Build A Dance Floor On Grass – Outdoor Fun

There are many ways to build a dance floor on the grass. This post details all steps and materials needed to make an 8×12 dance floor on even ground.

However, I will also show you how you can use this basic structure to create a larger dance floor surface further in this article.

If your dance floor is exposed to elements (rain, snow, ice) then use materials that are suitable in such case (PVC, treated wood, etc.)

Planning to build a 16×16 dance floor? Not a problem! You can easily add more sections to build a bigger surface.

Tips and Tools Needed

• Pick your woods studs carefully and make sure they are straight.

• Save time and headaches by using a framing nail gun instead of a hammer.

• Have your studs cut at the renovation center or use a miter saw to make a clean straight cut.

• Use a chalk line tool. It will help you nail the plywood into the wood studs instead of guessing where the studs are.

• Safety first: plan ahead and clean the work area. Also, use protection glasses and take your time at each step to minimize mistakes and avoid injuries. This should be a fun and fairly easy project, not a construction nightmare!

Using Appropriate Materials and Techniques

If you build a dance floor on grass over uneven ground or want it to be a permanent installation then, it’s another type of construction than what is discussed here.

I suggest using the same materials and plans you would use to build an outdoor deck. This will prevent moisture from weakening it and preserve it from ravages of time.

Also, make sure to comply with your local building codes.

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Planning!

• What is your budget?

• How big is your dance floor going to be?

• Will it be located on a leveled grass ground?

• How much time do you have to build it?

• How many people can help you?

Step 2: Basic Materials

• 3 1/4 galvanized coil nails for the structure.

• 1 3/4 galvanized coil nails to fix the plywood to the structure.

• Wood studs (2×3 in. (or 2×4 in.) and 8 ft. long). These are assembled together to create the structure on which you will put the plywood sheets.

• Plywood sheets (1/2 in. thick and 4 ft. x 8 ft.). This is the sub-floor you’ll be dancing on.

• Steel brackets also called mending plates with appropriate screws. They are used to connect each 8×4 sections.

• Floor covering. Can be as simple a decal, foam mat tiles with a wood design, linoleum or even paint. Cheap, practical and great looking options will be detailed later in this post.

Step 3: Floor Framing

8×12 dance floor project: for this specific project, you will need to build 3 different sections.

Here are the steps to build a dance floor on the grass section (the basic structure):

1 – Assemble the frame using two 44 in. pieces and two 8 ft. pieces as follow. Use 2 nails at each end for 2×3. (3 nails for 2×4 wood studs).

2- Due to lack of any guideline concerning dance floors, I suggest adding 4 interior studs.

Why 4?  Well simply because a floor standard spacing is 16 in. (in this case 16.8 in. to space them evenly).

This will strengthen the structure and prevent it from bending or breaking when dancers will start jumping around!

Inch Calculator

If like me you’re not fond of inch fractioning, here’s a calculator. Might come in handy in case you want to build a dog house, a shed, or anything you can possibly imagine.

http://www.inchcalculator.com/inch-fraction-calculator/

By the way, 16 13/16 equals to 16,8 in. or 42.7cm. Thanks to the calculator!

Step 4: Floor Surface

Add the plywood sheet on top. Nail it to structure sides and interior studs with 6 to 12 inches spacing. Repeat for all interior and exterior studs.

Use a stud finder or chalk line tool on your plywood sheet to mark where the interior studs are located. This ensures you nail right through the wood stud.

You’ve Completed the Basic Structure!

At this point, you’ve completed the basic structure of your dance floor. You can now create as many structures as you need to build a dance floor on grass with the desired size.

Step 5: Assembling the Structure Parts

Once you’ve made all the structures needed for you dance floor it’s time to assemble them together

Add mending pieces on each side as shown in the image below. This part should preferably be done on-site, where your dance floor will be settled.

Step 6: Add Floor Covering 

Anti-fatigue floor mats are great for a dance floor for so many reasons.

First of all, they are waterproof in case someone’s spills a drink which does happen quite often on a dance floor!

They are also lightweight which makes it easier than any other type of flooring to be transported.

Tiles are 2×2 ft each. Four tiles cover 16 square feet. This product is available in many sizes, anything between 16 to 200 square feet!

These tiles come in different colors and wood grain designs: walnut, cherry, mahogany, light cork, light bamboo, white oak, and Slate.

Option 1 – Liquid Dance Floor Tiles

The tiles are made of PVC and have an anti-slip mat on the back to ensure they stay in place.

Once the party is over, you can reuse them in a kid’s playroom or in any other room to add a splash of color to your decor!

Tiles come in 6 different shades and 2 different sizes, 12×12 in. and 20×20 in. They are sold separately or in a pack of 6.

Option 2 – Floor Decal

Build a dance floor on grass and add your personal touch with different removable floor stickers.

You can easily customize your outdoor dance floor by applying a Mr & Mrs monogram decal.

Want to teach some dancing steps?

Choose footprint design! If you’re having a beach party theme,  go for a clear water beach shore floor decal. You can even have your own walk of fame star!

There are countless options!

Other Options

Of course, there are many other flooring ideas like laminate flooring, vinyl floor stickers or vinyl rolls. You can even leave your plywood sheet as is and just paint them.

Ideally, use a paint type that allows your feet to slide for an enjoyable dancing experience.

Build a Dance Floor on Grass for Any Events

Most people are looking for economical ways to entertain their guests. If you have the storage space, you can easily store each 8×4 sections and reuse it for future outdoor family and friends gathering.

Dance floors are a good way to bring people together.

Guests can relax and unwind and kids definitely love it!

♥