Home tap floor

perroc · Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: England

Hi, I am starting at rather a late stage (37 years old) but hey, Sammy Davis was dancin at 60 and am planning to teach myself hoofing.

My question is, can anyone recommend a wood type and where to get it to use at home for a small area to tap on. I just want a small square that I can pound on as I practive steps etc and am not sure what would give the best sound and "bounce".

Thanks in advance

vincent_says · Joined: 29 May 2007 Posts: 67

A friend of mine has a great set-up in her basement. I will ask her what she used and I'll try to get some other tips for you as well. Let me get back to you as soon as I speak with her. Good luck!

pr · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011 Location: Göteborg, Sweden

I just wanted to say Welcome Perroc!!! :D

perroc · Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: England

thanks for the welcome, I look forward to learning many things

santafejoe · Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2007 9:41 pm Post subject:

:) Hi Perroc and Welcome to our :D Happy Family here at Dance Fourms :) .

Gumby · Joined: 01 Jun 2007 Posts: 13 Location: Southern CA

Hi Perroc,
I just use a piece of plywood that is arround 4 feet long and may be a 1.5 feet wide I can't remember what type of wood it is I just know that it is one of the harder types. I think it might be Oak. I just lay it down on the carpet to practice. I've read that tap dancers are never supposed to do that (just practice on ply wood) but there isn't much of an option. If you have $1,500 dollars to spend then I'd suggest buying one of those really nice dance practice floors. If you want something cheaper than just get plywood.

perroc · Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 4 Location: England

I have discovered a company called HArlequin Floors who can supply a 1m square tap tile for about £40 (incl postage) I will post when it arrives

http://www.harlequinfloors.com/americanenglish/productdetail.asp?section=65&page=251&prodid=79

Tap Tiles provide a specially formulated dance flooring to meet the needs of tap, but with protection against pits and scratches. Provided as yard square tiles that slide together to rapidly provide a tap area, leaving the floor beneath untouched.

• Accurately cut large format square tiles that fit together in precise alignment to form a tap area – large or small
• No need to tape tiles together
• Tiles lay flat and stay flat
• Easy to lay and move after use and to store
• Resistant to scuffing – stays looking good
• Protects sub-floor
• Flexible to resist breakage or cracking
• Produces excellent crisp sound
• Warranted

Specification

Tile Size 36''

Finish Satin – exceptionally smooth and flat

Thickness 0.125''

Weight 10 lbs per tile (4.5kg)

Colors Gray, Black, White

Fire rating Class 1: ASTM E-662 (Flame spread index)
Class 1: CAN4-S102.2. M80

MiaMi · Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 46 Location: Miami

Thanks for the update, I look forward to seeing your progress.

adamjthompson · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Posts: 6

I have a setup that works well. I bought a 4x8 sheet of plywood and a 4x10 remnant of carpet. I laid the carpet down on my garage floor and put the plywood on top. Bingo - I have a sprung dance floor with good sound. Cost = $25.