How to Build a Theatre Flat
Cut lumber for the rails, which will form the top and bottom of the flat., Measure and cut 2 boards to form the sides of the flat, called the stiles., Assemble the boards into a rectangle on the floor of your workspace., Measure and cut 3 additional...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Cut lumber for the rails
You need 2 4-foot (1.2 meter) boards from 1-by-3-inch (20 by 65 mm) or 1-by-4-inch (20 by 90 mm) of pine lumber. -
Step 2: which will form the top and bottom of the flat.
The finished flat will measure 8 feet (2.4) tall.
Lumber dimensions refer to the unfinished boards, so 1-by-3-inch lumber actually measures 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 2-1/2 inches (64 mm).
And, 1-by-4-inch lumber actually measures 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 3-1/2 inches (89 mm).
If you're using 1-by-3-inch lumber, the stiles should be cut to 91 inches (230 cm) (2.31 m); if using 1-by-4-inch lumber, cut the stiles to 89 inches (230 cm) (2.26 m). , Don't attach the boards to one another. , One board will become the toggle.
Place this inside the frame between the two stiles so it divides the frame into equal top and bottom sections.
Two boards will serve as corner braces.
Cut these on the miter and place them between the top rail and left stile, and the bottom rail and left stile. , Attach them to the 4 corners of the frame, where the rails meet the stiles, with carpenters glue and pneumatic staples. , Use these to attach the corner braces to the rails and stiles and to attach the left side of the toggle to the left stile.
Use glue and staples. , Attach this to the right side of the toggle to the right stile with glue and staples. , Lay the cloth over the frame and staple it into place along the insides of the rails and stiles. , Paint the boards with thinned carpenter's glue and smooth the edges back down. ,, It will stiffen and shrink slightly, becoming taut. -
Step 3: Measure and cut 2 boards to form the sides of the flat
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Step 4: called the stiles.
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Step 5: Assemble the boards into a rectangle on the floor of your workspace.
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Step 6: Measure and cut 3 additional boards from the same lumber.
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Step 7: Cut 4 triangular pieces of plywood to serve as corner blocks.
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Step 8: Measure and cut 5 straps from the plywood.
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Step 9: Cut a trapezoidal piece of plywood to be the keystone.
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Step 10: Turn the frame over and cover the front with muslin or canvas.
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Step 11: Fold the edges of the cloth back so the rails and stiles are exposed.
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Step 12: Go over the edges with a damp sponge
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Step 13: let the glue dry
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Step 14: then trim the cloth.
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Step 15: Cover the cloth with a coat of paint to size it.
Detailed Guide
You need 2 4-foot (1.2 meter) boards from 1-by-3-inch (20 by 65 mm) or 1-by-4-inch (20 by 90 mm) of pine lumber.
The finished flat will measure 8 feet (2.4) tall.
Lumber dimensions refer to the unfinished boards, so 1-by-3-inch lumber actually measures 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 2-1/2 inches (64 mm).
And, 1-by-4-inch lumber actually measures 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) (19 mm) by 3-1/2 inches (89 mm).
If you're using 1-by-3-inch lumber, the stiles should be cut to 91 inches (230 cm) (2.31 m); if using 1-by-4-inch lumber, cut the stiles to 89 inches (230 cm) (2.26 m). , Don't attach the boards to one another. , One board will become the toggle.
Place this inside the frame between the two stiles so it divides the frame into equal top and bottom sections.
Two boards will serve as corner braces.
Cut these on the miter and place them between the top rail and left stile, and the bottom rail and left stile. , Attach them to the 4 corners of the frame, where the rails meet the stiles, with carpenters glue and pneumatic staples. , Use these to attach the corner braces to the rails and stiles and to attach the left side of the toggle to the left stile.
Use glue and staples. , Attach this to the right side of the toggle to the right stile with glue and staples. , Lay the cloth over the frame and staple it into place along the insides of the rails and stiles. , Paint the boards with thinned carpenter's glue and smooth the edges back down. ,, It will stiffen and shrink slightly, becoming taut.
About the Author
Betty Barnes
Experienced content creator specializing in hobbies guides and tutorials.
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