How to DIY Your Dance Floor
- Lynea D'Aprix
- May 8
- 4 min read
Hosting your wedding in a backyard, barn, or non-traditional venue without a dance floor? Looking for some budget friendly ideas? I gotchu!
Whether you want to keep it super simple or get a little creative, here are some easy, beginner-friendly ways to make your own dance floor.
Step 1: How Big Should My Dance Floor Be?
Not everyone dances at once, so plan for about half your guests on the floor at a time. A good rule of thumb is 2–4 square feet per dancer.
Guest Count | Dance Floor Size |
50 guests | 10' x 10' |
75 guests | 12' x 12' |
100 guests | 15' x 15' |
150 guests | 18' x 18' |
Option 1: No-Build, Buy-Ready Flooring (EASIEST)
These products snap together or roll out. You don’t need tools - just a flat, dry surface.
🪵 Interlocking Deck Tiles
Snap together like puzzle pieces
Look like wood or faux stone
Work great on patios, gravel, or dry grass
Reusable after the wedding!
🛒 Search Amazon for:"interlocking patio tiles" or "modular dance floor tiles": Like these examples here: Patio Pieces, or Snap Tiles with the Edges, or these Dance Tiles, or this Dance Floor
🪩 Vinyl Dance Floor Roll or Mat
Comes in rolls (white, black, or checkered)
Easy to roll out and tape down
Great for smooth concrete, indoor use, or on top of a tarp + plywood
🛒 Search Amazon for:"portable vinyl dance floor" Example: Vinyl Roll Out Floor or these decor pieces Vinyl Tiles
Option 2: Budget-Friendly DIY (No Carpentry Needed)
If you’re willing to do just a little more, here’s an easy way to make a dance floor without power tools.
🛠️ Foam Base + Peel & Stick Floor Tiles
This option works best on flat ground or concrete patios.
You’ll need:
A large waterproof tarp (base layer)
Interlocking foam mats (like gym floor tiles)
Peel-and-stick vinyl floor tiles (for a wood look)
🛒 Search Amazon for:
Lay the tarp down first, then foam tiles, and then stick your vinyl tiles on top. Tape or weigh down edges to prevent tripping.
Option 3: Get Creative With It
🌿 1. Large Rug or Carpet Roll
Great for indoor/outdoor spaces with flat ground.
Use a large area rug or rent event carpet rolls (often used for trade shows).
Prevent slipping with rug tape or corner weights.
🟢 Best for: Grass or concrete, small guest lists, low-key vibes.
🪵 2. Plywood Platform (Simple Layout)
Lay 4x8 plywood sheets (minimum ¾” thick) over a tarp.
Duct tape seams for safety and paint or stencil the top if desired.
Optionally add a thin foam pad underneath for a slight bounce.
🟢 Best for: Dry, flat grass or dirt. Affordable and durable!
🪞 3. Pallet Wood Base
Use old wood pallets (often free from warehouses or hardware stores).
Cover with plywood or vinyl sheeting for smoothness.
Make sure the pallets are level and stable—use bricks or boards to even them out.
🟢 Best for: Rustic barn/backyard weddings. Great upcycle option.
🎨 4. Painted Drop Cloth
Use a heavy-duty canvas drop cloth and paint a faux wood or checkerboard pattern on it.
Weigh down edges with pavers or wrap under foam tiles.
Add a clear vinyl layer over it for durability.
🟢 Best for: Creative couples who want a lightweight, super custom look.
📦 5. Staged Dance Zone (No Flooring at All)
Sometimes, just defining the space visually is enough!
Lay out string lights, a canopy, and a framed area with planters or shepherd’s hooks and signs like “Dance Floor.”
Works especially well if you're dancing on concrete, decking, or flat ground.
🟢 Best for: Super simple solutions or ultra-casual receptions.
Option 4: Rent a Dance Floor
No shame in skipping the DIY altogether! If you're nervous about stability or don’t want to deal with setup, you can rent a professional-grade dance floor from most party rental companies. Ask about outdoor use, size options, and delivery/setup.
If you wanted to buy a Dance Floor Kit - for almost the same price as renting one, you could always create your own renting business after or sell it to another bride in need!
Bonus: How to Make It Stylish and Fun
Whether you DIY or rent, here’s how to take your dance floor from basic to beautiful:
✨ 1. Add Lighting
String bistro lights above it
Place uplights around the edges
Use LED rope lights around the perimeter
🎉 2. Personalize It
Add a vinyl decal with your names or monogram
Use faux flower garlands or fabric to border the floor
Hang a disco ball or backdrop behind your DJ/band
👟 3. Make It Comfortable
Place a basket with flip-flops or flats nearby
Keep chairs or benches close for rest breaks
Provide a fan or misting station if it’s hot outside
Whether you buy interlocking tiles, roll out a mat, or layer peel-and-stick tiles on foam - there’s an option for every budget and comfort level. Sending you love and luck during this wedding planning process!
Happy Planning <3
The Wedding Talk Team
