I'm not trying to be rude but do people really do this? Is it common to find platforms out of 1x? I was always taught to use 2x stock, most of the time 2x4. The couple of times I've seen 1x4-1x6 framed platforms in the real world they have seemed way too light and not strong enough to take any real abuse even if they are legged and braced nicely. I mean as a carpenter I use 1x all the time to make furniture but I'm also not jumping on, dancing on, or generally beating up my tables and stuff. It just strikes me as I'd rather have the added strength and thickness of a 2x4
Yes, Josh, it's extremely common. If you were to build a set with 4x8 platforms framed with 2x in this town people would probably be wondering what planet you come from. A lot has to do with how you leg, what the intended purpose is and what the load is going to be. Would I frame a piano riser with 1x ? no, Of course not, unless it is a 5" rise and the plat is sitting directly on the deck. But by the time you 'properly leg a 2x framed platform, you might as well have framed with 1x. a 4' span of 1x4 covered with 3/4" properly nailed and glued is more that sufficient for carrying typical stage traffic.
I don't know what 1x6 or 1x4 framed platforms you may have looked at but believe me I quit framing with 2x4 about 20 years ago.