You know I've used both wood and steel to frame platforms over the years. and I have to say it really dpends on the application. Generally wood platforms are going to be easier to install and assemble. Steel much stronger in "non-standard" configurations. I again agree with footer, although a 1x1 sst will hold the the same static load as a 2x4 it's
dynamic characteristics are quite a
bit different, it bounces a lot more.
As for legs, I like steel legs. < I like steel buns better
> when you have a
stock of 6,8,12,16" steel legs with the proper mounting hardware preattached it save a ton of time on installs. Steel legs also don't degrade over time they way 2x4
block legs do, < how many times can you use those same screw holes.> Drawbacks to steel legs, harder to cross brace and box frame.
Oh and I should take the time to sing the praises of "
triscuits" or Stress Skin
platform units. I recently began converting our
stock over to all
triscuits. Do a google of Triscuit
platform, so I don't have to explain the entire thing here. If you havedifficulties with your platforms sounding like drums as the actors walk around, < let's
face they don't walk around they stomp>,
Triscuits just might save you some stress, pun intended.
I haven't tried the next upgrade yet,
foam-core stress skins. Basically imagine laminating a piece of 3/4" plywood on top of and bottom of a piece of 1" polystyrene foam, then being able to load that latform with 400 pounds while being supported by only then ends. Wow.