Ideas for Outdoor Dance Floors

Wooden parquet dance floors are common for both indoor and outdoor use. Parquet refers to the geometric patterns in the wood. The floor, which is made up of attaching squares, is so lightweight that it is essentially portable. The material is well suited for dancing, because it is firm, yet able to bend slightly, softening the blow for moving feet. It is also ideal for those who want to enjoy a outdoor floor for special occasions.

Acrylic is a commonly used type of plastic and is the source of material for a variety of dance floors. These include strictly indoor dance floors, such as those with light-up squares, and such designs as the classic black and white checkered dance floor. Acrylic floors are ideal for dancing because of the bounce they provide, and, like many plastics, they are fairly weather resistant. In fact, other outdoor items such as patio tables and even hot tubs are made from acrylic.

For a permanent outdoor dance floor, bamboo is an ideal material. Although wood in general is not as durable and lasting as material such as concrete, spring and softness is essential for any enjoyable dance floor. Bamboo is well-suited to this purpose because it provides a springy feel, yet is also one of the more heat and humidity resistant woods. Bamboo also provides an instantly exotic or tropical feel. For events such as tiki parties, bamboo is a perfect option.

It's not only the type of floor that's important in an outdoor dance area. The location and surroundings are also important, which is why steps -- although they require additional construction -- can be a nice design touch.

The dance floor can be on a raised platform, with steps leading up to it; or it can be constructed slightly below ground level, with steps leading down. While the latter requires more effort to construct, the result is a dance floor that works well for spectators, who can stand above the floor or sit on the steps and watch.