How to Make a Fully Sprung Wooden Floor

The longest part of the studio construction was finding out how to build a safe sprung floor on a concrete base. We had quotes from various companies who specialised in this area but finally we came across a design which not only worked but was affordable. Since it seemed to be such a secret we decided to share this with the rest of the dance community.
The floor is constructed using radiata pine battens 43mm x 38mm laid at 400mm centres. These battens have rubber squares attached also at 400mm centres. The battens are not fixed down to the foundation since the weight of the floor keeps them in place.
We used Blackbutt for the main floor surface since it was the most durable we could afford to handle taps and ballroom dance shoes. This is secret nailed through the tongue to prevent the nails becoming raised over time with the movement. After sanding the floor is sealed with tung oil. Make sure that it is 100% tung oil and not a blend.
Any carpenter who can lay a standard joist floor can help you build this - the trick is the rubber pads and the spacings. The rubber we used was cut from Vibration Mats obtained from Clark Rubber. They are easily sliced into 5cm squares with a Stanley knife. You then staple the rubber to the battens.

Good Luck....