How to Build a Small Stage
Make a plan., Get a builder's permit., Add beams and supports., Add extra supports., Add one more frame., Don't forget inner framing., Find excess wood for the platform., Build the stage., Add thin metal or thin slab of concrete., Add the final...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make a plan.
Remember that planning your stage out is probably the best idea when starting out.
You can't do anything without having a plan to help you make sure everything in order.
You can have one out of these 3 options:
Diorama Blueprints Cad design -
Step 2: Get a builder's permit.
If people are going to be standing on it you need to get your design approved and get a builders permit.
Building this platform without it can cause some serious damage to your performers or crew members.,(this article uses measurements but feel free to use your own.) You are building this outside you are going to dig at least 11 holes vertically and 13 horizontally.
Always map out a location and any metal framing before building, when you find the location you need to build the frame to help support the beams when you add concrete into the ground.
In total you will have 143 holes for a 11 by 13 stage in which you need to place a beam to support the weight and then add a quick drying cement in to keep the beam secure to the ground and won't move when performers are on it. , From the beams you are going to go up by at least 24 inches (61.0 cm) and will add measured 2x4s to the frame for extra support.
Remember if your lumber is not long enough to cover one side of the frame use small pieces and connect the beams one beam at a time. 4 nails in each corner where the piece of the wood connects to the beam., Another 12 inches (30.5 cm) that will be closer to the main stage shall do for now.
Refer to step
4., Be sure to section the inside.
Have 13 rows vertically and 11 horizontally.
Why is this step needed? It is to be sure that the stage will be steady just in rough conditions.for every row make a v with spare pieces of wood or with metal and connect the sections carefully. this will help keep the rows from collapsing from excess weight., You know how supermarkets have forklifts that lifts up huge quantities of food the pieces of wood under it are called pallets.
They throw those away after stocking the shelves you can ask the manager for the pallets or they will be in the back of the store in the trash.
Collect them or you can ask friends or family who recently renovated for excess material.
If all those fail go to a habitat for humanities center they will have wood scraps on sale. , Just begin laying the wood across the beams and be sure to leave enough room for you to get in and out.
You should do the first layer with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) gap in between the main frame until it is all covered., This will help make the wood support stronger and will be able to keep the main support and lower layer protected from when your heavy falls or slips.
It really depends on how much weight is going to be on the stage itself.
Its better safe than sorry., Using wood and a trusty power drill you will need to drill into the concrete or metal with a nail.
Put the wood closer together no gaps should be on the last layer of the stage., Using a base coat will make colors pop out more but the color must be white or grey.
Then the next one should be the color that you want the stage to look like you can use any color for this one.
Afterwords use a weather resistant clear coat to gloss the stage and make it water and storm proof., Use excess wood to hide the framework of the wood. paint it any color but remember if you want people to take interest in your stage use colors that complements the stage color., With the lighting, its good to have an electrician help you a lot of beautiful stages have been set a flame with faulty do it yourself wiring.
Then finish off with curtains and add a staircase so your performers can get up on stage and off. -
Step 3: Add beams and supports.
-
Step 4: Add extra supports.
-
Step 5: Add one more frame.
-
Step 6: Don't forget inner framing.
-
Step 7: Find excess wood for the platform.
-
Step 8: Build the stage.
-
Step 9: Add thin metal or thin slab of concrete.
-
Step 10: Add the final layer to the stage.
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Step 11: Paint the stage
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Step 12: for weather resistant seal and wear and tear.
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Step 13: Hide the frame.
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Step 14: Add curtains and lighting.
Detailed Guide
Remember that planning your stage out is probably the best idea when starting out.
You can't do anything without having a plan to help you make sure everything in order.
You can have one out of these 3 options:
Diorama Blueprints Cad design
If people are going to be standing on it you need to get your design approved and get a builders permit.
Building this platform without it can cause some serious damage to your performers or crew members.,(this article uses measurements but feel free to use your own.) You are building this outside you are going to dig at least 11 holes vertically and 13 horizontally.
Always map out a location and any metal framing before building, when you find the location you need to build the frame to help support the beams when you add concrete into the ground.
In total you will have 143 holes for a 11 by 13 stage in which you need to place a beam to support the weight and then add a quick drying cement in to keep the beam secure to the ground and won't move when performers are on it. , From the beams you are going to go up by at least 24 inches (61.0 cm) and will add measured 2x4s to the frame for extra support.
Remember if your lumber is not long enough to cover one side of the frame use small pieces and connect the beams one beam at a time. 4 nails in each corner where the piece of the wood connects to the beam., Another 12 inches (30.5 cm) that will be closer to the main stage shall do for now.
Refer to step
4., Be sure to section the inside.
Have 13 rows vertically and 11 horizontally.
Why is this step needed? It is to be sure that the stage will be steady just in rough conditions.for every row make a v with spare pieces of wood or with metal and connect the sections carefully. this will help keep the rows from collapsing from excess weight., You know how supermarkets have forklifts that lifts up huge quantities of food the pieces of wood under it are called pallets.
They throw those away after stocking the shelves you can ask the manager for the pallets or they will be in the back of the store in the trash.
Collect them or you can ask friends or family who recently renovated for excess material.
If all those fail go to a habitat for humanities center they will have wood scraps on sale. , Just begin laying the wood across the beams and be sure to leave enough room for you to get in and out.
You should do the first layer with a 1 inch (2.5 cm) gap in between the main frame until it is all covered., This will help make the wood support stronger and will be able to keep the main support and lower layer protected from when your heavy falls or slips.
It really depends on how much weight is going to be on the stage itself.
Its better safe than sorry., Using wood and a trusty power drill you will need to drill into the concrete or metal with a nail.
Put the wood closer together no gaps should be on the last layer of the stage., Using a base coat will make colors pop out more but the color must be white or grey.
Then the next one should be the color that you want the stage to look like you can use any color for this one.
Afterwords use a weather resistant clear coat to gloss the stage and make it water and storm proof., Use excess wood to hide the framework of the wood. paint it any color but remember if you want people to take interest in your stage use colors that complements the stage color., With the lighting, its good to have an electrician help you a lot of beautiful stages have been set a flame with faulty do it yourself wiring.
Then finish off with curtains and add a staircase so your performers can get up on stage and off.
About the Author
Angela Hernandez
Creates helpful guides on hobbies to inspire and educate readers.
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