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.
Sort all materials into piles by like items to ensure you have materials needed to complete project.
Floor pieces:
Long edges:
Short edges and supports:
Spacing blocks:
Legs:
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.
Inventory and sort all of your materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Outdoor basketball courts weather a lot of wear and tear. Fresh paint can spark spirit and pride, and painting logos or mascots in center court encourages community identity.
Adults and children appreciate having plenty of seating areas in and near their playspace. These benches will encourage adult supervision of children when placed in close proximity to the playground equipment.
Recycling bins and trash containers help you maintain the playspace by providing places for community members to properly dispose of waste. Bins can be placed inside these containers, making for a much more attractive receptacle.