Kienan Giffen
Hands-on Build

12×16 Stage Project

A weather-resistant floating stage built for live summer music, combining material selection, structural framing, fabrication, and project management.

Design decisions

Selected Trex composite decking for weather resistance and 2×10 framing with joists approximately every 12 inches to support instruments and heavy equipment.

Stability

Used staggered cutoff braces, a 2×10 outer frame, and large concrete deck blocks around the perimeter to improve horizontal and overall stability.

Project Images

Stage build process

Stage build process
Early framing. 2×10 outer frame and closely spaced 2×10 joists with staggered bracing during structural assembly.
Stage build process
Completed stage. Finished 12 × 16 ft platform with composite decking supported by the completed structural frame and concrete deck blocks.