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Stage Construction with LIGNOLOC® Wood Nailing Systems

Reuse 80% of sets and scenic elements for film, television and theatre

Stage sets do not have to end up as waste. LIGNOLOC® enables fast, metal-free dismantling and, in a practical trial, allowed 80% of the materials to be recovered. This achievement earned the wood nailing system by BECK the first-ever ABTT Sustainability Award for theatre and stage construction.

The Challenge: Costly Deconstruction Instead of Efficient Reuse

Theatre workshops build sets for only a few weeks using materials designed to last for decades. Yet a large proportion of scenic material is discarded after the final performance. One major reason is that metal fasteners make safe and economical deconstruction difficult.

In a test project conducted by Re-set Scenery together with students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the use of LIGNOLOC® wooden nails achieved a material recovery rate of 80%, compared with just 15% using conventional ferrous fasteners. The tested scenic flat was deconstructed in only 20 minutes. The recovered timber remained free from embedded metal and could be prepared directly for reuse in future productions.*

* Source: Re-set Scenery, “Reset Scenery & LIGNOLOC for the Creative Industries”, 2025, pp. 2–3. Test case conducted at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland using a scenic flat from the production of Cendrillon.

LIGNOLOC® Is the First Winner of the ABTT Sustainability Award

At the 2026 ABTT Theatre Show Awards, the “Sustainability Product of the Year” award was presented for the first time – with LIGNOLOC® by BECK becoming its inaugural winner. The wood nailing system was presented at the show by Re-set Scenery, who accepted the award on behalf of BECK. The award recognises the potential of metal-free timber connections to support deconstructable, resource-efficient and circular stage and scenery construction.

Build Sets and Stage Scenery with LIGNOLOC®

Save Time, Money and Resources Sustainably

01
Easily Modify Sets and Scenic Elements

Whether using a circular saw, jigsaw or router, LIGNOLOC® wooden nails do not damage cutting tools. Scenic elements can be easily cut, modified or separated without the risk of hidden metal fasteners.

 

02
Deconstruct Sets and Flats Quickly

In the documented test case, 80% of the material was recovered for reuse. What is deconstructed today can become part of the next production tomorrow – supporting greater circularity in stage construction.

03
Work as Usual with a Pneumatic Nailer

LIGNOLOC® wooden nails are driven using specially developed pneumatic nailers. The installation process remains fast and familiar – only the fastener itself becomes more sustainable.

 

04
Metal-Free: Protecting People and Machinery

No metal remains embedded in the timber. Tools and machinery are protected, scenic elements can be safely deconstructed, and the recovered wood can be reused in high-value applications.

05
Certified and Structurally Verifiable

With ETA-certified products and a comprehensive technical manual, LIGNOLOC® connections can be designed and calculated for specific projects – enabling predictable, verifiable and safe timber construction.

 

06
From Studio Theatre to Large-Scale Productions

From lightweight decorative elements to load-bearing timber structures, LIGNOLOC® offers a suitable fastening solution for a wide range of stage construction applications.

The Right LIGNOLOC® Wood Nailing System for Every Production

#1
LIGNOLOC® F33 Wood Nailing System

Ideal for Smaller Scenic Elements

Ideal for plywood, multiplex panels and spruce battens. The F33 system is suitable for scenic elements, stage sets and decorative structures, enabling economical and circular construction.

 

#2
LIGNOLOC® F40 Wood Nailing System

Perfect for Wood-Based Panels

Designed for MDF, OSB and multiplex panels with thicknesses from 9 to 18 mm. Ideal for cladding structures, curved elements and arches – stable in use and easy to deconstruct.

#3
LIGNOLOC® F60 Wood Nailing System

For Load-Bearing Timber Structures

Developed for structurally demanding timber-to-timber connections. Ideal for stage structures with large spans and complex load-bearing requirements.

The Right LIGNOLOC® Wood Nailing System for Every Production

#1

“The system was understood immediately. The construction team started experimenting straight away – attaching 9 mm birch plywood to 18 mm formers for curved stage flats. It works!”

Ed Smith
Head of Workshops | Scottish Opera, Glasgow

Your stage set becomes the material for the next one. We come to your workshop, set up the systems, and explore how elements of your next stage set can be reused in the production after that.

get started

  • #01 Workshop Demonstration

    Personal, practical and carried out using your own materials.

  • #02 Loan Tool and Test Nails

    Available free of charge for pilot projects upon request.

     

Do you have questions about stage construction with LIGNOLOC®? Our product specialists will be happy to advise you.

Contact our product specialists now