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How To Build A Church Stage Platform – Viral Believer
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How To Build A Church Stage Platform

This article will show you how to build a platform for a church.

How do you build a stage inside a church?

You have two options when building a stage: permanent or portable. To avoid wood rot, measure carefully and use treated lumber for construction. You will need to consider additional details depending on your needs.

How To Build A Church Stage Platform featured image

Decide if you want a permanent or portable stage.

Before you begin building a platform for a church, decide if you want a permanent or portable stage. A portable stage allows you to disassemble and store the platforms when not in use.

Most churches prefer portable stages. For regular services, you may have an existing pulpit.

Permanent stages, however, require more work. It is important that your finished project matches the rest of the main floor. You may have intricate woodwork or molding throughout your church. Your church’s main floor may have a plain wooden platform that doesn’t match its aesthetics. Lighting for the stage is also important.

Although you can integrate the platform with existing architecture, it is possible to hire skilled carpenters to finish the job.

Portable stages are more portable and can be tailored to your specific needs. The stage can be made large or small. Different types of events may require different covers.

Because there are fewer steps involved, portable stages can be less costly to build. It is possible that the stage will not fit in the room’s existing design. Because it is temporary, it does not need to meet the same building requirements.

The area required for the stage platform should be measured

Once you have decided whether you want a permanent or portable platform, it is time to decide how large you would like the stage to be.

You will need to measure the space you intend to use for the stage. You may need to consider other structures depending on how the church is laid out and the size you want for the stage. You may need to avoid blocking doors or galleries, for example.

When building a permanent stage, it is important to ensure enough space between the stage structure and any other structures. For handicapped persons, you must still comply with building regulations. You should allow at least three feet between buildings.

You may not be able to build a square or rectangle. Instead, you will need to illustrate the layout of the platform. Use graph paper to create the platform’s layout. Each square should be several inches. This will ensure that your drawing is scaled.

Make the frame and cover it with plywood.

Next, you will need to construct the frame. For permanent stages, 2×4 boards should be used for the frame. You can make a portable frame using 1-inch boards.

The thick 1×4 boards can be used to build a sturdy platform. The 1-inch boards are thick enough to support a platform and make it easy to disassemble and store it when not in use.

Start with the outer frame when building a rectangular platform. For support, place a small section of the board in each corner. Support beams should be placed every two feet along the entire length or width of the platform.

You might want to make a portable stage by dividing it into two or three platforms. This reduces the stage’s weight and makes it easier for you to transport.

Also, consider the height of your stage. The basic frame should be no more than four inches high. You can add legs to your frame if you want an elevated platform.

Each corner can have additional legs. If the platform’s length exceeds six feet, you may need to add a leg. One leg should be in each corner if you have a platform measuring six feet by six feet. You should also have an extra leg on each side.

Divide the platform into grids if you are having trouble deciding where the legs should be to support the stage. Every six-foot corner should have at least one leg.

Next, you will need to cover the frame in plywood. The most common size of plywood is 4 x 8 feet. You can also get it in different thicknesses. For most projects, 3/4-inch plywood is best, especially if you’re building a permanent stage. The thicker material has more bounce and can withstand greater pressure without cracking.

If you need to add a floor covering, 1/2-inch plywood can be used as a portable platform. Use the thinner plywood but ensure your support beams are not two feet apart or more.

Once the plywood has been glued to the frame, allow it to dry overnight. To make the platform more attractive and comfortable, carpet it the next day.

There are many options available for covering the platform. You can also add an OSB board to the plywood to improve the platform’s stability. However, this will dramatically increase the stage’s weight and portability.

To secure the top of your stage, you can also buy matting. A firm mat gives the platform a bit more bounce and makes it feel more secure.

You can also add fabric to the platform by adding a layer, OSB board, or matting. Fabric is usually made of durable material and fixed in place. This gives your stage a cleaner appearance and provides stability.

Conclusion: How to Build a Stage Platform

Decide whether you want a permanent or portable stage before building one. While portable stages can be stored away when not used, permanent stages can be incorporated into your church’s layout.

To ensure you have enough space, measure the area where you intend to put the stage.

Add support joists to the frame no more than 24 inches apart when building it. You can use 3/4-inch plywood or 1/2-inch plywood to cover the frame for a stronger frame. Cover the stage with an OSB board, matting, or a combination of both.

Sources

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.