Building a stage can be a great addition to a playroom or provide an elevated platform for a show. By combining multiple platforms you can build a stage of any shape or size you want. Using a few basic tools and lumber, which you can find at your city's DIY stores, you can create a truly solid stage that can safely last for years.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Build
Step 1. Get the tools you will need to build your stage
If you don't have the necessary tools, get them to borrow from some friends, or buy or rent them (there is also this possibility) in DIY stores.
- Drill
- circular saw
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Meter
- Pencil
Step 2. Purchase quality lumber
To build your stage you will first need to buy the wood that will be used for the platform structure. Look for lumber that is straight and non-knotty. If you want to place the stage on concrete or outside, the best choice is pressure treated wood. For each platform you will need:
- 6 beams 2, 4 m long with 4 x 8 cm section
- 1 plywood board 2, 4 x 1, 2 m high 2 cm
- 12 x 90mm hex bolts
- 24 washers
- 12 dice
- 26 wood screws 38 mm
- 24 wood screws 76 mm
Step 3. Cut the beams to the right length with a circular saw
You will need pieces of different sizes to form the stage structure. To avoid making mistakes and wasting wood, remember this carpentry rule: measure twice, cut once.
- Cut two 2.4m beams into 3 pieces 1.2m long;
- From a beam you will have a piece of 1.28 m left over; cut it in two of 60 cm (discard the remaining 8 cm).
- Cut another 2.4m beam into four 60cm pieces;
- From the fourth beam, make six pieces 30 cm long by cutting each piece at a 45 ° angle on each side and making the sides converge towards each other. The longest side will measure 30cm; the shorter one, taking into account the angles, will measure approximately 14 cm. These will be the supports for the legs.
- The other two beams will be used to complete the frame. Don't cut them.
Step 4. Cut additional sections of wood to build more platforms
If you need to build a stage that measures more than 1.2 x 2.4m, you will need to build multiple platforms. Cut all the wood at once to save construction time.
Part 2 of 3: Building the Frame
Step 1. Create the stage frame
Place the 1.2m beams parallel to each other, spacing them approximately 1 meter apart. Place two 2.4m long beams on either side of the 1.2m long ones to create the frame.
The beams should thus form a rectangle divided into two squares by a 1.2m beam
Step 2. Secure the rafters with wood screws
Drill a guide hole to prevent the wood from splitting. Secure the rafters using two screws for each joint.
- Secure two 1.2m beams between the ends of the two 2.4m beams;
- The 2.4 m beam must remain external to the two shorter pieces;
- The shorter beams will be inserted between those of 2, 4 m;
- From one outer edge to the other the length will be 1, 2 m;
- The third 1.2m beam will be in the middle and support the center of the stage. The center will obviously be 1.2m from the end of the 2.4m beam.
Step 3. Join the legs to the platform
The 60 cm pieces will act as legs. Hold them steady or clamp them with a vise to drill a guide hole for the bolt. Drill two guide holes for each leg through the leg and frame.
- Place one leg for each corner of the frame;
- Attach the legs to the 2.4m piece, not the smallest beam;
- Thread a washer along a 90mm bolt and insert it into the holes. Put another washer on the other end of the bolt and secure it to the wood with a nut;
- Tighten the bolts using a wrench, holding the nut with pliers.
Step 4. Strengthen your legs
The sections cut at an angle will support the legs. One side of the support will rest against the leg, the other against the platform.
- Starting from the support, drill some guide holes in the leg;
- Still starting from the support, drill some guide holes in the frame beam;
- Secure the brace to the legs and frame using 76mm screws.
Step 5. Secure the footplate to the frame
Flip the platform over so that it rests on your legs. Lay the plywood board on the frame and secure the plywood to the frame using 38mm screws.
- Use the drill with a screwdriver bit to insert the screws;
- Insert a screw every 40 cm along the perimeter of the structure;
- Insert two screws in the center of the plywood board, securing it to the center beam of the frame.
Step 6. Build more platforms to create a bigger stage
You can prepare multiple 1, 2 x 2, 4m platforms in order to create a bigger stage for your shows.
Part 3 of 3: Complete the Stage
Step 1. Prepare the wood for painting
Sand the edges of the wood frame and the surface of the plywood with 200 grit sandpaper. Sand the edges of the wood frame and the surface of the plywood with sandpaper.
Step 2. Paint the wood black
Prepare the wood with an oil base to waterproof it. Paint the surface of the stage and frame with black latex paint. The black coat of paint will help protect the wood.
Step 3. Assemble the platforms you built
Align the different sections by matching the edges. Arrange four sections to create a stage measuring 2.4m x 4.9m.
Step 4. Hide the stage legs with a black tarp
Give it a final professional touch by covering the base of the stage with black fabric.
Advice
- Make sure the bolts inserted into the legs are securely fastened every time you use the stage.
- To stow the stage more easily, disassemble the legs by removing the bolts. Mark the position of each leg before taking it apart.
- You can make a footboard without legs by following the same method, but without adding the legs.
