Modular staging platforms generally contain four components: decking, legs, connectors and safety rails. The decking, which is the platform portion of the staging, may be problematic for storage because of its size -- generally 4 by 8 feet. Remove the legs from your decking and store them separately, along with the connectors that join the platforms together and any hardware your staging requires.
Storage Loft
A storage loft is an ideal way to store your modular stage platforms if you have an area with high ceilings. For safety, you must follow local building code practices when creating your storage loft, rather than stage-construction methods. Plan areas for each size of platform, and stack them flat in their designated areas. Include areas for leg storage and other items. Your storage loft will need safety rails, so add hooks to these railings and store your modular platform safety rails by hanging them on the loft railings. Plan for stairs wide enough to safely carry platforms up and down, and leave at least 4 1/2 feet of aisle space so people can walk while carrying a 4-by-8 platform without bumping into other components of your staging.
Vertical Wall Rack
A vertical wall rack for staging platforms can be placed in a raised loft area or on the main level of your storage space. Wall racks generally consist of metal brackets attached to the wall that act as bookends to keep your decking pieces upright between them. Place your platforms between the brackets on end, with one of the long edges facing the wall where the brackets attach, and the platform's main surface facing one of the brackets. Brackets may be triangular or any other strong shape, and they protrude from the wall with their centers approximately 4 feet above the floor, or midway up the platforms. Measure the thickness of your platforms, then add about 1/2 inch per platform to give yourself room to maneuver them when you determine placement for your wall brackets. Place an additional bracket between every four to six platforms to ensure support for the remaining platforms when you remove some for use. Legs and other components can be stored in bins next to the vertical rack. You can make your own brackets out of steel pipes, elbows and flanges from any hardware store.
Storage Platform Box
Build a strong raised platform approximately 4 feet high with a 4-by-8-foot top. Place your decking units on this platform for horizontal storage. Build two 3 1/2-by-3 1/2-foot boxes on wheels, just tall enough to slide under the platform like drawers. Use these, with dividers, for storing legs and other components under your platforms. To increase ease of use, add metal racks above your raised platform. Weld or purchase racks similar to those used for storing plywood in lumber stores, and space the supports according to your platform sizes. Consider how you will get the platforms on and off the racks as you design your storage. You may need to build in steps alongside the raised platform.
Tags: other components, raised platform, safety rails, storage loft, your decking
