This shows the construction
of the front stage. It's constructed of 2x4's, 1/8" fibre board and lots
of sand. The front radius was quite easy to do using a method I learned
from the guys on the AVS Forum. I first made the desired curve by using
two nails and some string to draw an elipse. Next, the 2x4's were cut to
fit within the curve. Finally, the 1/8" fibre board was nailed to the studs.
A double layer was used for strength. I needed about 14 bags of sand play
sand which was left to dry for a few days on the floor. My daughter had
a blast playing in it!
The 3/4" mdf was cut to
leave an overhang and screwed to the 2x4's. Due to height constrictions
the stage height was only about 4 1/4" which made it somewhat difficult
to staple the carpet later on. If you can, make the stage higher so that
you can get a staple gun underneath the lip...
The rear seating
platform was constructed from 2x10's
Covered with the
floor underlay. You can see the opening in the front for the dryer duct
used to cool the projector hush box. It's routed under the platform and
then through the wall to the left and under the stairs.
This shows how the
rear steps curve was created. I simply used two layers of the fibre board
and nailed it to the joists. The rope lighting was first hot glued to the
wood but it would soften up after the lights had been on for a while and
fall off. I ended up using small cable clamps and screwing them on.
