How to Frame a Stage

Determine the length and width of your stage. Measure the length on two 2-by-6-inch boards with a tape measure and make a mark with a pencil. Measure and mark the width on two additional boards.

Mark one 6-inch side of each board with an "I" to indicate that the side will face the inside of the stage. Mark the opposite side of each board with an "O" to indicate that the side will face outside the stage.

Cut each board at a 45-degree angle at the mark with a miter saw so that the inside of the board is shorter than the outside. Cut the opposite edge of the board at a 45-degree angle, taking additional length from the inside of the board. The outside of the boards should retain the dimensions of your stage.

Assemble the outside of the stage by forming a box with the four boards and joining the cut edges together at the corners. Check the corners with a carpenter's square to make sure the corners are square.

Drill two pilot holes about 3/4 inch from each edge of each board into the adjoining board, using a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the screw shafts. Insert 4-inch wood screws in each pilot hole and tighten them with a screwdriver.

Measure and mark at 16-inch intervals along the two longest boards. Measure the inside distance between the longest boards. Cut enough 2-by-6-inch boards to this inside measurement to join each 16-inch mark.

Set the 2-by-6-inch boards so that they connect the 16-inch marks on the longer outside boards. Drill two pilot holes through the outside of the frame into each end of each crosspiece board. Insert 4-inch wood screws and tighten them with a screwdriver.