The best and cheapest modular stage build

In this workshop video I show you a stage system that I was asked to design and build for a festival. This is a modular stage that can be re-shaped in many ways using its modular 4 foot pieces. It could also be used for a drum riser or outdoor platform. Each piece costs less then $80 to build.

[@user-jl9wy9mm7c]

Thanks to this video I was able to successfully build a modular 8x12 stage that worked perfectly for a concert we just hosted at the shop! Built the whole thing for less than a quarter of the cost of buying a professional one of that size (around $2500 not including shipping.) I spent about $600 and would've spent less but I had to buy some tools I didn't have in addition to the materials. The only things I would caution someone building this themselves are: have a plan of where to store these massive pieces of stage, and be sure to enlist some help from someone who knows their way around a saw! This can turn into a time consuming project if you take it on alone. Thanks Karl!

[@corymccutchin5442]

Simple and affective. A small tweak I might make for my own use would be to bolt 4x4s in the corner so they can be removed for easier transport. Thanks for the great idea!

[@sammylk]

Thanks so much! I needed a small stage (3' x 2') and did this yesterday. Cost me $14 without the carpet.

[@lisapidge]

Thank you Karl! This video is super helpful. We can't wait to build. And thank you so much for answering my questions about materials. You rock!

[@richkrill5229]

Thank you! This is a heavy duty stage that our tent revival needs to build.

[@Impala_Lily]

Such a simple design! I’m wanting to build a platform for my washer and dryer and your design will work perfectly. Plus I’ll get the local hardware to precut everything for me to just assemble!

[@BongoWongoOG]

Exactly what I was looking for, for a low removable platform/stage for chairs at the rear of our cinema screening room.

[@Amanda-tb7km]

I don’t need a stage but I need a pedicure station! This is perfect for what I need, THANK YOU AO MUCH!

[@BassBunnyMusic]

I love that you opened up to the (often needlessly mean) internet for feedback on your design, with an open heart and warm smile. What a nice guy!!!

[@NateTheNobodyMusic]

Thanks so much for this!

[@jan2224]

Impressed!

[@seemooreb.9724]

👍thanks

[@funkswitchpdx5281]

I like this but I’d be interested in a version with either hinged legs or easily detached /attached legs ….so that I can bring my own riser(s) to gigs in my suv . Ideas? ….

[@tajuana_on_a_mission]

Wish he could list the supply list in the description

[@ayupyon_7738]

I really like the idea, but how about trying to make the pieces more modular and easy to move by making it possible for the supports to be removed? That would make it more modular!

[@FAMEAcademyNY]

I want to figure that out as well Storage and transport will be easier if the legs can be removed and re attached.

[@BongoWongoOG]

I'd use bolts and nuts unstead of screws on the legs, then you can remove them. If you want to be really fancy you could add brackets to the inside of each leg so that they fold underneath? That would be another good adeptation.

[@lovedaymasamba5008]

Thank guys for being helpful. Im got build mine n put brackets

[@CreateToCreateTV]

@@lovedaymasamba5008 can you show your build? I am planning on building one with foldable legs as well to save storage!

[@toddspencer8083]

I just built 2 today with legs that bolt on in each corner. To add stability, I screwed on a 2x4 block on the inside “jammed” up against the leg. This way I get the stability AND portability.

[@michaelflanagan6957]

How did you do the bracing? I've never built anything but I'm wanting to try this

[@brn2sang]

I love the DIY but the cost to do it is the same as renting. Is there a lower cost alternative?

[@eprofengr6670]

How do you quickly level these pieces when on uneven grounds?

[@WEGOTBARZ23]

What kind of carpet

[@coleparkinson2865]

How about over hang or roof to cover just in case it rains ? Any ideas

[@EveryotherKarl]

That would be a great future project. It wasn't called for here, but I thought of building a set of posts that could hold a fabric awning.. something portable.

[@sachinkandhari643]

Nice! How can it be modified for a 4x8 stage (instead of 4x4)? Would it be straightforward to make it a 6-leg design, with the 2 extra legs at the halfway length?

[@EveryotherKarl]

At an 8' length, it will need a bit more support in the middle. I think that would be pretty simple though. Legs in the middle with angle braces on three sides (left side, right side, and one angled onto the middle of the stage. I might suggest beefing up the wood along the outsides with 2x6 instead of 2x4. You could also put a 2x4 between the middle legs to add strength.

[@sachinkandhari643]

@@EveryotherKarl Makes sense - thanks

[@robertmuhammad3970]

A good question makes perfect sense.

[@CourtneyfromDetroit]

Hi! Who can build this in Atlanta Metro?

[@sopproductions3831]

Hi! Awesome video! I'm planing on building a stage for a hip hop show. What would change for an inside build with hardwood floors (I noticed you mentioned straps..any pics or video showing the straps?)? Can you do a step by step of the stairs you built as well? Have you ever built a stage with led lights in the floor? any advice?

[@Jussmerocky]

If your in LA let me know I have a show in August I need a stage for

[@EveryotherKarl]

Unfortunately I didn't take any video of building the stairs. If I build any in the future again I'll be sure to film them. We ended up not using the straps, but the plan was to simply wrap the straps all the way around the stage at the top of the legs, just under the carpeted platform. I've never done anything with LEDs before... Sounds cool though.

[@EveryotherKarl]

This is a pretty similarly designed set of stairs kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3SmkpWfltJ-Y6c

[@Tuxnammi]

Karl, if my stage is only 10" high and the glued/screwed legs extend 5.75" below the frame, do you think bracing is still necessary? Thank you, Andrew

[@EveryotherKarl]

I think they'll probably be ok especially since you're also gluing, but if it were me I'd still add bracing just so there's zero wiggle in the legs.

[@FAMEAcademyNY]

ThNk You. Question. Why did you not use wood glue!

[@EveryotherKarl]

That would be a good addition, but we were saving money and decided that was not really necessary for our purpose since this stage setup wouldn't be used all that often.

[@cameronwhite5685]

I’m trying to make a stage riser for my frat, in your opinion do you think this will hold people continuously jumping up and down or do you think that overtime it would wear down rather easily?

[@EveryotherKarl]

It's a pretty strong build, but for what you're describing I might beef everything up with 2x6s instead of 2x4s. I might even use some stud hangers instead of just screws.

[@cameronwhite5685]

@@EveryotherKarl Do you have any applications that you can use to make a SketchUp or Fusion360 that you can make a blueprint and show me? I understand what you’re saying but I would love to see any examples if that’s possible.

[@EveryotherKarl]

@@cameronwhite5685 Sorry, unfortunately not

[@BongoWongoOG]

@@cameronwhite5685 I think just use thicker, sturdier wood is what is being said :)

[@DanielRGonzalezAudio]

I like this concept, but how much more would it cost if I were to build something similar 6’x12’ as a platform, elevating an very heavy custom media booth that’s 5’x11’and at least 400-450 lbs. I’m thinking about 8-12 inches off the ground, for some separation and visibility to main stage.

[@DanielRGonzalezAudio]

Reason for asking is we’d have about 3-4 people in booth with equipment and I’m concerned that overall weight capacity would mean more$$$

[@reluctantrobbie]

Why was only one side of the support beam angled at 45 degrees? Why not both sides?

[@EveryotherKarl]

Only the angled end was a flush joint (mitred butt joint), the other end was a simple overlap.

[@_TraceyJayComedy]

I wish i could just pay you to build mine 😢

[@Banana_YT391]

Hi Karl, I have a quick question so is it 80$ per 4 by 4 platform or for all of them?

[@EveryotherKarl]

It's $80 per 4x4 platform.

[@jessvictoria2276]

How heavy is this and how much weight can it support?

[@EveryotherKarl]

It weighed around 80 lbs and easily supported three people on one unit.

[@ChuChuChung]

What was the total cost of supplies? I’m planning to build one, as well

[@EveryotherKarl]

About $80 per stage piece.

[@michaelmorris6552]

may i have a build pdf

[@EveryotherKarl]

Unfortunately I don't have one created. Maybe in the future.

[@amaresanpattuswamy6084]

what is the size of fully completed stage shown at 3.48 sec

[@jeffyette]

12' x 8'

[@chrisoconnor5520]

What was the total cost of all of the materials ?

[@EveryotherKarl]

Each unit cost about $80. We made 18 of them so the grand total was $1,440.

[@toddspencer8083]

I just made 2 and all materials from HD came out at $66

[@priyasanna]

How much it took to build this modular stage?

[@EveryotherKarl]

About $1,200 all in. $80 per stage piece x 15 pieces.