Try to have a hammer or nail gun, table saw, hand saw, screwdrivers, measuring tape and drill on hand. Choosing the right drill bits helps to produce the scenery more quickly. For example, 25/62-inch bits work with 3/8-inch bolts, while 5/32-inch bits fit No. 8 sheet metal screws. If you are using rechargeable batteries on any of the items, make sure they have a full charge to avoid construction stoppages.
Materials are an important element in set construction. Sets can feature thin laminate or cloth covering such as muslin. This helps to make the scenery easier to move during construction as well as performances. Decorative items may also be a part of the set without being permanently attached. These items include vines or leaves to re-create an outdoor setting. Nails, screws glue or staples attach the items, or they can drape over areas for easier removal.
Any scenery needs proper bracing to prevent damage or a fall that could injure the audience, crew or performers. There are two ways to complete this project. Attach a wood jack with hinges to the back of any sets. The hinges allow it to open and close for easy storage. Weights are an optional choice; they hang from the jack and offer additional help to keep the scenery firmly grounded. You could use a large can or bag with sand as filling as the weight. The other technique fastens the entire set to the floor for performances that do not require set changes.
The platforms used for scenic construction are plywood as well as boards. Seams may occur in certain situations. If parallel to the audience, seams will not be visible. The most common nails for platforms are 16 d common nails and, in some cases, wood glue for connection to the frame. Attach the plywood to the frame with 1 5/8-inch deck screws. The addition of legs to the platforms will add height. Each leg needs 2 3/8-inch-x-4-inch hex bolts to provide stability. Nuts and washers complete the securing process.