately most of the tiled portable floors aren't the best surface for her -- she competes, so trying to emulate the same vinyl flooring used in her studio and stages for comp.

What is your recommendation for securing the Advantech to the concrete. And do you think anything would be necessary between the Advantech and the concrete?

Thank you!
Ryan