A stage enhances the play area by giving children a place to put on skits and plays, and serves as a space to hold other community events as well.


Materials & Tools

Materials Quantity
2x6x8' boards 17
2x8x8' boards 8
4x4x8' board 1
3" deck screws 5lbs
½"x6" galvanized carriage bolts 16
½" galvanized nuts 16
½" galvanized washers 16
12" patio stones OR 4
80lb bags 4
Tools needed
Miter Saw
Pencil
Tape measure
Safety glasses
Carpenter's square

Preparation Instructions

  1. Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.

  2. Floor pieces:

    • Set aside the [17] 2x6x8ft boards. These will not be cut.
  3. Long edges:

    • Take [2] of the 2x8x8' boards.
    • Measure and cut [1] 94" piece from each board.


  4. Short edges and supports:

    • Take [5] of the 2x8x8' boards.
    • Measure and cut [1] 91" piece from each board.


  5. Spacing blocks:

    • Take the final 2x8x8' board.
    • Measure and cut [2] 20 ¾" pieces and [2] 22 ½" pieces from the board.


  6. Legs:

    • Take the 4x4x8' board
      If the stage will be free-standing, cut into [4] 12" blocks. Remember, spare lumber can be used on another project!
      If the stage will be set in concrete, cut the board into [4] 24" blocks.

Build Instructions

  1. Inventory and sort all of your materials.

  2. Start with [1] of the 2x8x91" pieces and [2] of the 4x4x12" OR 24" pieces. Use [2] screws at each end to attach the 2x8 to the 4x4s, so that both sides are flush with the top. Repeat with another 2x8x91" piece and the remaining [2] 4x4s.

  3. Next, use the 2x8x94" pieces to connect the two assembled sides, as shown in the diagram. These longer 2x8s should run past the 4x4s and finish flush with the outside of the previously attached 2x8x91" pieces. Use [3] screws to attach [1] 2x8 to the other, and attach to the 4x4 as well.

  4. Install the ½" carriage bolts, making sure to have the washers and nuts on the inside of the stage. Use [2] bolts for each 2x8 to 4x4 connection ([4] bolts through each 4x4). Make sure to stagger the bolts so that you don’t try to drill through one.

  5. Then, add the rest of the 2x8x91" pieces by fitting them between the 94" boards, making sure to set the tops flush on both sides. Space the 2x8x91" boards 24" center-to-center except at the ends: the first and last 2x8x91" pieces should be 24" to the outside of the existing 2x8x91". Use a joist hanger at each connection as shown.

  6. Install the blocks between each of the 2x8x91" boards, making sure to keep all the tops flush. Use the 22 ½" blocks in the middle and the 20 ¾" blocks at the ends to maintain your 24" joist spacing. Use [3] screws for each connection. Run them in the middle of the 91" span, but offset them as shown to make it easier to screw them in.

  7. Set the first 2x6x8' parallel to the 2x8x94" piece and overhang it by 1 ¾" in both directions as shown. Secure the 2x6 by using [2] screws in every 2x8x91" joist (the first and last 2x6 will be nailed down into the 2x8x94" piece). Place the next 2x6 next to the first, making sure to leave a ½" gap. Continue across the stage - the last board should overhang the last 2x8 by 1 ¾".

    If you are concreting the stage into the ground, dig a 12"-deep hole for each leg of the stage. Mix enough concrete for the legs. Concrete the stage into the ground, making sure that you are using a level.

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