The surface of each portable staging unit consists of a platform. Platforms may be wood or carpet-covered and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Choose the platform finish that works best for your event; dancers will need smooth, non-skid surfaces that are sprung, meaning they can cushion impact slightly as dancers leap and land. Musicians may prefer wood surfaces for warmer sound quality, while speakers may prefer carpeted platforms to reduce the noise from shoes walking across the platforms.
Legs are the pieces that hold the platforms above the floor or ground. Portable staging often comes with a variety of leg size options, usually in increments of 8 inches, which is standard step height. If you want to have several different levels of platforms, remember that you can have different leg heights on the same platform. For example, if you have one platform that is on 8-inch legs, you can place a platform across the back edge; this second platform can have 8-inch legs in front, where it rests on the lower platform, and 16-inch legs in back, where it rests on the ground, giving it an overall total height of 16 inches and creating a natural step from one platform to the next. For heights over 24 inches, you may need to create multiple layers of platforms or add additional braces for stability.
Braces are pieces that attach to the legs to keep them steady. They are made of aluminum, steel or wood, and they clamp or bolt onto the legs. Some braces are designed to clamp across the legs at a diagonal; these are known as cross braces. Others connect the legs horizontally, either near the ground or midway between the ground and the platform. Braces are often unnecessary for leg heights below 24 inches.
Connectors, sometimes called locks, are the pieces that hook each piece of portable staging to the next. They may be plastic blocks that slide into a slot at the corner of the unit, or internal lock mechanisms that require a key to latch. Make sure you have the proper tools to install the connectors that came with your platform kit. Connectors may also be called "ganging devices," "locks" or "pins."
Safety is always an issue on raised platforms, so make sure your kit includes rails and guards. Rails are raised off the platforms, like hand rails on balconies or stairs, and help keep people from falling off the back side of the platforms. Chair rails or guards attach to the surface of the platform, creating a low lip along one or more edges. These keep chair legs from accidentally sliding off, and can keep hand-held items from rolling off the stage.