Make It: Flats

Flats are the basic building blocks of set construction. They can be assembled quickly and easily and are very economic. Flats can be put together in a variety of combinations to form rooms of various sizes and functions, as well as partial exteriors. Flats can also be used to alter the appearance of a location without altering the location.

Materials needed for building flats:
- 1 - 4’ x 8’ sheet of luan
- 4 - 2x4’s; 8 feet in length
- 3“ wood screws
- finishing nails
- wood glue

1. Build a frame with the 2x4’s. Use two pieces for the long sides.

2. Cut one 2x4 down into three smaller pieces. Use two pieces for the short sides of the frame. Use two more smaller pieces for additional stabilization in the middle of the frame, about 30” from either short end.

3. Assemble the frame using the wood screws.

4. After assembling the frame, apply a thin line of wood glue on the frame where the luan will be attached.

5.Lay the sheet of luan on the frame and attach using either a staple gun or finishing nails.

6. Use another 2x4 to build a stand for your flat. Cut one long piece to attach to the flat and cut one short piece to go on the bottom. Brace that with a smaller piece cut an angle to be attached between the two previous pieces. This enables the flat to stand on its own.

7. Now you are ready to texture and/or paint your flat. When using more than one flat to form a wall or an entire room, be sure to bolt the flats together for stabilization.

Here's a little YouTube example of building a flat. These flats are for a theatre stage, but the principle is the same for film sets.