How to Make a Dance Floor on the Backyard?

Sometimes, people need to dance. There is no better place to let the groove take you than in a backyard party or at an event like an outdoor home wedding. However, a dance floor will be needed. Installing a dance floor may be easier than you think. 

Many easy and cheap options exist for how to make a dance floor in the backyard. Dance floors can be made from MDF board, plywood, pallets, sand, stone, cement, tile, and even rugs and artificial grass carpets. The materials you use depend on whether you want them to be temporary or permanent. 

Read the article below to find out how you can make your backyard dance floor.

Initial Choices

The first choice is whether this will be a temporary floor for an event or someone you want to be a part of the landscape. The second choice is whether you want it flat on the ground or as a platform.

Platforms are also better if the ground is uneven or has holes or a lot of imperfections that could pose a safety risk. Platform dance floors don’t need to be high off the ground. Two to four inches will work fine.

A dance floor at ground level is safer but people may arbitrarily walk across it. A platform may be preferred if you want to showcase the dancing, such as a couple’s first dance. 

The size of the dance floor matters. It is a safe assumption that 30 percent of guests will dance at one time so the general rule is to set aside three feet of dancing space for 30 percent of your guests to determine the size of the dance floor required. 

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Temporary Dance Floors

A plethora of choices exist for those seeking to build a temporary dance floor for a party or event. None cost too much either. 

Sand

Sand is the new trend for backyard dance floors. It’s easy to order bags of it and pour it onto a confined space to create the perfect beach-themed dance space. It will naturally dissipate too so you won’t need to try to clean it up afterward. 

Grass

One super easy solution is just to cut the grass low in the dance area. As long as there are no holes, no dog poop and the ground is level, you will have a natural dance space. The only problem are women’s heels.

Those who are uneasy about dancing on natural grass can get artificial grass carpet to lay over the area. It has a nice feel in case people want to kick off their shoes but they won’t end up with dirt and grass on their feet. It helps cut down on allergies too. 

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MDF

You can make a quick temporary dance floor using a 3/4-inch thick MDF board. It’s sold at hardware stores and building supply places. Order it the exact size of your dance floor and have it delivered. It’s heavy. 

Put a strong waterproof cover on top of the dance area and then put the MDF on top of it. Cover it with more waterproof tarp until you use it because it will be no good if it gets wet. 

You can cover the board with a wood-like laminate, or get creative with paint. You can even get decals of the couple’s initials for the center. Finish it with a clear PVC glaze.

It’s good to secure the edges with heavy-duty tape to the waterproof tarp underneath to make sure the dance floor stays in place. 

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Rugs

You can buy an outdoor rug that will work wonderfully for a dance floor. Jute and bamboo are two top picks. You can also find some in cotton or woven synthetic materials too.

The only caution is to get a rug that is large enough to cover the area rather than try to jigsaw puzzle several together. That can be a safety hazard. 

Modular Tile

Modular tiles are widely used for temporary dance floors. A little research will point you to different styles where you can find the right one to match your event. 

You can easily put the tiles together by pushing them together like a puzzle. Slide ramp pieces into the tile’s exposed sides around the edge of the dance floor and you’re done.

Permanent Dance Floors

Pallet dance floors can be temporary but you may want to make them permanent. They are sturdy, can bear many people at the same time, and can look good once they get a little refinishing. 

They are already built with the platform and joist so you just have to arrange them for the dance floor and nail them together to secure them. You may want to buy some liquid nail glue and a few more joists in case you need them but it is an easy DIY project. 

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Stone, Cement, Tile

The natural elements of stone, cement, and tile make for great dance floors and permanent gathering spots for future parties. The stone looks gorgeous but the only flaw is to make sure it is even across the floor. Uneven stone can cause someone dancing to trip. 

Cement works wonderfully and can be enhanced by stamping it with a design to create a more upscale look. Some creative types even painted a chessboard onto their concrete dance floor to make it distinctive and impressive.

Tile is an awesome selection and adds a lot to a modern look, but be sure to tile that doesn’t get slippery when wet. 

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FAQs

Can I put a dance floor on the grass?

Yes, you can put a dance floor on the grass but you may not want to. It depends on the party. If you are hosting a casual party where everyone will be in sandals, it would be fine. However, a wedding reception where women’s heels will sink into the ground all night wouldn’t be acceptable. 

A dance floor is overall a better idea because the ground can have holes, ants, and other aggravating things. 

Can you use plywood for a dance floor?

Yes, plywood makes for a good dance floor but you will need support boards and joists if you want to raise it. Some people find using pallets for foundation support works well. Nail the plywood to the top and shine it up with a paint or wood finish.

How do I make a wooden dance floor more comfortable?

One trick is to put a layer of carpet or foam between the foundation support and the plywood or dance floor top. It offers some cushion.

What’s the best material for a dance floor?

Hardwood flooring will give you a professional dance studio floor. You will need a subfloor and most hardwoods are not meant for outdoor use so you will need at least a cover if you choose this. Ask a flooring professional which hardwood can be used outside.

How much does it cost to build a dance floor?

The surface can cost between $1.78 to $7.23 per square foot. You can build a subfloor for around $2.50 per square foot.

Is vinyl flooring a good choice for a dance floor?

Vinyl makes a great surface for dancing. It’s a soft material, so it’s easier on the feet than concrete or wood and is cheap. It’s also easy to install as a DIY project.