Building a stage can be a good addition to a game room, as well as a raised platform for a performance. If you combine several platforms, you can get a stage of the shape or size you want. With a few basic tools and some wood from your local supply store, you can create a sturdy stage that will last for years to come.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare Materials for Construction
Step 1. Gather the tools you will need to build the stage
Take out the tools that you are going to use in the construction of the stage. If you don't have any of the required tools, ask your friends if you can borrow them or rent them from supply stores.
- a drill
- a circular saw
- a pliers
- a ratchet socket wrench
- a screwdriver
- a tape measure
- a pencil
Step 2. Buy good quality wood
For the construction of the stage you will need to buy wood for the structure. Look for wood that is straight and has no knots. Pressure-treated wood is the best option if the stage is to be placed on concrete or outside. For each individual platform you will need:
- 6 slats 8 ft (2.44 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick
- 1 plywood sheet 8 ft (2.44 m) long by 4 ft (1.22 m) wide and 3/4 inch (19 mm) thick
- 12 x 8.9 cm (3.5 inch) hex bolts
- 24 washers
- 12 nuts
- 26 1½-inch wood screws
- 24 x 7.6 cm (3 inch) wood screws
Step 3. Cut the 2 x 4-inch (5 x 10 cm) slats to the proper length with a circular saw
You will need to cut them into several different lengths to form the supports for the deck. To avoid mistakes and wasted wood, remember this carpentry rule: "Measure twice, cut once."
- From two slats 8 ft (2.44 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick, cut 3 pieces of wood that are 3.9 ft (1.9 m) long.
- You will have a 1.31 m (4.3 ft) piece of wood left over from a 5 x 10 cm slat, cut it into 2 pieces of 61 cm (2 ft). Discard the remaining 3-inch (8-cm) piece.
- Use a new strip 8 ft (2.44 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick to cut four 2 ft (61 cm) pieces of lumber.
- From the fourth 2 x 4 inch (5 x 10 cm) strip, get six 1 foot (30.5 cm) pieces with the ends cut at a 45 degree angle. The angled cuts should point toward the center of the slat. The long side of the ribbon should measure 12 inches (30.5 cm) while the short side, due to the angles, should measure approximately 5½ inches (14 cm). The slats cut at an angle will be used to reinforce the legs.
- The other two 2 x 4 inch strips will be used to make the frame. You should not cut them.
Step 4. Cut additional sections of wood to build more platforms
If you need to build a stage whose measurements are greater than 1.22 m x 2.44 m (4 x 8 ft), you will need to create multiple platforms. Cut all the wood at once to save time when building.
Part 2 of 3: Building the Frame
Step 1. Lay out the stage platform frame
Lay the 1.9 ft (1.9 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick pieces parallel to each other with about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart. Place two 8 ft (2.4 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick pieces on top and bottom of the 3.9 ft (1.19 m) sections to create the frame.
The pieces of wood should form a rectangle with a section of 1.9 m (3.9 ft) dividing it into two squares
Step 2. Attach the 2 x 4 inch (5 x 10 cm) slats using wood screws
Drill a pilot hole to prevent splitting of the wood. Use two screws at each joint to join the pieces of wood.
- Place two 1.9-foot (1.9-m) pieces of lumber between the ends of the two 8-foot (2.44-m) pieces of lumber.
- The 2.44 m (8 ft) slats will go on the outside of the 2 shorter pieces.
- The shorter 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) pieces will go between the 8 ft (2.44 m) posts.
- The measurement from one outer edge of the stage to the opposite outer edge is 1.22 m (48 inches).
- Place the third piece, 1.9 ft (1.9 m) long and 2 x 4 in (5 x 10 cm) thick in the middle to support the center of the deck. Center the piece of lumber 48 inches (1.22 m) from the end of the 8-foot (2.44 m) batten.
Step 3. Attach the legs to the platform
The sections of wood that were cut to 2 feet (60 cm) will serve as legs. Hold the legs in place or secure them with clamps to drill a pilot hole for a screw. Drill two holes in each leg that go through the leg and frame.
- Attach a leg to each corner of the frame.
- Attach the legs to the 8 ft (2.44 m) batten, not to the shorter cross beams.
- Place a washer on the 7.6 cm (3 in) screw and insert it into the holes. Place another washer on the other end of the screw and secure it to the wood with a nut.
- Tighten the bolts using a socket wrench while holding the nut with the pliers.
Step 4. Reinforce the legs
2 x 4 inch (5 x 10 cm) thick slats cut at a 45º angle will serve as leg braces. One side of the slat will be placed against the leg and the other side will be placed under the top of the platform.
- Drill pilot holes that run from the slat cut at an angle to the leg.
- Drill pilot holes that run from the side of the slat cut at an angle to the beam of the stage frame.
- Attach the braces to the legs and to the frame using 3-inch (7.6 cm) wood screws.
Step 5. Attach the stage deck to the frame
Flip the platform over so that it is on its legs. Lay a plank of plywood over the frame. Attach the plank to the frame using 1½-inch wood screws.
- Use a drill with a screwdriver bit to drive the screws into the wood.
- Drive a screw into the perimeter of the wood every 16 inches (40.6 cm).
- Drive in two screws that go from the center of the plywood to the 2 x 4 inch (5.1 x 10 cm) thick crossbeam of the frame.
Step 6. Build multiple platforms to create a larger performance area
You can put together multiple 1.22 x 2.44 m (4 x 8 ft) stage sections to create a larger stage to perform on.
Part 3 of 3: Finishing the Stage
Step 1. Prepare the wood for a paint application
Sand the edges of the wood and the plywood surface with 200-grit sandpaper. Sand them smooth.
Step 2. Paint the wood black
Apply an oil-based primer to the wood to seal it. Paint the surface of the stage and frame with black latex paint. Applying a coat of black paint will help protect the wood.
Step 3. Assemble the stage sections you built
Line up the separate sections of the stage by joining them edge to edge. Group four sections together to create a stage that measures 2.44 m (8 ft) by 4.9 m (16 ft).
Step 4. Wrap the stage in black cloth to hide the legs
Give the stage a professional finish by covering the underside with black fabric.
Advice
- Check that the screws that hold the legs in place are secure each time you use the stage.
- Remove the screws that connect the legs to make it easier to store the stage. Mark the position of each leg before removing it.
- You can create a platform without legs by following the same method but without adding the legs.