You wish to throw a birthday or a New Year party at home, but the planning feels incomplete without a dance floor. Worry not because we are here to help you with some easy hacks to let you build a dance floor right here in your backyard. These are affordable DIY dance floor ideas, and the steps to build them have been explained well to not make the task confusing or overwhelming for someone who is making it for the first time. Read along to know what you should consider when building your dance floor in your backyard on a budget.
Things to consider for DIY dance floor
Here are the things to plan before you start with your DIY dance floor project.
- Check the size and figure out how big is the dance floor that you will need. The larger is the dance floor, the more money you will have to shell out.
- Some materials are preferred over others when creating a dance floor. The tile is excellent so are stones. You may want to consider concrete and wood too. Some are expensive than others, so choose the material widely.
- Do you want to keep it at the standard level or create an elevated dance floor like a platform or a deck? Figure out the level of the dance floor. Level dance floors are safer, but elevated ones give the setting a good look.
- Are you looking for a permanent setup or something that you can remove? The material choice should be made depending on this decision.
As you see, there are several things to consider before you start making your dance floor. Now let us explore some DIY options here.
3 DIY Dance Floor Plans
1. Plywood DIY Dance Floor
It is simple to make a dance floor with these simple steps. All that you need is a trip to the hardware store to get all the supplies. Take help from family and friends, and the work can be completed in a day. You may choose to make the base with plywood if you wish to go cha-cha-cha without burning your pocket.
Determine the size of the dance floor
The dance floor area should be planned to accommodate 30 to 40% of your total invitee list at one time. Just work out the maths, and you should be good with the calculation of the area. On average, calculate 4.5 square feet for every dancer. This should be a decent size for your guests.
Choose the location
Pick the area where you wish to construct the dance floor. The site should be large and level to accommodate the size of the dance floor that you have calculated. Not all your guests will dance at one time, so you also need to ensure that your chosen location has enough seating area. It should have space to set tables and chairs.
Get the materials
Let us discuss what you will need to make the DIY dance floor with plywood. You will need sheets of plywood, screws, nails, screwdriver, floor top finish, dance mat, tiles or paint, and mending plates.
Creating the dance floor
Create the base placing the plywood horizontally. You will have to screw the supports in between the pieces if you need a ladder look. Make six bases. Each base should be supporting half an inch of plywood piece. Then screw the plywood sheets with nails to the top of each of the bases. Use two screws or nails for support and four on each side to offer sturdiness.
Finish
Lay the dance floor ensuring that it is in the shape of a complete rectangle. If you like a wooden look, then seal and weatherproof the top level. Weatherproofing helps, especially if your dance floor is set outside in the open.
The finish should be non-slip so that guests do not skid.
Here are the options for the finish
- Paint is a cheap option and gives your dance floor a customized look. You can get artistic with glow-in-the-dark paints.
- Wish that your dance floor exudes a professional look, then opt for vinyl sheets. Just roll it on the top of the dance floor. Secure the floor by nailing the ends.
- Use stick and peel tiles if you would like to remove the dance floor after the event.
- A vinyl dance mat is an expensive option, but if you wish to use the dance floor repeatedly, this can be a smart option to consider. You need to roll the mat on the wooden base when you want to use the dance floor.
Secure the DIY dance floor and get ready to dance
Your DIY dance floor is ready. Just position it where you wish to. Using mending plates helps to secure the dance floor with each other. That is all about it. Get on the dance floor and start to dance.
Tip: Wood pallets for plywood – If you wish to save some money, then recycled wood pallets are a fantastic alternative to plywood. Wood pallets can be used to create the base. Just follow the step above, replacing the floor with pallets.
2. DIY dance floor on gravel and dirt
Not interested in creating a plywood dancefloor, then do not give up the idea yet. Here is a cheaper option. Do you have cement or a deck area like a patio? This can be a great place to convert to a dance floor. Here are the steps to follow.
Pick a level area in the yard
The area that you choose to construct the dance floor should be free from any holes. The slope should be flat. If the yard is not level, then consider leveling it first.
Defining the boundary
Your guests may get confused without a properly marked boundary. Define the boundary so that it is in sync with the theme. Just place recycled pallets, flower plants, or pumpkins at the four corners to define the edge.
Control dust
Nobody will enjoy dancing on the dance floor if they need to breathe dust while they dance. Here is how to keep the dust level down.
- Spray on the dirt lightly before the party starts. Ensure not to water heavily as this will make space muddy, dirtying the dance floor and the experience.
- Dust control agents are safe and non-toxic which can be used.
- Laying small-sized gravel or a thin layer of sand helps.
Use a deck or a cemented patio
If you have a cemented patio or a deck, then these work as a great dance floor platform. Here is how you can give it a professional look.
Add perfect lighting to uplift the mood, which can enhance the area and breathe life into space.
If the deck is uneven, then level it first. A 4*8 plywood helps to level the area before you lay down the floor.
Just laying down the flooring on the existing deck or patio will give it a professional ballroom look. Laminating the flooring or adding vinyl sheets of a non-slip grade works wonders.
3. DIY Dance Floor on Grass
The DIY dance floors are versatile but may not be suitable to use on grass. Grass throws many challenges. You will need the dance floor to balance well on uneven ground. It also has to withstand moisture and harsh UV rays.
Waterproof flooring
The dance floor that you choose to lay on top of the grass should be completely waterproof. There will be water on the grass which the floor will absorb. There is another advantage of waterproof flooring. If your guest accidentally spills a drink on it, then it is easy to clean it up.
Leveling the surface
The grass surfaces are uneven. To level, use a composite mat system that is waterproof and then install the dance floor on it. The mat system should have strong interlocks.
UV resistant dance floor
Be it grass or cement; an outdoor dance floor will be exposed to UV rays which will cause the floor to fade. It will also cause the flooring to lose its quality over time. If the dance floor is a permanent setup, then chose a dance floor with UV protection.
Installing a DIY Dance Floor – Additional Tips
Consider the shoes that your guest will wear especially high-heeled shoes. This can damage the flooring. So make sure that you buy flooring that is resistant to footwear damage.
Imagine the aesthetics that you desire and create your dance floor accordingly. Woodgrain finished floor offers a classic look. A generic title is a multipurpose solution, fit for all occasions.
Ramped edges and additional accessories should be considered to offer a cleaner finish and improve the overall look.
Add a firepit near the dancefloor, or at least some tiki torches around the perimeter for a cool Luau feel!
If you are throwing a party in the evening, then you need to add adequate lighting.
Give Your DIY Dance Floor The Final Touches
Adding some inexpensive final touches to your dance floor sets the mood making your party the envy of your neighborhood. Let your imaginations go wild to create the perfect dance floor in your backyard. All you need to do to turn your boring backyard into the most happening place in your house is to follow these simple DIY dance floor building tips.
